ADAT for Canada: Requirements for International Dentists (2025)
If you are an internationally trained dentist looking to practice in the north, understanding the ADAT for Canada requirements is crucial.
While the NDEB process is the standard route to licensure, many candidates choose to apply to “Advanced Standing” or “Qualifying” programs at Canadian universities. For these specific pathways, the ADAT has become a mandatory gatekeeper.
Here is the definitive guide on using the ADAT for Canada admissions, including a school-by-school breakdown.
Is the ADAT for Canada Admissions Mandatory?
Yes—but only for specific pathways.
The ADAT for Canada is primarily used by:
- Advanced Standing / Qualifying Programs: For international dentists seeking a DDS/DMD degree.
- Specialty Assessment Programs: For specialists looking to recognize their credentials.
The most important rule is that each university sets its own rules. While one school might require the ADAT, another might prefer the AFK (Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge).
ADAT for Canada: School-by-School Breakdown
To help you plan your application, here is how the ADAT for Canada fits into the seven major dental schools that utilize it.
| University | Program Name | ADAT Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| U. of Toronto (UofT) | International Dentist Advanced Placement Program (IDAPP) | Required. Must be taken within 3 years of the application deadline. |
| Western U. (Schulich) | DDS Advanced Standing Program (ASPIDG) | Required. Results must be sent directly from the ADA. Valid for 3 years. |
| McGill University | DMD Advanced Standing for Foreign Trained Dentists | Heavily Used. Selection is explicitly based on ADAT scores + CASPer + CV + Interviews. |
| Dalhousie University | DDS Qualifying Program | Required. Must be taken within the previous 3 years. |
| U. of Manitoba | IDDP – Track A | Required. Track A applicants must use the ADAT (The AFK is no longer accepted for this track). |
| U. of Saskatchewan | International Dental Degree Program (IDDP) | Required. Scores used for the initial selection steps. Valid for 3 years. |
| U. of Alberta | DDS Advanced Placement | Required. Admissions checklists reference ADAT reporting requirements. |
Specialty Pathways: The ADAT for Canada (UBC)
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a unique case regarding the ADAT for Canada.
While UBC does not prominently list the ADAT for its general “Degree Completion” program in the same way UofT does, it does require it for the Dental Specialty Assessment & Training Program (DSATP).
- The Rule: Starting in the 2025 cycle, if you do not have the DSCKE exam, UBC requires the ADAT.
- The Score: They state there is no minimum cut-off, but competitive scores are expected.
What About Quebec Schools?
If you are looking at Francophone programs, the ADAT for Canada is less relevant.
- Université de Montréal & Université Laval: These schools typically require the TAED (Dental Aptitude Test) and have specific French language requirements.
- The Exception: McGill (Anglophone) definitely uses the ADAT.
Validity and Deadlines
When applying using the ADAT for Canada, timing is everything.
- 3-Year Window: Most Canadian schools (UofT, Western, Dalhousie) consider ADAT scores valid for only 3 years. If you took it 4 years ago, you must retake it.
- Hard Deadlines: Canadian cycles are strict. If your official score report does not arrive by the document deadline, your application is often discarded immediately.
Bottom Line
Across the country, the ADAT for Canada is not universal, but it is unavoidable for the most popular international routes (Toronto, Western, McGill).
If you are serious about getting into a Canadian DDS program, scoring high on the ADAT is just as important as your CV.
Next Steps on ScoreADAT:
- Need to register? Read How to Apply for the ADAT.
- Wondering what’s on the test? See What is Included in the ADAT.