The dental profession in Quebec is classified as an "exclusive" profession. Dentists must hold a permit from the Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ) and be entered on the Roll of the Order if they wish to practise in the province. Note that it is not necessary to be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen to obtain a permit. The permit is an official document signed by the President and the Secretary of the ODQ, certifying that the holder has met the relevant conditions.

Graduates of Quebec dentistry schools wishing to practise as dentists must have:

• completed the required studies;
• passed the ODQ examination, which at this time is the theory and clinical exam administered by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada, and met other requirements, including appropriate knowledge of French;
• paid the required fees.

Click here to download the application for a permit to practise dentistry in Quebec.

Entry on the roll

The Roll is the list of all members in good standing of the Ordre des dentistes du Québec. Once a dentist holds a permit, he or she must be entered on the Roll of the Order and pay the required fees by July 1 of each year. In addition, all practising dentists are required to contribute to the professional liability insurance fund of the Ordre des dentistes du Québec.

In 2011-2012, the fees are as follows:

• Students submitting a standard request for a permit: $1,184.45
• Students applying for a permit while in their first year of residency: $299.45

Entry on the Roll is governed, in part, by the following legislation:

• Professional Code, RSQ, c. C-26
• Regulation respecting the terms and conditions for the issue of permits by the Ordre des dentistes du Québec, D-3, r.6.1; D.619-33, 1993 G.O. 2, 3385
• Regulation respecting compulsory contribution to the professional liability insurance fund of the Ordre des dentistes du Québec, D-3, r. 11.2; D.1750-89, 1989 G.O. 2, 5747.