This page is for you if you are a graduate of an accredited denturism program and are not registered in another Canadian jurisdiction. We look forward to having you join the denturism profession in Nova Scotia.
The basic qualification for registration and licensure to practice denturism in Nova Scotia is graduation from a denturism program which has been accredited by Accreditation Canada (EQual).
The NSRDHDTD licence year runs from November 1 to October 31. Practising licences expire on October 31 of each year. NSRDHDTD registrants must renew their practising licence and pay the required fees each year.
From August to October, we ask you to carefully consider if you plan to apply for the licensing year that ends on October 31, OR for the upcoming renewal year that begins on November 1. During this time period, on the application form, you will be asked to confirm which year you intend to apply for your initial licence. The full licensing fee is due regardless of when you are issued a practising licence during the year.
Before you begin, it’s important to know:
We are available to help if you have any questions. Reach out to us at info@oralhealthns.ca and we will respond within one to three business days.
We have developed a checklist to assist you with gathering the necessary documents.
All application documents must be provided in English or French. Translations from a professional (certified) translator are also accepted. You are responsible for the cost of all translations.
If you had your documents translated for another organization e.g., World Education Services (WES), we will accept a copy of those previously translated documents (if done by a certified translator, as noted above,) if they are sent directly from that organization.
Steps in the Registration and Licensing Process
As set out in sections 12, 14, 15 of the Regulations and sections 21-24 and 39 of the Bylaws and the NSRDHDTD registration policies, an applicant must meet the following requirements to be registered and issued a practising licence. Detailed information for each step is found below this initial step summary.
1. Establish Academic Eligibility by completing an accredited denturism program.
2. Successfully complete the MCQ and OSCE Examinations delivered by the College of Denturists of Ontario (CDO) or the College of Alberta Denturists (CAD), or both components of the Canadian Denturist Multijurisdictional Registration Examination (CDMRE).
3. Complete online registration and licensing application form, with application fee.
4. Compile required documentation.
5. Complete registration and licensing process, including payment of final fees.
6. Complete interview with the Registrar.
Applications for Registration and Licensing are reviewed by the Registrar. In accordance with the Regulated Health Professions Act and the Dental Hygiene, Dental Technology, and Denturism Regulations sections 12, 14, 15, and Bylaws sections 21-24 and 39 the Registration and Licensing Committee may review an application for registration or licensing upon referral by the Registrar, or at the applicant’s request. See Registration and Licensing Policies for more details.
Detailed Information for Each Step
Submit a transcript, diploma or degree sent directly from the denturism educational program. Alternatively, you may submit a notarized* copy of your diploma or degree.
Explanation: The basic qualification for registration and licensure in Nova Scotia is that an applicant must have graduated from a denturism program that has been accredited by Accreditation Canada (EQual).
*Notarized: A Notary public, Commissioner of Oaths, or Lawyer to sign or seal the required documentation. Alternatively, original documents may be brought into the NSRDHDTD office in-person, where staff will authenticate documents. (If you wish to bring in your original document, please contact the NSRDHDTD office to schedule an appointment.) Contact: info@oralhealthns.ca or 902-444-7241.
As part of the required documentation, you must provide an original copy of your Qualifying Examination (MCQ and OSCE) certificate, verifying that you successfully completed the qualifying exam. Alternatively, you may submit a notarized* copy of your Qualifying Examination (MCQ and OSCE) certificate.
Explanation: The Qualifying Examination (MCQ and OSCE) is delivered either by the College of Denturists of Ontario (CDO) or the College of Alberta Denturists (CAD), or both components of the Canadian Denturist Multi Jurisdictional Registration Examination (CDMRE). This written exam assesses the knowledge and competencies of denturists, ensuring they are competent in both the written and practical application of denturism.
*Notarized: A Notary public, Commissioner of Oaths, or Lawyer to sign or seal the required documentation. Alternatively, original documents may be brought into the NSRDHDTD office in person, where staff will authenticate documents. If you wish to bring in your original document, please contact the NSRDHDTD office to schedule an appointment. Contact: info@oralhealthns.ca or 902-444-7241.
Complete the registration and licensing application form, with the application fee
To register, start by submitting the application form.
- You must also submit the necessary documentation required to complete the application. You DO NOT have to submit all of the documents at once.
- Your application will not be reviewed until you submit the non-refundable application fee.
- The balance of the fees must be paid before your application will be considered complete.
- The next steps provide further details on the required documentation. You will also find this information summarized in the application checklist, which is listed below.
Registration and Licensing Application Checklist for Denturists for May 1, 2025 to Oct 31, 2025
There is no specific order that the documentation, listed below, must be provided. However, before your application will be considered complete, all applicable documentation must be received.
A. Provide proof of identity, including verification that you are a Canadian citizen or legally allowed to work in Canada.
- Upload a passport-sized photo in a format appropriate for a regulator e.g., business casual clothing. This does not have to be an actual passport photo. This gives you an example of the image size and that it should be a full facial profile (head and shoulders). You may smile in your photo.
- Upload a copy of your birth certificate. If this is in a language other than English or French, please provide a translation.
- Legally authorized to work in Canada. If you were not born in Canada, please upload a Canadian passport, your employment visa, or permanent resident document.
- Name changes: If your current name differs from that on the birth certificate and/or transcript, upload evidence of a name change e.g., driver’s licence, passport, marriage licence, or other government issued ID.
B. Currency in Practice
Applicants must meet one of the following:
- Completion of a denturism diploma within the 3 years immediately preceding the date the application for registration is received. (The document outlined in Step 1 is sufficient if you graduated less than three years ago);
- Provide evidence of practice as a denturist within the 3 years immediately preceding the date of the application for registration is received. If applicable, evidence of the 600 practice hours must be in the form of a signed letter from the employer (on letterhead), ROE (Record of Employment), or another acceptable alternative document, as determined by the Registrar. ; or
- Have successfully completed a Board-approved alternate requirement (e.g., refresher education program) within the year immediately preceding the date the application for registration is received. (Documentation required - certificate of successful completion, plus cover letter from the educational institution.)
C. Have Currency in Continuing Education (Continuing Competence)
Applicants must meet one of the following:
- Completion of a denturism diploma or degree within the 3 years immediately preceding the date the application for registration is received. (As noted in B, the transcript you provide is sufficent evidence);
- Provide evidence of having obtained 36 hours of continuing denturism education within the 3 years immediately preceding the date the application for registration is received. Please enter your continuing denturism education courses (with supporting documentation) on this manual form (will be entered online within the 2025 year); (Does not apply to applicants who graduated within the last 36 months.), or,
- Have successfully completed a Board-approved alternate requirement (e.g., refresher education program) within the year immediately preceding the date the application for registration is received. (Documentation required: Upload the certificate of successful completion, plus the cover letter from the refresher course educational institution.)
D. Upload the certificate verifying you have completed the NSRDHDTD Jurisprudence Examination.
Applicants must successfully complete an examination for Nova Scotia which deals with the legal framework or jurisprudence that governs the practice of dental hygiene in Nova Scotia. The new exam is currently under development. If you wish to take the exam, please contact the NSRDHDTD at info@oralhealthns.ca.
- Review the Act, Regulations and Bylaws on the Legislative Information and Standards of Practice page.
E. Demonstrate Good Conduct/Good Character
- Verification of Registration (evidence that you are in good standing in any previous jurisdiction) Complete the form provided by NSRDHDTD.
Follow these steps:
- Complete Part A of the form and send it directly to each jurisdiction where you are, or have been previously certified, licensed, or registered as a denturist.
- The jurisdictional regulatory body must complete Part B and send the completed form directly to the NSRDHDTD.
Note: If you currently hold an unrestricted practising licence in another Canadian Jurisdiction, please go to the page entitled Applicants Currently Registered or Licensed in another Canadian Jurisdiction, and follow the application steps provided there.
- Self-declaration: In addition to the good standing verification from other jurisdictions, as applicable, there are good character questions that you must self-declare on the application form.
F. Upload a permanent CPR Card/Certificate, completed at the level required by Board, taken within the last 12 months. Must include both a classroom instruction and a practical component. See CPR Information and Courses for further details.
G. Upload your Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) policy(ies), as required by legislation and Board policy. You must have PLI for the full period for which you are applying for your initial practising licence. Professional liability insurance for Denturists can be purchased through the Denturist Association of Canada.
H. Evidence of English language proficiency, This is necessary for safe and competent practice. If there is no equivalent English proficiency requirement in the jurisdiction where you are currently registered, your primary language is not English and/or your program of study was conducted in a language other than English, you will be required to provide proof of English language competency. Please refer to the current English language requirements.
Time Frames for Processing Applications
Applications are processed in the order in which they are completed. We do our best to process all applications in a timely manner. Typically, applications take about 4-6 weeks to be completed and for individuals to be placed on the NSRDHDTD Register and issued a practising licence. This timing depends on the length of time it takes the applicant to provide all of the necessary documentation and fees. During busier times, e.g., renewals and when multiple new graduates apply, this time frame may be extended. Please inform potential employers of this time frame, so that they can schedule your anticipated start date, accordingly.
Payment Methods
For all applications, we accept certified cheques or money orders, e-transfers, and credit card payments. When an invoice is generated, it will include further details on how to complete the methods of payment.
To ensure you are appropriately credited, provide the following information for all payment forms:
- the first name and last name of the individual who submitted the application form.
- This must match the name on the initial application.
- the invoice number related to that payment. Please remember that the invoice for your registration and licensing fee will be generated later in the application process. Your application invoice fee will be generated as soon as you submit your application.
We accept credit card payment through Plastiq. Using Plastiq, a third-party service provider, you can pay with MasterCard, Visa or American Express:
- Go to: https://request.plastiq.com/pay-college-of-dental-hygienists-of-nova-scotia and register with Plastiq to create an account.
- Tell Plastiq the amount you want to pay and when you want to send it.
Plastiq payments may take 3-5 business days to process and that a Plastiq service fee will be applied (up to 2.9% for credit cards, 1% for debit cards).
For more information about Plastiq, review Frequently Asked Questions About Plastiq
Applicants are required to meet with the Registrar, virtually.
This is the last step in the application process. An interview is not booked until the rest of the registration process is complete. Once an application is complete, the NSRDHDTD will contact you to schedule this interview.
The purpose of this structured interview is to ensure that newly licensing registrants understand their professional obligations regarding the practice of denturism in Nova Scotia, including obligations under the Act and Regulations. There is no advance preparation required by the applicant.
The interview will highlight:
- Relevent sections of the RHPA, the Regulations, sections 12,14,16, 23, 24, and 26, and Bylaws, sections 21-24 and 36-39;
- the NSRDHDTD Denturists Continuing Competency Program Requirements document; and
- any other relevant information pertinent to the specific registrant.
During this interview, you are able to ask questions and obtain clarity on any area of the legislation, or elements of denturism practice, that may be unclear.