Application Requirements

In order to be considered for the DDS Advanced Standing Program for International Dental Graduates (ASPIDG), applicants must submit the online Application Form, application fee, and upload the required supporting documentation, including the Application Checklist, by the application deadline date.

Documentation must be received by our office by the application deadline. Documents received after the deadline date will not be considered.

Select applicants, who meet the application requirements, will be invited to register for the mandatory Bench Test, formerly known as the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Exam, which takes place at the beginning of December. The Continuing Dental Education PLA Course is no longer being offered. 

Completing the test does not guarantee admission into the DDS ASPIDG Program.

Application Fee

A non-refundable application fee of $375.00 CAD paid by certified cheque, money order, or bank draft, made payable to Western University Schulich Dentistry and mailed to:

Western University
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
1151 Richmond Street
Health Sciences Addition, Room HSA103
London, ON N6A 5C1
Attention: DDS Pathways Coordinator

 

Dental Degree/Diploma & Transcripts

Official copies of your degree/diploma and transcripts, from a minimum four (4)-year university dental program, must be sent directly from the issuing institution to dds.asp@schulich.uwo.ca. An official certified translation must be provided for degrees/diplomas and transcripts that are not in English.

Canadian Citizenship

Proof of permanent resident (PR) status or Canadian citizenship, such as a valid PR card, Canadian passport, or a Record of Landing/Confirmation of Permanent Residence that verifies your status. PR status or Canadian Citizenship is required by the application deadline date.

Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)

ADAT results must be sent directly from the ADA to Western University. ADAT results are valid for three (3) years. (The ADAT is only offered between March 1 - August 31 each year.)

English Proficiency

Electronic delivery of test results must be sent directly by the Test Centre. Results are valid for two (2) years from the date of the exam.*

All applicants must complete either an IELTS or TOEFL English language test, with the following exception: Applicants who have successfully completed three (3) years of full-time Canadian high school education in English. Official high school student transcripts showing the above must be uploaded in your application.

  1. TOEFL iBT (includes iBT Home Edition): A minimum total score of 88 is required with a minimum of 20 in each of the following sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. TOEFL DI Code for 'University of Western Ontario - Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry' is 8956; or
  2. IELTS (Academic): A minimum Overall Band Score of 6.5 is required with no band lower than 6.0 in each of the four sections. The IELTS One Skill Retake is NOT accepted. Organization ID is 128119.
*Test results received by our office after November 1, 2025 4:30 PM ET will not be considered. Book your test early to allow for score reporting and retesting if needed. 

Proof of Name Change (if applicable)

When your name on any of your documents is different from the name on your application, an official legal name change document, such as a marriage certificate or a sworn affidavit administered by a person legally authorized to do so.

Resume

Summary of your Dental Education, Professional Dental Experience, Continuing Dental Education courses taken, and other Additional Information, such as awards, publications, affiliations, etc. See sample resume format below.

Photo

A recent, passport-style colour photo.