NDAEB · NDAEB (Canada)
National Dental
Assisting Exam.
Free 20-question NDAEB diagnostic, built from real exam-style items. See exactly where you stand across all 7 domains in about 30 minutes — no signup to start, instant topic-gap report.
20 questions · ~30 min · no signup to start · instant topic-gap report
Mock variants
4 ways to sit NDAEB.
Blueprint · topic weights
7 domains, honestly weighted.
Diagnostic and mock items are sampled in proportion to the published NDAEB (Canada) competency document — never random.
01Ethical and Legal Practice as a Dental AssistantScope of practice, consent, confidentiality, jurisprudence, professional regulation. Official weight: ~5%.5%
02Dental SciencesHead and neck anatomy, tooth morphology, microbiology, oral pathology, embryology, and histology relevant to dental assisting. Official weight range: 7-12%.9%
03Clinical Support ProceduresFour-handed dentistry, tray setup, instrument transfer, isolation assistance, sterilization, infection control, occupational safety. Official weight range: 10-15%.11%
04Patient RecordsCharting, documentation, radiographic records, intraoral imaging, photo records, electronic dental records. Official weight range: 10-12%.10%
05Patient Care ProceduresRestorative, endodontic, surgical, prosthodontic, orthodontic, periodontic, and pediatric chairside support; assessment, vital signs, medical history, emergency response. Official weight range: 40-50% — the largest single-domain band of the exam.42%
06Practice Management ProceduresScheduling, inventory, sterilization records, recall systems, business administration, communication. Official weight range: 5-10%.7%
07Preventive ProceduresCoronal polishing, fluoride application, sealants, oral hygiene instruction, dietary counselling, caries risk assessment. Official weight range: 15-20%.16%
FAQ
Everything candidates ask about NDAEB.
- Who writes the NDAEB Theory Examination?
- The National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) administers the Theory Examination, the written component of the Canadian National Dental Assisting certification. It is recognised by every Canadian provincial dental assisting regulator. Most candidates also complete the separate Clinical Practice Evaluation (CPE) administered by NDAEB.
- What is the NDAEB Theory Examination format?
- Per the NDAEB Theory Examination Candidate Handbook, the exam is a computer-based 200 multiple-choice question test (including case-based items) delivered in English or French. The maximum duration is 4 hours with no scheduled breaks (extended accommodations available on approval).
- What are the seven NDAEB Theory domains?
- The NDAEB blueprint distributes 200 items across seven domains with the following official weight ranges: Ethical and Legal Practice as a Dental Assistant (~5%); Dental Sciences (7-12%); Clinical Support Procedures (10-15%); Patient Records (10-12%); Patient Care Procedures (40-50%, the largest domain); Practice Management Procedures (5-10%); Preventive Procedures (15-20%).
- What is the NDAEB pass mark?
- The NDAEB Theory Examination is scored using the modified Angoff standard-setting method, with the passing score generally falling in the low-to-mid 60s percentage range. Results are reported as Pass or Fail. First-time pass rates for graduates of CDAC-accredited Canadian dental assisting programs are historically high.
- How long should I study for the NDAEB?
- Most candidates allocate eight to twelve weeks of structured review. Concentrate hours on Patient Care Procedures (40-50% of items) and Preventive Procedures (15-20%), which together account for over half of every NDAEB sitting. Clinical Support Procedures and Patient Records (each ~10-15%) deserve secondary focus.
- When is the NDAEB Theory Examination administered?
- NDAEB offers four sittings per year. 2026 dates: June 24-26 (deadline May 4, 2026); September 23-25 (deadline August 4, 2026); December 9-11 (deadline October 19, 2026). 2027 sittings: March 23-25, June 23-25, September 22-24, December 8-10 (deadlines published on ndaeb.ca). The March 2026 sitting has already taken place.
- How much does the NDAEB Theory Examination cost?
- Per ndaeb.ca/fees (2026 fees): non-refundable Application Fee CAD $100 + Examination Fee CAD $630 = $730 total for a first attempt. Rewrite is $100 application + $630 exam = $730. A new Remedial Examination Attempt Fee of CAD $50 became available January 1, 2026 for candidates entering NDAEB's remediation pathway after three unsuccessful attempts. CPE fees are separate (Application $100 + Evaluation $1,685).
- Does Lumen's NDAEB module include the CPE?
- No. Lumen's NDAEB module covers the written Theory Examination only. The Clinical Practice Evaluation (CPE) is administered separately by NDAEB at approved CPE centres and is hands-on — Lumen prepares you for the written gate, not the hands-on assessment.
- How do I sign up for Lumen?
- You can take the free diagnostic without an account. To save attempts, see rationales, and unlock full mocks, sign in with email — we send a magic link, no password to forget.
- Are rationales reviewed by clinicians?
- Yes. Every item ships with a clinician-written rationale that cites the published competency guideline it maps to. Items flagged by users get re-reviewed within a business day.
Why Lumen for NDAEB
Built by clinicians, priced for students.
01
Blueprint-aligned items.
Topic weights match the published competency document. No guessing what the test cares about.
02
Every rationale signed.
A licensed clinician wrote, reviewed, and cited every explanation. Flag one and we re-review within a day.
03
Diagnostic before you pay.
Free 20-item diagnostic with full topic gap analysis. No credit card. Decide if we’re right for you, then upgrade.
Independent study tool. Not endorsed by NDEB, ADA, or JCNDE. We do not promise passing scores. All items are exam-style and based on publicly available competency guidelines.