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). If the application is sent by mail, a natural unfiltered/unaltered passport-size photograph and all documentation required to establish eligibility must be submitted.

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

The FDHRC will promptly confirm the receipt of the application form and payment of fees. When their eligibility to write the NDHCE is confirmed the candidate will receive another email asking them to login and select a specific date and time from the list of available options.

Any request by a candidate to change a time slot must be done online before the booking session is closed. A request to change a booking time after the booking session is closed may result in a fee.

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)

Graduate of an accredited dental hygiene program:

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

Graduates of an accredited Canadian program can agree to allow the FDHRC to send an emailed notice to their dental hygiene program director who will certify that they currently hold a valid dental hygiene diploma/degree from that school.

Graduates of an accredited US program/school must i) submit an original or notarized photocopy (witnessed and stamped by a Notary Public) of their diploma/degree/certificate in dental hygiene AND ii) ask their educational institution of graduation to send an official transcript of their grades directly to the FDHRC. Both 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.

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 21 calendar days or more prior to the examination date will be refunded the examination fee less a non-refundable application fee.

A candidate who withdraws less than 21 calendar days prior to the examination date will be refunded the examination fee less a non-refundable application fee and a withdrawal fee. No withdrawal requests will be processed from two-business days onward before the first examination date (i.e. If the first examination date is on a Monday, the last day to request to withdraw is the Wednesday before the examination date).

A candidate who withdraws from an examination for which they have transferred fees from a previous application will be refunded the examination fee less a non-refundable application fee and withdrawal fee.

A candidate who requests a withdrawal from the examination less than 21 calendar days prior to 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 business days prior to the original examination date. The applicable transfer fee will apply.

A candidate may have their examination fees transferred to a future examination administration one time only. It must be to the next immediate examination date. 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 late-withdrawal.

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).