How to become a dental technologist in Canada

Canada’s demand for dental technology services is growing. With over 75% of Canadians visiting the dentist annually and a rising number of restorative and cosmetic procedures, there’s a strong need for skilled dental technologists who can design and fabricate custom dental appliances that improve quality of life.

As an internationally educated professional, your technical expertise and experience can help support the oral health of Canadians, particularly in underserved or aging communities where dental care is essential. Dental technologists play a key behind-the-scenes role in delivering everything from crowns and bridges to orthodontic devices, working closely with dentists and denturists to restore patients’ smiles and confidence.

This blog is a step-by-step guide to help you become a licensed dental technologist in Canada. You’ll learn:

• Who is eligible to apply
• How to get your credentials assessed and recognized
• What to expect during the Canadian Performance-Based Assessment (CPBA)
• How to register with your provincial regulatory body
• What support programs and financial resources, like Windmill Microlending, can help cover your licensing costs

Who is eligible to apply?

To apply for licensure as a dental technologist in Canada through the Canadian Alliance of Dental Technology Regulators (CADTR), you must:

• Be an internationally educated dental technologist
• Hold formal training equivalent to a Canadian dental technology diploma
• Have verifiable experience working in dental labs or clinics
• Be eligible to live and work in Canada (e.g., permanent resident, protected person, or Canadian citizen)

You must also meet language proficiency requirements and be prepared to complete an exam and assessment process.

Step-by-step licensing process in Canada

Dental technology is a regulated profession. To practise legally, you need to become licensed by a provincial regulator. CADTR provides a national entry-to-practice pathway for internationally educated dental technologists.

1. Create a profile and submit your documents

Start by registering on CADTR’s Applicant Portal and providing:

• Academic transcripts
• Credential assessments (via WES, ICES or IQAS)
• Proof of work experience and ID
  Language test results (e.g., CLB 7+)
• Application fee (~$350–$450 CAD)

Visit the CADTR applicant page to begin.

2. Undergo Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

The PLA consists of:

• Document-Based Assessment (DBA) – CADTR reviews your academic and professional background to verify equivalency
• Performance-Based Assessment (PBA) – You complete practical exams in a simulated lab to demonstrate clinical and technical competency

You must pass both assessments to be eligible for the national exam.

3. Pass the Entry-to-Practice (ETP) Exam

The ETP is a standardized exam designed to test your knowledge of Canadian dental technology standards, ethics and regulations.

• Exam fee: ~$1,200–$1,500 CAD
• Format: Multiple choice and written components
  Frequency: Administered twice per year by CADTR

4. Register with your provincial regulator

After passing the ETP exam, you must register with the dental technologist regulator in your province. Examples include:

• College of Dental Technologists of Ontario (CDTO)
• College of Dental Technicians of British Columbia
• College of Dental Technologists of Alberta

Requirements may include background checks, liability insurance, and additional jurisprudence exams.

How long does it take to become licensed?

The timeline to become licensed can vary depending on documentation and assessment schedules, but most internationally educated professionals complete the process in 12 to 24 months.

Factors that affect timing:

• PLA and ETP exam schedules
• Bridging courses (if required)
• Provincial registration timelines

How much do dental technologists make in Canada?

According to Job Bank Canada, the average salary for dental technologists is:

• Hourly: $28 to $39
• Annual: $50,000 to $80,000+

The highest salaries are seen in Alberta and Ontario

Costs to consider

To help you plan, here are some typical expenses:

• Credential assessment: $200–$300
• CADTR application and assessment fees: ~$1,000–$2,000 total
• ETP exam: ~$1,200–$1,500
• Bridging programs (if required): Additional costs vary by province
  
• Professional insurance and licensing: Mandatory upon registration
  

Financial support from Windmill Microlending

Windmill Microlending offers low-interest loans of up to $15,000 to support internationally educated dental technologists. Our loans can be used to cover:

• CADTR application, PLA and ETP exam fees
• Credential evaluation and language testing
• Bridging program tuition and materials
• Licensing and registration expenses
• Equipment, relocation or professional development
  

We also provide free career coaching, mentorship and financial planning tools, helping you succeed faster in your new career.

Visit windmillmicrolending.org to explore how we can support your licensing journey in Canada.