NDHCE™ Application Information

Once registration opens, the NDHCE™ application form is available online on the FDHRC™ website.

A new application form must be submitted each time a candidate wishes to be tested.

All information requested on the application form must be legibly provided. The NDHCE™ certificate for a passing candidate is prepared in the name provided on the application. To avoid complications in qualifying for registration or licensure, candidates must use their legal names as they appear on their government-issued identification.

A completed application form must be accompanied by the appropriate examination fee (cash and personal cheques not accepted) and a natural unfiltered/unaltered digitized photograph (taken within the last six months).

An application must be received on or before the application deadline date.

Candidates will also be asked to present a separate proof of identification (e.g., government issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport) to the proctor during the exam day sign-in process.

Students in an accredited dental hygiene program:

• Completed NDHCE™ application form;
• Appropriate fee; and,
• Digital photo (online application) taken within the last 6 months

Graduates of an accredited dental hygiene program:

• Completed NDHCE™ application form;
• Appropriate fee; and,
• Digital photo (online application) taken within the last 6 months

Graduates of an accredited Canadian dental hygiene program must select one of the following options:

Option 1:
If you graduated within the last five years, you may consent for the FDHRC™ to email your dental hygiene program director, who will confirm that you currently hold a valid dental hygiene diploma or degree from that institution and that your digital photo is in true likeness of yourself.

Option 2:
If you graduated more than 5 years ago or do not want the FDHRC™ to contact your dental hygiene program director, you must submit the following:

·       an official diploma OR an official transcript that clearly states “diploma/degree conferred”. This must be sent directly to the FDHRC™ from the educational institution. Documents received from the candidate will not be accepted.

·       a notarized photograph attesting that it is a true likeness of yourself.

Graduates of an accredited US program/school must have their educational institution send an official diploma OR an official transcript that clearly states "diploma/degree conferred," directly to the FDHRC™. In addition, applicants must submit a notarized photograph attesting that it is a true likeness of yourself.

The FDHRC™ reserves the right to request additional documentation if necessary. All documents must be submitted before the application deadline and no originals will be returned.

Graduate of a non-accredited dental hygiene program:

• Completed NDHCE™ application form;
• Appropriate fee;
• Digital photo (online application) taken within the last 6 months; AND,
• Successful FDHRC™ verification of eligibility via an Equivalency Assessment.

Are you a Band Sponsored Student?

If you are a Band Sponsored Student, you may be eligible to have your NDHCE fees covered by your band sponsorship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are sponsored and that you are communicating with your sponsor regarding the certification and examination requirements to become a dental hygienist.

What you need to do:

Step 1. Create an account in the FDHRC online registration system. Click Login at the top right and select “First Time Registering” from the pop up box. If you already have an account go immediately to step 2.  DO NOT APPLY FOR THE EXAM

Step 2. Contact the FDHRC™ office (exam@fdhrc.ca) to obtain a third-party authorization form that must be completed and returned to the FDHRC™ by your band sponsor.

Step 3. The FDHRC™ will update your account to enable you to apply for the exam while waiting for the completed form from your band sponsor. 

It is your responsibility to know whether the NDHCE™ will be covered by your band sponsorship. If your band sponsor does not cover all or part of the NDHCE™ application or associated fee(s) you will be responsible to pay it in order to write the exam. 

NOTE: You are responsible for being aware of deadlines, both for application and payment fees to the FDHRC™, as well as any imposed by your Band Sponsor.

A candidate who wishes to withdraw from the examination must notify the FDHRC™ in writing. Candidates can log into their application account to request the transfer/withdrawal.  

A candidate who withdraws 15 business days or more prior to the examination date will be refunded the examination fee less a non-refundable application fee. The candidate will not forfeit an attempt.

A candidate who withdraws less than 15 business days but more than 2 business days prior to the examination date will be refunded the examination fee less a withdrawal fee. The candidate will not forfeit an attempt.

A candidate who withdraws 2 business days or less prior to the examination date OR does not show up to their examination will not receive a refund. The candidate will not forfeit an attempt.

A candidate who withdraws from an examination to which they have transferred fees from a previous application will be refunded according to the timelines above.

A candidate who requests a withdrawal from the examination less than 15 business days prior to the examination date (including the examination date) due to illness (doctor’s certificate required) or death in the immediate family (death certificate required) must notify the FDHRC in writing (by email or fax). Once approved, they will be refunded the examination fee less a non-refundable application fee.

An immediate family member is defined as:

·        the candidate’s spouse or common-law partner

·        the children of the candidate or of the candidate’s spouse or common-law partner

·        the candidate’s parents or step-parents

·        parents or step-parents of the spouse or common-law partner of the candidate

·        the candidate’s grandparents

·        the candidate’s sibling, half-sibling or step-sibling.

Dental hygiene program directors or designates of student candidates who are registered for an examination under the eligibility criteria detailed in Student in an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program must inform the FDHRC™ in writing (by email or fax) no later than fifteen (15) business days prior to the examination date should the candidate’s status change. The student candidate may then transfer their examination fees (applicable transfer fee will apply) or completely withdraw from the examination (refund applicable less non-refundable application fee).

A student candidate who has withdrawn from an examination date and wishes to apply to write the examination at a future date must submit a new application form including payment of full fees (application and examination) prior to that examination application deadline date.

A candidate who requests transfer of examinations fees to a future date must notify the FDHRC™ in writing by completing the online request to transfer/withdrawal no later than 21 calendar days prior to the original examination date. The applicable transfer fee will apply.

A candidate may have their examination fees transferred to the immediate future examination administration one time only. Otherwise, the candidate will have to withdraw.

A candidate who transfers to the next examination date then decides not to apply will be processed as a withdrawal according to the timelines above.

A candidate who has transferred from an examination date and who wishes to apply to write the examination at a future date must submit a new application including a new picture prior to that examination application deadline date (no payment required).