November 12, 2025

Passing the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) exam is the final step before becoming a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) in Canada. For most students, it is both an exciting and intimidating milestone. It represents years of training, dedication, and hands-on learning coming together in one important moment. 
 

If you are preparing to write the NDAEB exam, you are not alone. Thousands of dental assisting students across the country go through this process each year. The good news is that with the right preparation, study habits, and confidence, you can absolutely succeed. Let’s explore how to pass the NDAEB exam with proven tips, practical strategies, and real examples of student success from CDI College’s 100% NDAEB pass rate across all campuses. 

What is the NDAEB 

The National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) is the organization that certifies dental assistants across Canada. Its mission is to ensure that all practicing dental assistants meet the national standards of skill, safety, and professionalism required to provide quality oral care. 
 

To become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) in most provinces, candidates must pass the NDAEB written exam. In some regions, they must also complete a clinical evaluation. The NDAEB exam confirms that graduates have mastered the knowledge and practical understanding necessary to work safely and effectively in the dental field. 
 

While the exam is challenging, students from accredited programs such as the Dental Assisting Diploma at CDI College are already well-prepared. Their coursework, labs, and clinical practice are designed to align with the competencies tested on the NDAEB. The exam is simply the final opportunity to demonstrate everything they have learned. 

What the NDAEB Exam Covers 

The NDAEB exam is a four-hour written test consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions. These questions measure a candidate’s ability to apply both theoretical knowledge and practical reasoning to real-world dental situations. Here is what the exam typically covers: 
 

• Infection Prevention and Control – sterilization, disinfection, and safety procedures 
• Dental Radiography – X-ray techniques, radiation safety, and image evaluation 
• Clinical Chairside Procedures – assisting dentists during treatments, preparing instruments, and patient care 
• Preventive Dentistry – oral hygiene instruction, fluoride treatments, and patient education 
• Dental Sciences – oral anatomy, pathology, and physiology 
• Professionalism and Ethics – legal obligations, confidentiality, and patient communication 
• Administrative Procedures – record keeping, scheduling, and dental office management 
   

In addition to standard multiple-choice questions, the NDAEB includes case-based scenarios and matching questions. These test your ability to apply clinical knowledge to real situations, not just recall facts from memory. 

Tips and Study Strategies to Pass the NDAEB Exam 
 

1. Start Early and Build a Study Schedule 

One of the most important lessons in learning how to pass the NDAEB exam is time management. Begin studying several weeks or months before the test. Break the material into sections and set realistic goals for each week. 
 

For example, you can focus on infection control during week one, radiography in week two, and clinical procedures in week three. Spacing out your study sessions helps with long-term retention and prevents last-minute stress. 
 

Avoid cramming. Studying a little each day will help you remember information far more effectively than marathon study sessions right before the exam. 

2. Focus on Understanding, Not Just Memorization 

Memorizing facts can help in the short term, but the NDAEB exam goes deeper. It tests your ability to apply what you have learned in practical scenarios. Instead of memorizing every detail, make sure you understand the reasoning behind each procedure. 
 

Ask yourself why specific steps are taken during treatments and what could happen if they are skipped. This deeper level of understanding will help you answer scenario-based questions confidently. 

3. Engage in Active Learning 

Active learning is one of the best ways to prepare for the NDAEB. Instead of just reading your notes, get involved with the material. Here are a few proven techniques: 
 

• Summarize your notes in your own words to reinforce understanding. 
• Create flashcards for key terminology, dental materials, and anatomy. 
• Draw diagrams to visualize tooth structures, instrument setups, and workflow. 
• Teach a concept to a friend or study partner. Explaining information out loud helps it stick. 
   

The more ways you interact with the material, the better your recall will be during the exam. 

4. Take Practice Exams 

Practice exams are one of the most powerful study tools for NDAEB preparation. They simulate the timing and structure of the actual test while helping you identify your strengths and weaknesses. 
 

Take at least one full-length mock exam under real exam conditions. Set aside four hours, avoid distractions, and treat it like the real thing. Afterward, review your answers carefully to see where you can improve. Practicing under timed conditions helps build endurance and reduces anxiety on exam day. 

5. Study with Others 

Joining a study group can make your preparation more engaging and effective. Collaborating with classmates lets you compare notes, share insights, and quiz each other on difficult topics. 
 

If you prefer to study alone, consider joining an online forum or study group for dental assisting students. Engaging with others keeps you motivated and accountable. 

6. Take Care of Yourself 

Your physical and mental health have a huge impact on how well you study and perform. Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and maintain a balanced diet. Exercise or take short breaks between study sessions to keep your energy up. 
 

Avoid late-night cramming the week before the exam. A well-rested mind retains information better and stays sharper under pressure. 

Learn from the Best: CDI College’s 100 Percent NDAEB Success 

When it comes to learning how to pass the NDAEB exam, CDI College students are living proof that the right preparation works. In September 2025, every Dental Assisting student from CDI College who wrote the exam passed, achieving a 100 percent success rate across all participating campuses. Here are the highlights: 

 

 
 
CDI College’s Dental Assisting programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) and offered in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario. 
 
 

Their success comes from a combination of strong teaching, hands-on learning, and targeted NDAEB preparation. Students train in real dental environments, study a curriculum that meets national standards, and receive continuous support from instructors who know what it takes to succeed. 
 

Trust Your Training and Take the Next Step 

Preparing for the NDAEB exam can feel overwhelming at first, but with structure, focus, and confidence, you can absolutely achieve your goal. Every study session, clinic hour, and mock test brings you closer to becoming a Certified Dental Assistant. 
 
 

CDI College’s proven track record of 100 percent NDAEB success shows that quality training makes a real difference. With expert instructors, hands-on experience, and a curriculum aligned with national standards, CDI College graduates are ready to pass the exam and start meaningful careers in dental care. 
 
 

If you are ready to turn your passion for oral health into a profession, now is the perfect time to take the next step.