November 18, 2025

Every year thousands of dental assisting students across Canada sit for the National Dental Assisting Exam. For many, it is the final step before starting their careers as dental assistants. The exam confirms that you have the knowledge, clinical understanding, and professionalism required to work safely in dental practice. 
 

While the idea of a national exam can feel overwhelming, it becomes far more manageable when you understand how it works. The goal is not to trick you. It is designed to ensure that dental assistants across the country meet a consistent standard of care. In fact, students who complete accredited programs such as the Dental Assisting program at CDI College are already studying exactly what the exam covers. 
 

If you want to walk into exam day feeling prepared and calm, this guide to the National Dental Assisting Exam is the best place to start. 

What the National Dental Assisting Exam Actually Is 

The National Dental Assisting Examining Board often called the NDAEB is the national organization that oversees the certification process for dental assistants in Canada. It has been around since 1997 and is independent from any single provincial regulatory body. Instead, it brings together representatives from across the entire dental field. This includes regulatory authorities, educators, dental professionals, accreditation bodies, and members of the public. 
 

The NDAEB was created to ensure that every new dental assistant entering the workforce meets the same high standard of knowledge and safety. This is important because dental assistants work directly with patients, handle specialized equipment, and play a key role in infection prevention and clinical support. 
 

The NDAEB uses a national Domain Description which outlines the skills, knowledge, and professional behaviours expected of an entry level dental assistant. The exam is built around these expectations. This keeps the process fair and consistent for students across Canada, no matter where they study. 

Why the National Dental Assisting Certificate is Important 

Here is what the certificate does. It confirms that you have successfully demonstrated the entry level competencies required to practice dental assisting safely. Most provinces require this certificate for licensure. The certificate is currently required in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. 
 

If you plan to move between provinces, the certificate helps with labour mobility because it shows that you have met the national standard. While each province has its own regulatory authority, the NDAEB certification gives them confidence that you have completed the essential training. There are a few additional notes depending on where you want to work. For example, Ontario still requires a separate HARP Certificate for dental radiography. Some provinces may also require a clinical practice evaluation depending on your education pathway. The NDAEB also updates its policies periodically to keep up with industry changes, so it is always a clever idea to check if new rules apply to you. 
 

In short, the NDAEB certificate is a key part of becoming a licensed dental assistant in most of Canada and it is a requirement that will stay with you throughout your career. 

What the National Dental Assisting Exam Looks Like 

The NDAEB exam is a written test that lasts four hours and contains 200 multiple choice questions. It is designed to assess your understanding of both theoretical knowledge and practical decision making. The exam does not rely only on memorization. Instead, it focuses on how you would apply your training in real clinical situations. The topics you can expect on the NDAEB exam include: 
 

• Infection prevention and control, including sterilization and handling of dental instruments 
• Dental radiography, radiation safety, and interpretation of dental images 
• Chairside assisting procedures such as instrument setup, treatment support, and patient care 
• Preventive dentistry including fluoride application, oral hygiene instruction, and nutritional counseling 
• Dental sciences including anatomy, pathology, microbiology, and physiology 
• Professionalism, ethics, confidentiality, and legal responsibilities 
• Administrative procedures including appointment scheduling, dental charting, and office communication 
   

Some questions are straightforward. Others are case-based and require you to think through a scenario. You may also see matching style questions where you pair up terms with definitions or procedures with the correct steps. 
 

The exam reflects what dental assistants do every day. If you have completed an accredited program such as CDI College’s Dental Assisting program, you have already covered all these areas through classwork, labs, and clinical training. 

How to Prepare: Smart Strategies That Actually Work 

Passing the NDAEB exam is not about memorizing a textbook from cover to cover. It is about studying with intention. Here are the strategies that consistently help students succeed. 

Start Early and Create a Study Plan 

Give yourself several weeks or months to prepare. Break down your study topics into weekly goals. For example, one week for infection control, another for radiography, and another for dental materials. A schedule keeps you on track and prevents stressful last-minute cramming. 

Focus on Understanding Instead of Memorizing 

The exam uses real world scenarios, so it helps to know why you perform certain procedures and what could happen if steps are missed. Understanding the reasoning gives you an advantage in problem solving questions. 

Use Active Learning Techniques 

Active learning keeps information in your mind longer. Try techniques like: 
 

• Drawing tooth diagrams 
• Explaining procedures aloud 
• Writing your own summaries 
• Using flashcards for dental terminology 
• Creating instrument setup charts 
   

The more ways you interact with the material the better your recall on exam day. 

Take Practice Exams 

Simulate real exam conditions by completing a full 4-hour practice test. This builds stamina and helps you manage your time. Afterward, go through your results carefully and identify areas where you need more review. 

Study with Peers 

Group study sessions keep you accountable and offer new perspectives. Teaching each other a topic is one of the most effective study methods. 

Take Care of Your Wellbeing 

Fatigue is the enemy of learning. Try to maintain a healthy routine with good sleep hydration and movement. A clear mind makes studying easier and helps you stay focused during the long exam. 

What Real Success Looks Like: A Quick Look at CDI College’s NDAEB Results 

If you want proof that the right training makes a difference, look at CDI College’s recent NDAEB results. In September 2025, every Dental Assisting student from CDI College who took the exam passed. It was a perfect 100 percent success rate across all participating campuses in Western Canada. Here is a snapshot of the results. 
 

• Winnipeg students achieved an average score of 78.4%, which is more than four points above the national average. 
• Surrey students achieved an average of 77.58%, over three points above the national average. 
• Edmonton City Centre students earned an average of 78.23%, showing strong consistency in performance. 
• Calgary North students reached an average of 75.18%, still higher than the national average. 
   

These results show what happens when strong instruction meets hands-on experience. CDI College’s Dental programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada and designed to meet national standards. Students learn in clinics, labs, and classrooms where they practice the exact skills tested on the NDAEB exam. When exam day arrives, they step into something they have already prepared for. 

Final Thoughts 

The NDAEB exam is a major milestone, but it is absolutely one where you can succeed with the right preparation. Understanding how the exam works and studying with purpose will help you walk in with confidence. Every class assignment, every lab session and every clinic hour has been preparing you for this moment. 
 

If you are already in a dental assisting program, trust the process. If you are still exploring your options, consider training at a school like CDI College where students receive structured learning, hands-on instruction, and supportive preparation that aligns with the national exam. 
 

Your journey to becoming a certified dental assistant is one step at a time. The National Dental Assisting Exam is simply the decisive step that opens the door to your career in the dental field. With the right mindset and preparation, you can pass the exam and start your professional life with confidence.