Language Proficiency

Effective communication is an essential component in the delivery of safe and effective dental care. In order to be eligible for a certificate of registration with the RCDSO, applicants must be able to demonstrate the ability to speak and write either English or French with reasonable fluency. Proficiency in English or French is required for dentists to effectively communicate with patients, other professionals, and with the College. The requirement for proficiency in English or French is set out in the RCDSO’s Registration Regulation.

An applicant can demonstrate that they have met the language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

One of the four Main Pathways, or
By submitting alternative evidence

Main Pathways to Demonstrate Proficiency

I graduated from an accredited dentistry program

This includes dentistry programs accredited by:

the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC)
the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association
the Australian Dental Council (after March 31, 2010)
the Dental Council – New Zealand (after December 14, 2011), or
the Irish Dental Council (after December 5, 2012)

Required Documentation:

Proof of dental education (choose one):

· A scanned copy of your dental degree

· An official transcript

· A letter from the dean

I graduated from a dentistry Qualifying or Degree Completion program I graduated from a non-accredited dentistry program taught in English or French I have successfully completed an English / French Language Proficiency Test

Applicants who meet the minimum score in one of the approved English / French language proficiency tests are deemed to have met the College’s language proficiency requirement. An applicant must meet the minimum acceptable score in each area, in addition to the overall band score.

Important Note: Scores are valid for two years from the date of the test. This timeframe aligns with the two-year validity period recommended by testing providers.

Applicants must submit original test results or a copy of test results from one of the following:

Approved Language Proficiency Test	Minimum Required Scores
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)	Academic Format: Writing – 7 Speaking – 7 Listening – 7 Reading – 7 Overall Band Score – 7.5 -OR- General Format: Writing – 7 Speaking – 7 Listening – 7 Reading – 7 Overall Band Score – 7.5
TOEFL iBT	Writing – 27 Speaking – 23 Listening – 24 Reading – 24 Overall Score – 100
Canadian English Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)	General Test: Writing – 8 Speaking – 8 Listening – 8 Reading – 8 Overall Score – 8
Pearson Test of English (PTE)	Core Test: Writing: 79-87 Speaking: 76-83 Listening: 71-81 Reading: 69-77
Test d’évaluation de français pour le Canada (TEF Canada)	Compréhension écrite (reading) - 233/300 points Compréhension orale (listening) - 280/360 points Expression écrite (writing) - 349/450 points Expression orale (speaking) - 349/450 points
Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF Canada)	Compréhension écrite (reading) – 499 points Compréhension orale (listening) – 503 points Expression écrite (writing) – 12 points Expression orale (speaking) – 12 points
Ordre des Dentistes du Québec	French Language Certificate (as required by ODQ): Issued within 2 years of submitting an application for registration

Alternative Evidence

Applicants who are unable to demonstrate language proficiency through one of the four main pathways may submit other evidence of language proficiency to the College. A submission to demonstrate language proficiency by other means must include both:

1. A letter written by the applicant 2. Supporting documentation

Examples of evidence that demonstrates language proficiency in English or French can include:

Options:	Required documentation:
1. Schooling: I graduated in a health profession training program taught fully in English or French *Examples: Dental Hygienist, Dental Assistant, Dental Office Administration, Pharmacy Technician/Assistant	A letter from the Dean or head of the program confirming the successful completion of the program, and that the program is taught entirely in English or French.
2. Teaching: I have teaching experience at a College or University in which the primary teaching language is English or French	A letter from the employer/faculty confirming language of instruction, employment dates, and attesting to the applicant’s language proficiency.
3. Work Experience: I am/have been employed as a health care provider where the primary language spoken was English or French	A letter from a previous employer confirming dates of employment, number of hours worked per day/week, primary responsibilities within the role, and information attesting to the applicant’s language proficiency in English or French.

*(Note: Any evidence submitted must be for experience gained within the last five years)

Evidence Review and Registration Committee

The evidence applicants provide to demonstrate language proficiency will be reviewed and considered by staff to determine whether the policy has been met. If College staff have concerns as to whether an applicant has demonstrated language proficiency, the application may be referred to the Registrar for review. In some instances, the Registrar may also provide the application to the Registration Committee for consideration.