Certificate of Standing Form

Certificate of Standing Requirements

Applicants to the RCDSO who are or have been licensed to practise dentistry in another Canadian province or territory or an international jurisdiction must arrange to have a Certificate of Standing submitted directly from the relevant regulatory authority as a part of the application process.

What is a Certificate of Standing?

A Certificate of Standing is an official document completed by a dental regulatory authority. It verifies:

• Full legal name, types of licenses or certificates held (e.g. General, Specialty) and effective dates of registration
• That you are currently, or have previously been, authorized to practise dentistry in that jurisdiction.
• That you are (or were) in good standing, meaning:
  • Your licence has not been suspended or revoked.
  • There are no disciplinary findings, ongoing investigations, or allegations related to professional misconduct, incompetence, or incapacity.
  • Any other information that may be relevant to your application for registration

Who Must Complete the Certificate of Standing Form?

The form must be completed by the dental regulatory authority in every jurisdiction (within Canada or internationally) where:

• You currently hold, or have previously held, a licence or registration to practise dentistry.

How to Submit the Certificate of Standing

• The completed Certificate of Standing must be sent directly from the regulatory authority to the RCDSO.
• Submission by email is preferred: registration@rcdso.org.
• Documents sent by the applicant or any third party other than the regulatory authority will not be accepted.

Note: Letters of reference or character are not substitutes for a Certificate of Standing.

Important Notes for International Applicants

If the regulatory authority in your jurisdiction refuses to complete the RCDSO form, they must:

• Send their own official version of a Certificate of Standing, which must include:
  • the applicant’s registration history, including registration dates;
  • current registration status;
  • whether their license has ever been suspended, cancelled or revoked;
  • information about the applicant’s previous and current conduct history, including whether they have been, or are currently, the subject of any complaints, investigations, allegations or findings of professional misconduct.

Upon receipt of your complete application, RCDSO staff will conduct a review and inform you if further documentation or clarification is required. 

Note that Certificates of Standing are only valid for 90 days.