Provisional Dental Assisting Practice
Provisional (Temporary) Registration
We may grant a Provisional Practice Permit when you are working toward completing these registration requirements:
National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) theory exam
NDAEB clinical practice evaluation (CPE)
intra-oral upgrading
Provisional Practice
A Provisional Practice Permit allows you to practice under supervision only. You may practice only while supervised by a Registered Dental Assistant, dentist, dental hygienist, denturist or other person approved by the Registrar & CEO. Supervision means on-site and able to assist.
You may perform:
administrative duties
infection prevention and control procedures
laboratory procedures
chairside assisting
entry and advanced practices we have authorized you for
You may only use the title Dental Assistant.
Eligibility
Accredited* dental assisting program
You may apply if you:
- completed an accredited* dental assisting program
- are scheduled to write the NDAEB theory exam
Non-accredited* dental assisting program
You may apply if you:
- completed a non-accredited* dental assisting program
and
- enrolled in the NDAEB qualification process before December 31, 2025, passed the NDAEB theory exam, and passed at least one skill in the NDAEB clinical practice evaluation (or recognized education in lieu) within the last three years
or
- enrolled in the NDAEB qualification process since January 1, 2026, passed the NDAEB clinical practice evaluation (or recognized education in lieu), and are scheduled to sit the NDAEB theory exam
Accredited* distance delivery program
You may apply if you:
- are enrolled in an accredited* distance delivery program
- completed at least one intra-oral course within the last three years
If you meet any of our eligibility requirements, you can apply for Provisional Registration. When you are ready to apply, follow our Guide for NDAEB in Progress (Provisional) Applicants. It has step-by-step instructions for accessing and using our online application.
*Accreditation through the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.
Important to Know
- You are allowed to have a Provisional Practice Permit for up to 365 days.
- You must complete your registration requirements within 365 days of becoming provisionally registered.
- Your Provisional Practice Permit will expire on November 30. To keep your provisional status after November 30 (for the remainder of your 365 day maximum) you must renew your Permit before it expires.
- When you have completed your registration requirements, you must apply to transfer your Permit from provisional to registered.
Find a Dental Assistant
Use our Registry to check the status of a dental assistant’s Practice Permit.
Complaints & Concerns
If you have concerns about a dental assistant’s service or conduct, we are here to help.