Career Map: Denturist

This document was developed in collaboration with the Access to Professions and Trades Unit, Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities in March 2004. Requirements may have changed by the time you apply. Please contact the College of Denturists of Ontario before completing your application.

Copyright of this Fact Sheet is held jointly by the Queen’s Printer for Ontario and the College of Denturists of Ontario , © 2004. This Fact Sheet may be used or reproduced by any third party for non-commercial, not-for-profit purposes, provided that no fee, payment or royalty of any kind shall be charged by the third party for any further use of the Fact Sheet by any person. Any proposed commercial or for-profit use or reproduction of this Fact Sheet requires a written license from the Queen’s Printer for Ontario and the College of Denturists of Ontario.

Denturists are licensed to assess the oral condition of patients and to make, repair, and adjust complete dentures, partial dentures, removable implant retained dentures, immediate dentures, anti-snoring appliances, athletic mouth guards, and tooth whitening trays.

In some practices, the Denturist is entirely dedicated to fabrication and repair work. In others, the Denturist both sees the patient and makes the patient’s dentures or other dental appliance.

Regulation of Denturism – the College of Denturists of Ontario

Denturists in Ontario are regulated by The College of Denturists of Ontario (CDO). The CDO is a regulatory body, not an educational institution. It operates under the authority of the Regulated Health Professions Act and the Denturism Act. Its purpose is to regulate, govern, and develop the profession while serving and protecting the public interest.

Only individuals who are registered with the CDO can practice Denturism and use the title “Denturist”. It is illegal to use this title in Ontario if you do not hold a current Certificate of Registration with the College.

Registration Requirements in Ontario

In order to register as a Denturist in Ontario, you must:

1. Show proof that you have completed a Denturist program that is equivalent to a Denturist program offered at an accredited institution in Ontario.
2. Be reasonably fluent in English or French.
3. Show that you are mentally competent to practice the profession and will practice the profession with decency, integrity, and honesty in accordance with the law.
4. Show that you can communicate effectively with and will display an appropriate attitude towards patients and colleagues.
5. Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada or have authorization under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act of Canada to practice as a Denturist.
6. Have successfully completed both written and practical qualifying exams set by the CDO.

For details on the actual registration steps, see the Registration Application Process section.

Language Proficiency Assessment

The CDO does not require a language proficiency exam. Applicants for whom English is a second language can apply without taking this type of test. However, the licensing process involves exams that require excellent oral and written English language skills. If you feel uncomfortable reading complex documentation, and writing reports in English, you should consider upgrading your English skills before applying.

Before You Immigrate to Canada

Before you immigrate to Canada you can obtain information about the registration procedures for Denturists from the CDO. You can also download or request the Application Form for Certificate of Registration. See the Contact Information section of this career map.

You can submit your application along with official transcripts before you immigrate.

All documents sent to the CDO must be in English or French. If your documents are in another language, they must be translated, at your expense, before being submitted to the CDO. Notarized translations will be required.

Registration Application Process - Three Step Summary

Step 1 – Application With The CDO

To start the process, you need an application form from the CDO. You can contact the CDO and request a registration package. The package includes:

• A guide to the process of registering as a Denturist in the province of Ontario.
• The application form.
• Registration regulations made under the Denturism Act.
• A brochure about the role and mandate of the CDO.

Alternatively, you can get the registration information and download the application form at this address.

When you send in your completed application, you must include the following:

• Two passport photographs with your name, printed in block letters, and your signature on the back.
• A certified copy of your birth certificate.
• Official transcripts of marks at college or university - also certified.
• A notarized application for registration form that authorizes the CDO to collect additional information if necessary.
• A certified cheque or money order in the amount of $175.00.

Please ensure that all questions are answered and all documents are submitted. Your application will not be considered until all information is received. If your documentation is in a language other than English or French, it is your responsibility to have it officially translated. All documents must be original transcripts or be properly notarized.

You may be asked to have your credentials assessed at your expense by a recognized credential evaluation service such as International Credential Evaluation Services (ICES). For information on credential evaluation services see the Contact Information section of this career map.

The time needed to complete the assessment of an application varies considerably. Delays will occur if the CDO has questions about your documents requiring clarification or if additional information is needed to continue the review of your application.

The non-refundable application fee in the amount of $175.00 must accompany the completed application form. The fee should be a certified cheque or money order, payable to the College of Denturists of Ontario.

The College will keep you informed of the status of your application by mail. Applicants are asked not to telephone the College to enquire about the status of their application. All requests should be submitted in writing, via mail or email, to the attention of the Registrar.

If you have difficulty understanding the forms or the requirements, the staff of the College will be pleased to help you at no cost. You can call or email your questions. See the Contact Information section for more information.

To become eligible to write the qualifying examination, you may be required to provide additional information regarding your qualifications or even complete supplementary studies.

Step 2 – Qualifying Examinations

If your application is accepted, you are eligible for the qualifying examination.

You will be sent a protocol that details the examination process. You will also be informed of the exact date, time, and location of the examination.

It is very important to advise the CDO office, in writing, of any change of address during the application process.

The CDO Registration Committee administers the examination, which is held once a year. The examination is actually made up of two components - a written examination and a practical (clinical) examination. You must successfully complete the written examination before you are permitted to attempt the practical examination and you must successfully complete both examinations in order to qualify for a Certificate of Registration.

The written examination takes one full day. It consists of 300 multiple choice questions, 150 pertaining to denture fabrication and 150 pertaining to core sciences supporting the practice of the profession.

To help you prepare for the written examination, you can participate in mock examination sessions. These sessions consist of 100 randomly selected practice questions at a cost of $75.00 per session. There is no limit to the number of times you can write the mock examination but sessions are available by appointment only and are held at the College of Denturists of Ontario office located in Toronto. See the Contact Information section for the address.

The practical examination takes five days. Four projects must be successfully completed. For supervised practice experience, CDO refers candidates to George Brown College.

Candidates seeking admission to either the written examination or the practical examination should note that a certified cheque or money order, made payable to the College of Denturists of Ontario, must accompany their application for admission to the examinations. The examination fees are subject to change without notice. See the Fees And Costs section.

Candidates are advised, in writing, as to whether they have successfully completed the examination and are eligible to proceed to the next stage. If a candidate fails, he or she is eligible to participate in a supplemental examination held at the next available exam session. Candidates may obtain assistance in examination preparation from George Brown College through two upgrading programs offered as continuing education sessions at their campus in Toronto. If a candidate fails the examination two times, they may request permission from the Registration Committee to participate in the next examination session. The Committee may recommend or require candidates to complete upgrading education programs prior to attempting the examination for a third time.

Step 3 – Registration

Applicants who successfully complete both the written and clinical examinations are then eligible for registration as a Denturist in the province of Ontario.

Upon registration with CDO, you will receive a Quality Assurance Program Manual, which will include copies of relevant legislation governing Denturists in Ontario.

In order to activate and maintain a Certificate of Registration, you must complete an annual information form, pay the annual registration fees, and meet any and all terms and conditions set by the College for a certificate of registration. See the Fees And Costs section.

The annual registration fee does not include malpractice insurance. This insurance is mandatory for practicing Denturists and can be obtained through the Denturist Association of Ontario or through an independent insurance broker. Active Denturists must provide proof of insurance to the College on an annual basis at the time of their license renewal or upon written request from the College.

Labour Market Information

Denturists examine patients, make impressions, design/construct dentures, and fit, modify, and repair dentures. Typically, Denturists work in:

• Denturist clinics, Dentists' offices, and laboratories.
• Public health, community care, other health practices, and hospitals.
• Educational institutions.
• Research.

Most Denturists have their own practices or work as an associate with other Denturists.

Over 80% of Denturists work at least part time in their own practice. In fact, 66% spend all of their time in their own practice.

About 10% are involved, at least part of the time, in partnership with another denturist and 5% devote all of their time to such a practice.

A similar number devoted at least some of their time as an employee or associate to a Denturist. Typically, Denturists spend 7% of their time thus employed, including 5% who spend all of their time employed by another Denturist.

About 21% of Denturists are employed in more than one location.

On average, Denturists in Ontario treat approximately 500 patients and have about 1,250 visits per year. Some practices, consisting of several denturists and support staff, see many thousands of patients.

While 10% of Denturists have over 1,000 patients, 39% report that their patients made over 1,000 visits. The average patient visits 2.5 to 3 times. The average number of visits per day is almost 6 visits.

In general, Denturists report that slightly less than half the visits are from existing patients. This suggests that more than half of their patients are new.

For more information on labour market conditions see Ontario Job Futures on the Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) website – see the Contact Information section of this career map. In Ontario, this information is available at public libraries or HRDC Employment Resource Centres in your community.

Fees and Costs

(in Canadian dollars)

The following table lists all predictable costs and fees. This may include:

Description	Fee
CDO Application Fee	$175
CDO Examination:
Mock (practice) Examination Sessions (optional)	$75
Written Examination	$500
Practical (Clinical) Examination	$2,000
CDO Annual Registration Fee (for 2004/2005) *	$1,926
Insurance	varies

* This fee may be prorated for the first year depending on the month you are eligible to activate your license. After the first year of a partial year of registration, Certificates must be renewed annually on April 15. Refer to the CDO website for more information.

Contact Information

For more information on registration requirements in Ontario:

The College of Denturists of Ontario
(Regulatory Body - Not a School)
180 Bloor Street, West, Suite 903
Toronto, ON M5S 2V6
Tel. (416) 925-6331 or 1-888-236-4326
Fax. (416) 925-6332
Email: info@denturists-cdo.com
Web: www.denturists-cdo.com
Registration page:
www.denturists-cdo.com/site/registration?nav=05

For more information on professional associations:

Denturists Association of Ontario
100-6205 Airport Road, Building "B"
Mississauga, Ontario, L4V 1E1
Tel: (905) 677-0440
Fax: (905) 677-5067
Web: www.dao.on.ca

The Denturists Association of Canada
P.O. Box 46114 RPO Westdale
Winnipeg, MB R3R 3S3
Tel: 1-800-773-0099
Fax: (204) 895-9595
Web: www.denturist.org

For information on where and how to get help with settlement in Ontario:

Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI)
110 Eglinton Avenue West, Suite 200
Toronto, Ontario M4R 1A3
Tel: (416) 322-4950
Email: generalmail@ocasi.org
Web: www.settlement.org

For information about accessing health related professions in Ontario contact:

HealthForceOntario
Access Centre for Internationally
Educated Professionals
163 Queen Street East, 2nd Floor
Toronto, ON M5A 1S1
Tel. 416-862-2200 or 1-800-596-4046
TTY: 416-862-4817
Fax: 416-862-4818
Email: accesscentre@healthforceontario.ca
Website: www.healthforceontario.ca

For information on the laws that govern Denturists in Ontario:

Ontario Statutes and Regulations
Tel: (416) 416-326-5300 or
1-800-668-9938
Web: www.e-laws.gov.on.ca

For information on Denturist programs:

George Brown College
Denturist Program (S101)
P.O. Box 1015, Station B
Toronto, Ontario M5T 2T9
Tel: 416-415-2000 or 1-800-265-2002
Web: www.georgebrown.ca
Program Link: www.georgebrown.ca/Marketing/FTCal/hsci/S101.html

For information on labour market trends in Canada:

Workplace Information Directorate
Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC)
Ottawa, Canada KlA 0J2
Tel: 1-800-567-6866
Web: www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca

For information on certified translation services:

Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC)
1 Nicholas, Street Suite 1202
Ottawa, Ontario K1N 7B7
Tel: (613) 562-0379
Fax: (613) 241-4098
Email: info@cttic.org
Web: www.cttic.org/mission.asp

Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO)
1 Nicholas Street, Suite 1202
Ottawa, Ontario K1N 7B7
Tel: (613) 241-2846 or 1-800-234-5030
Fax: (613) 241-4098
Email: info@atio.on.ca
Web: www.atio.on.ca

For information on education evaluation reports:

World Education Services (WES)
2 Carlton Street, Suite 1400
Toronto ON M5B 1J3
Tel: 416-972-0070 or 1-866-343-0070
Fax: 416-972-9004
Email: inquiry@wes.org
www.wes.org/ca

International Credential Evaluation Services (ICES)
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC V5G 3H2
Tel: (604) 432-8800
Fax: (604) 435-7033
Email: icesinfo@bcit.ca
Web: http://www.bcit.ca/ices/whatwedo.shtml

Copyright in this career map is held jointly by the Queen's Printer for Ontario and the College of Denturists of Ontario, © 2004.

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