Learn more about the Canadian Dental Care Plan

Application Requirements

To practise dentistry in Ontario, you must comply with General Requirements and Conditions listed in the Regulation: 

  1. O. Reg. 205/94 GENERAL | ontario.ca
  2. Requirements by Certificate Type

Certificates of Standing

If you have practised or been licensed in another jurisdiction:

You must request a Certificate of Standing from each licensing authority.

  • The regulatory body must send the certificate directly to RCDSO via email:
     registration@rcdso.org
  • Certificates of Standing are only valid for 3 months after issuance. 

If you are (or were) licensed in another profession:

Even if it's a different health profession (in or outside Ontario), you must also submit a Certificate of Standing from that profession’s regulator.

How to Apply and get Licensed

  1. Start your application using our online applicant portal.
  2. Upload required documents, pay the application fee, and submit your application.
  3. After submitting, a personalized document checklist will be generated for you.
  4. Have your application reviewed and approved, which may include collection of additional documents. 

Important: some documents (like certificates of standing) expire after 90 days. We do not recommend applying  more than 3 months before you plan to register.

Application Review Timelines

  • Once all documents and the application fee are submitted, RCDSO staff will begin to process your application.
  • Once your application is in process, you will receive an update within 2 weeks about any missing documents or next steps.

Processing time:

Typically 2-8 weeks, depending on whether there are outstanding document or information.  

Applications may take longer if:

  • Documents are missing
  • There are additional elements to review with your application (e.g., disciplinary, health, or judicial conduct history)
  • The file must be reviewed by the Registration Committee

Tip: It’s your responsibility to follow up with third-party organizations (like universities or regulators) to make sure documents are sent to RCDSO in a timely manner.

Application Outcomes

  1. You meet all registration requirements:
    Your application will be approved, and you will be issued your licence to practise.
  2. Your application is referred to the Registration Committee:
    This may happen if:
    • The Registrar has doubts on reasonable grounds about whether an applicant fulfills the registration requirements;
    • The Registrar is of the opinion that terms, conditions or limitations should be; imposed on the certificate and the applicant does not consent to the imposition;
    • The Registrar is considering refusing the application.

If your file is referred:

  • You’ll be notified and given a chance to make written submissions.
  • The Registration Committee meets every 8–10 weeks, so applications referred to the Committee will take longer to review.

The Committee may decide to:

  • Approve your application and issue a licence
  • Approve it with terms, conditions, or limitations
  • Approve it after you complete additional steps (e.g., courses or additional training)
  • Refuse the application

You will receive the decision in writing. If applicable, you will also receive information about how to appeal to the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board.

Learn more about your applicant type

Ontario Applicants 
Out-of-Province Applicants 
International Applicants 

Relevant legislation: Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, Schedule 2 (15)