Rady Faculty of Health Sciences: Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry International Dentist Degree Program (IDDP) applicant information (2025-2026)
The purpose of this page is to provide information to prospective applicants to the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry at the University of Manitoba. This information outlines categories of admission, requirements, selection process, and deadlines.
On this page:
- Application deadline
- Section 1: General Statement
- Section 2: Eligibility Requirements
- Section 3: Application Process & Deadlines
- Section 4: Selection Process
- Section 5: Reconsideration & Appeals
- Section 6: Counselling of Applicants
- Section 7: Student Accessibility
- Section 8: Contact Information
- Section 9: Other
Application deadline
Track A: April 1, 2024
Track B: August 1, 2024
Section 1: General Statement
This page is available with, and constitutes part of, the application. It is assumed that all applicants have read and understood it prior to submitting the completed application.
Degree program offered
Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.)
Section 2: Eligibility Requirements
A. Academic Requirements
Applicants to the IDDP program will submit their application under Track A or Track B. In order to be eligible to apply to the International Dentist Degree Program, applicants must:
Track A
- Be a graduate of a minimum four-year university dental degree program, not recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.
- Have completed the Advanced Dental Admissions Test (ADAT) administered by the American Dental Association (ADA) by March 1 in the year of application.
- Will not participate in the examinations through the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB).
Track B
- Be a graduate of a minimum four-year university dental degree program, not recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.
- Have written and passed the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge; have written and passed the Assessment of Clinical Judgment (ACJ) examinations sponsored by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) within three years prior to the Track B application deadline, AND in the year of application have taken the National Dental Examination of Clinical Competence (NDECC) examinations sponsored by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) prior to the Track B application deadline (the NDECC must be taken by June in the year of application).
For information about the National Dental Examining Board Information for Graduates of Non-accredited Dental programs/NDEB Equivalency process see the NDEB website.
B. English Language Proficiency Requirements
All applicants must be proficient in both written and spoken English. Applicants who meet one of the English Language Proficiency Waivers from one of the approved countries will be deemed to have met this requirement (confirmatory proof will be requested).
All other applicants will be expected to complete one of the following two tests with the scores indicated:
1. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Examination; Listening, Speaking, Academic Reading and Academic writing modules. (Achieving a minimum overall average score of 7.0; and a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the components)
For information about IELTS and sites in Canada where this test is administered see the IELTS Canada website.
OR
2. The iBT (Internet based TOEFL), with a minimum overall score of 100, and a minimum of 24 in each of the components. Information about iBT and sites in Canada where this test is administered can be found on the TOEFL website.
Acceptable proof of English proficiency must be submitted by the application deadline. Official test score reports must be sent by the Testing Agency directly to the IDDP (address below). Tests are valid for two years prior to the application deadline date.
Section 3: Application Process & Deadlines
Applicants are required to submit one application whereby they can rank up to 5 choices.
A. Application Fees
| Application fees | |
|---|---|
| Canadian/Permanent Residents: | $100.00 |
| International applicants: | $120.00 |
Applications are not considered received until the application is submitted and the non-refundable application fee has been paid by the posted deadline.
All correspondence, including decision release information will be sent via email and posted to your application portal.
Please ensure your email account remains current and will accept emails from the University of Manitoba. Check your filters.
It is important to check your email and application portal regularly and specifically around the deadlines and important dates listed below.
B. Deadlines and Important Dates
| Date | Applicant category | Deadlines and important dates |
|---|---|---|
| April 1 | Track A | Last date for receipt of application and application fee. |
| April 15 | Track A | Last date to submit all required application documentation. |
|
Track A |
Last date to submit proof of English proficiency (if required). | |
| Track A | Official ADAT (Advanced Dental Admissions Test) scores directly from ADA (American Dental Association) | |
| Mid May | Track A | Applicants accepted for the On-site Assessment will be informed. |
| Mid - Late June | Selected Track A Applicants | On-Site Assessment. |
| August 1 | Track B | Last date for receipt of application and application fee. |
| August 15 | Track B | Last date to submit all required application documentation. |
| Track B | Last date to submit proof of English proficiency (if required). | |
| Early - Mid September | Selected Track B | On-line interview. |
| Late September - Mid October | Selected Applicants | Applicants will be contacted via email regarding the selection for admission decisions. |
| March 1 | Selected Applicants | Official NDEB confirmation showing all exams registered and taken up to March 1st the year of admission. |
C. Required Application Documentation
The following documents will be required to complete your application:
Official transcript (Track A & B)
Official transcripts and a notarized copy of your dental diploma OR Notarized copy of transcripts of dental school grades and dental diploma. Transcripts (original or notarized copies) from any university/college attended. A notarized copy of your rotating internship (if part of your dental education) and/or equivalent experience treating patients should also be submitted. An
English translation of international transcripts in languages other than English must be provided by the issuing institution or by a certified English translator. A translation must include a copy of the document on which the translation is based. The certified translator must include the original language photocopy and the English translation in sealed envelopes and endorse the envelopes by signing across the seal.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to inform the Admissions Office in writing of any deferred exams or grade changes.
All final grades, including grade changes must be submitted to the Admissions Office by the document deadline in order for them to be included in the final selection process.
ADAT Results (Track A)
Official ADAT (Advanced Dental Admissions Test) results directly from ADA (American Dental Association).
NDEB Results (Track A)
Applicants must provide all National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) examination results for all NDEB examinations taken.
- All NDEB examinations results must be sent directly from the NDEB to Jean.Lyon@umanitoba.ca.
- Candidates must also send a screenshot of all NDECC exams directly to Jean.Lyon@umanitoba.ca.
Proof of Canadian citizenship, Permanent Residence or Refugee status (Track A & B)
Proof of Canadian Citizenship, Permanent Residence or Refugee Status is required if born outside of Canada. If born in Canada a copy of Birth Certificate or Canadian Passport is required. Documents that are not in English must be accompanied by a notarized English translation.
Name change documentation (Track A & B)
Name change documentation is required if name change has occurred as a result of marriage, divorce or other reason.
Letter(s) from Licensing Bodies (Track A & B)
If you are or have been licensed to practice dentistry in any jurisdiction, letters of good standing (in English) from current and previous licensing bodies must be submitted.
Autobiographical Sketch (Track A & B)
An autobiographical sketch, not exceeding 800 words, should include your dental work experience following graduation and specific reasons why you merit consideration in the IDDP.
Resume/CV (Track A & B)
The resume/CV should show your working/volunteering experience including dates.
Photograph (Track B)
Track B applicants must submit a current passport size photograph (no older than 6 months).
Referees (Track A & B)
The names, addresses, and phone numbers of three persons who know you well and are willing to be referees for you must be provided (at least one from a dentist) (must not be a family member).
Self-Declaration of Criminal Record/Child/Adult Abuse Registry and Essential Skills and Abilities forms (Track A & B)
Self-Declaration of Criminal Record/Child/Adult Abuse Registry and Essential Skills and Abilities forms are required of all applicants. The questions are part of the online application.
Please send all application documentation to the following address:
International Dentist Degree Program
Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry
University of Manitoba
D113 - 780 Bannatyne Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2
Electronic transcripts should be submitted to Applicant.Services@umanitoba.ca.
In order to be considered official, electronic transcripts must be sent directly from the email of the office responsible for issuing transcripts. Transcripts emailed or forwarded by the applicant are considered unofficial.
The University of Manitoba is a registered receiving organization with MyCredsTM. Applicants from participating member universities and colleges can release their transcripts to the University of Manitoba through their MyCredsTM portal. Applicants should select 'Share' and then 'Organization' instead of opting for 'email'.
Applications are not complete until all necessary documents are received. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that our office receives all required information
D. Required Admission Documentation
All successful applicants to the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry are required to submit the following:
Study Permit
If you are accepted into the program and are not a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada you must produce a valid study permit for the full length of the program (2½ years), 2 months prior to commencement date of May for program, or the invitation for acceptance will be withdrawn (and may be offered to an alternate candidate).
Intersession Program
Students will join the College in early May of the year in which they are to begin the IDDP for an orientation program. The purpose of the orientation program is to acquaint students with the various policies, protocols, materials, and equipment used in the dental program at the University of Manitoba. Additionally, this intersession program will have a didactic and preclinical component intended to ensure that the IDDP students’ clinical treatment skills and knowledge are equivalent to the level of the students entering third year dentistry. Students will join the regular 3rd year class of Dentistry which begins in early August.
Immunization Requirements
All candidates who are offered a position in the incoming class must provide an up to date immunization record in order to register and attend classes.
Each applicant offered admission will receive a link to the fillable pdf immunization document which must be completed and returned to the Immunization Program Office prior to registration in the program.
Prospective students should refer to and be familiar with the College’s Infectious Diseases Policy Statement on the College’s website.
Any student applicant with an infectious disease should either delay their application to the program or disclose this information upon being accepted into the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry. Should a student who has been accepted into the program but has been found to be unable to meet the College’s Infectious Disease policy requirements, every effort will be made to accommodate the student until the guidelines are met. In some cases, it may be necessary to suspend or terminate the student from the program if it is shown that the policy guidelines are unable to be met.
Adult Criminal Record and Child and Adult Abuse Registry Checks
An adult criminal record check with vulnerable sector and Adult and Child Abuse registries checks are required of all applicants. Official criminal record check is required for all admitted students by the time of registration, and annually thereafter in accordance with existing policies of other health, education, and social services programs at the University of Manitoba. Applicants will need to comply with any University policy on criminal record and abuse checks that may be in effect as of the time of registration. Official adult and child abuse registry checks will be applied through the college prior to the first day of classes.
Section 4: Selection Process
A. Track A
The selection process for Track A consists of:
- Application Review, and
- An On-site Assessment at the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba. Only fully completed applications together with all necessary documentation received by the Track A application deadline date in the year prior to admission to the program will be considered in the Selection Process.
1. Application Review
Applicants will be selected for the On-site Assessment based on his/her (a) academic credentials, (b) work experience, (c) English language test results, and (d) ADAT Scores. Only the top ranked applicants will be invited for the On-site Assessment.
Applicants accepted for the On-site Assessment will be informed by mid-May of the year preceding entry into the program. Applicants who accept the offer of an Onsite Assessment visit must indicate their acceptance in writing and by submitting the non-refundable On-site Assessment fee of $1,600.00 CDN on or before the deadline given in the offer of the On-Site letter preceding entry into the program.
2. On-site Assessment
The On-site Assessment will be held in mid-June of the year preceding entry into the program. It consists of a personal interview and a psychomotor skills assessment on typodonts in simulated dental mannequins, Applicants will have the opportunity to meet some students presently entered into the undergraduate program. An on-line interview will be conducted on a date notified to the candidates who attend the On-site testing.
Components of the On-site Assessment:
a. Personal Interview
The on-line personal interview will be conducted by a panel of university members. Its purpose is to learn more about the educational and work experience of the candidate, as well as assess the candidate’s ability to communicate in English. The interview will assess aspects of the candidate’s life/practice experience relevant to their application to the University of Manitoba’s IDDP. The interview will last a maximum of 20 minutes.
b. Psychomotor Skills Assessment
This will involve tooth preparations and/or placement of restorations in typodont teeth on simulated dental mannequins. Opportunities for practice sessions will be provided prior to the testing day(s). Details of these exercises will be provided only to those selected for the On-site Assessment.
NOTE: Selection decisions in this category are necessarily subjective; decision rationale is neither recorded nor provided to the applicant.
B. Track B
The selection process for Track B consists of:
- Application Review: Applicants will be selected for an interview based on his/her (a) academic credentials, (b) the results of their NDEB Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge, Assessment of Clinical Judgement, and the National Dental Exam for Clinical Competence (AFK/ACJ/NDECC) (c) work experience, and (d) English language test results. Only the top ranked applicants will be invited for an interview to be held on-line on a date provided to successful candidates.
NOTE: Selection decisions in this category are necessarily subjective; decision rationale is neither recorded nor provided to the applicant.
The personal interview will be conducted by a panel of university members. Its purpose is to learn more about the educational and work experience of the candidate, as well as assess the candidate’s ability to communicate in English. The interview will assess aspects of the candidate’s life/practice experience relevant to their application to the University of Manitoba’s IDDP. The interview will last a maximum of 20 minutes.
Only fully completed applications together with all necessary documentation received by the Track B application deadline date in the year prior to admission to the program will be considered in the Selection Process.
C. Tie Breaking Procedure for Offers
In the event of a tie, the following procedure will be used:
- Increase the number of significant figures used in the calculation.
- Where a tie still exists, the application that was received first will be used to break the tie. All completed applications are time stamped upon submission; in the case of a paper application, these applications will be time stamped after they have been entered into the system by a University of Manitoba Admissions Office staff member.
D. Notification of Decision
Once a decision has been made, all applicants will receive an email notifying them of the admission decision. If an applicant is offered but does not accept the offer and pay the required deposit by the deadline date indicated in the letter, the offer will lapse. Lapsed offers will be considered a declined response. It is imperative that your e-mail account remain current and that you check it regularly or arrange for someone to check it in your absence.
Note: Track A applicants who are offered conditional admission must submit an official NDEB confirmation that the applicant has not participated in the NDECC and/or ACJ examinations in the year of admission.
Applicants will be informed in writing of their selection status by mid to late September to mid-October in the year prior to commencement of the program. In order to accept an offer of admissions a non-refundable deposit of $12,500.00 CDN will be required (this deposit is subject to change). The deposit will be applied to tuition fees at the time of registration.
The balance of fees will be due in the following months: Intersession fees and Clinic Instrument fees late April early May of the year of commencement of the program; Term I fees August/September; Term 2 fees early January. Please see fee deadline dates on the UM Financial Services website.
NOTE: Selection decisions are necessarily subjective; decision rationale is neither recorded nor provided to the applicant.
Section 5: Reconsiderations & Appeals
Individuals who wish to have their applications reconsidered should submit their request to the Chair of the Selection Committee. Past experience has shown that most inquiries can be satisfied at this level without further reference.
Persons wishing reconsideration of the decision of the Selection Committee shall direct their request to the Chair in writing within ten (10) business days of the posted decision date (see Section 8: Contact Information for Faculty contact).
Should the student wish to pursue the reconsideration decision further, such an appeal will be made in accordance with the Senate Committee on Admission Appeals Procedures.
Applicants are advised that appeals of reconsideration decisions by the Senate Admissions Appeal Committee focus on questions of correct adherence to published policies and procedures by the Committee of Selection, and NOT on subjective issues or the relative merits of the application.
Section 6: Counselling of Applicants
The Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry and Admissions Office are able to assist applicants who seek counselling regarding admission to the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry. However, it is policy not to instruct applicants as to a specific course of action they should follow, but rather to provide the information needed for applicants to make their own choice with respect to the alternatives available. The following points require special attention:
Section 7: Student Accessibility
The University of Manitoba is committed to providing all students equal access to learning opportunities. If you are a student with a diagnosed disability (permanent, chronic, or temporary) who may require academic accommodations, please contact Student Accessibility Services at 204-474-7423 or by email at student_accessibility@umanitoba.ca to learn more about the confidential supports that are available.
Section 8: Contact Information
Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry
D113-780 Bannatyne Avenue
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2
IDDP Coordinator
Jean Lyon
(204) 977-5611
The following other contacts may also be useful.
Student Accessibility Services
520 UMSU University Centre
66 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry Campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V6 Canada
204-474-7423
Student Advocacy Office
Room 520 UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellor's Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
204-474-7423
Section 9: Other
The Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, offers the IDDP to graduates of international dental programs that are not accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.
Upon satisfactory completion of the 3rd and 4th years of the dental program, IDDP participants will be awarded the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. All graduates of accredited dentistry programs in Canada, once having passed the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) examinations, are eligible for licensure/registration as a dentist in all provinces in Canada.