Preparing to write the NDAEB exam is a big moment for any future dental assistant in Alberta, Canada. It is the final step before you can register with the College of Alberta Dental Assistants to become a dental assistant in Alberta and start working in a profession that blends healthcare, hands on skills, and real human connection. For many students, this exam feels intimidating at first. It represents everything you have learned in class, in the lab, and during clinical practice, all coming together on one important day. 

 

Here is some good news. You can pass the NDAEB exam in Alberta with confidence. The key is knowing what the exam is really testing and building a study plan that sets you up for success. Whether you are reviewing course notes, taking practice exams, or polishing your clinical knowledge, a clear strategy will make all the difference. This guide walks you through what the NDAEB covers, how to study effectively, and how a strong Dental Assisting program in Alberta help students succeed year after year. 

What the NDAEB Exam Is Really Testing 
 

The National Dental Assisting Examining Board exam is not just a memory test. It is designed to measure whether you can apply your training in real clinical situations. Alberta takes dental assisting seriously, which means the exam needs to confirm you understand how to keep patients safe, how to support dentists during procedures, and how to follow the professional standards expected across the country. 

 
The exam is four hours long and includes 200 multiple choice questions. It covers core competencies that every dental assistant must have, including: 
 

• Infection prevention and control 
• Chairside assisting procedures 
• Dental radiography and imaging 
• Dental sciences and oral anatomy 
• Preventive dentistry 
• Professionalism and ethics 
• Office administration and record keeping 
   

 
Along with standard multiple-choice questions, you will see case-based scenarios that require critical thinking. These questions describe a patient, a setting, or a dental procedure and ask you to choose the best clinical decision. This is why a strong understanding is more important than simple memorization. 
 

If your training includes hands-on labs, real clinical rotations, and job shadowing, you already have a foundation for this type of thinking. The NDAEB exam wants to see that you can combine theory with practical judgment, just like you would do on the job. 

How to Pass the NDAEB Exam in Alberta? Tips and Study Strategies 

 
Passing the NDAEB exam in Alberta is completely achievable with the right approach. These study strategies will help you stay focused, confident, and prepared for exam day. 
 

Start Early and Build a Study Plan 
 

The best way to stay calm during exam season is to start early. Treat the NDAEB like a marathon, not a sprint. Give yourself several weeks, or ideally a couple of months, to review everything. Break the content into small weekly goals. For example, spend one week reviewing infection control, another week on radiography, then move into clinical procedures and preventive dentistry. 
 

A steady, consistent study schedule helps your brain absorb information without feeling overwhelmed. Studying a little every day is far more effective than trying to cram everything into a weekend. 
 

Focus on Understanding Instead of Pure Memorization 
 

Many NDAEB questions test how you think, not just what you remember. Instead of trying to repeat facts word for word, focus on understanding why things are done a certain way. Ask yourself these questions as you study: 
 

• Why is this procedure important 
• What could happen if a step is skipped 
• How does this connect to patient safety 
• What is the purpose of each tool or material 
   

When you understand the logic behind procedures, case-based questions become easier to answer. You will naturally think through the scenario the way you would be in a real clinic. 
 

Use Active Learning Techniques 
 

Active learning helps your brain connect concepts more deeply. Instead of reading your notes passively, engage with the material in different ways. 
 

Try these strategies: 
 

• Create flashcards for dental instruments, anatomy, materials, and terminology 
• Explain a topic to a classmate or family member 
• Draw simple diagrams of tooth anatomy or radiograph angles 
• Rewrite your notes in your own words to reinforce understanding 
• Quiz yourself regularly 
   

The more you interact with the content, the more confident you will feel during the exam. 
 

Take Full Practice Exams 
 

Practice exams are one of the strongest tools for NDAEB preparation. They help you become comfortable with the format and timing while highlighting areas you need to improve. 
 

Schedule at least one four-hour practice test under real exam conditions. Sit in a quiet room, avoid your phone, and complete all 200 questions in one sitting. Afterwards, review every question carefully. Understanding why you got an answer wrong is just as important as knowing why you got one right. 
 

This kind of practice builds stamina and reduces stress on exam day. 
 

Study With a Group When You Need Motivation 
 

Studying alone works for some people, but others learn faster when they can talk through concepts with classmates. A study group can help you compare notes, quiz each other, and stay motivated. Even an online group or weekly meet-up can make a big difference. 
 

If you prefer independent studying, try joining a group only for mock exams or difficult topics. You can benefit from peer support while still keeping your own pace. 
 

Take Care of Yourself During Study Season 
 

Studying is important, but so is your health. Your brain performs best when you are well rested, hydrated, and mentally balanced. Try to: 
 

• Sleep at least seven hours a night 
• Drink water throughout the day 
• Take breaks during long study sessions 
• Stretch or walk between review sessions 
• Eat meals that keep your energy steady 
   

Avoid staying up late the night before the exam. A rested mind is sharper, calmer, and better at recalling information when it matters most. 
 

NDAEB Policy Changes Beginning in January 1, 2026

Effective January 1, 2026, all candidates who have not graduated from a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) are considered non-registered program graduates and will be required to successfully complete the Clinical Practice Evaluation (CPE) (Part I) BEFORE being granted eligibility for the Theoretical Examination (Part II). Upon successful completion of both the CPE and Exam, the NDAEB Certificate will then be issued.

Why Reeves College Is One of Alberta’s Top Choices for Dental Assisting Training  
 

If you want training that feels practical, supportive, and focused on getting you job ready, Reeves College’s Dental Assisting Diploma stands out. The program runs for 45 weeks at the Edmonton South campus and gives you the kind of hands-on experience employers look for. You learn chairside techniques, radiography, infection control, dental materials, and all day-to-day skills that keep a clinic running smoothly.  
 

One thing that really sets the program apart is how early you get real clinical exposure. Students complete a five-hour job shadow in the first week and follow it with 140 hours of practical experience. This means you are not just learning from a textbook. You are learning directly from working professionals in real dental environments.  
 

Graduates are also prepared to take the National Dental Assisting Examining Board exam and meet the requirements to register with the College of Alberta Dental Assistants. The program consistently reports strong exam success and high employment rates, which says a lot about the quality of training and support students receive. If you want a fast, focused, and career centred pathway into the dental field, Reeves College is a solid option worth considering. 
 

NDAEB Success Stories in Alberta 
 

If you ever start to doubt yourself, it helps to look at real examples of students who have passed the NDAEB exam in Alberta. Strong training programs across the province continue to see impressive results, which shows that good preparation works. 
 

Reeves College is a great example. Students in the Dental Assisting Diploma program receive hands-on training from the very beginning. At the Edmonton South campus, graduates achieved a 95 percent pass rate on the NDAEB exam in September 2025. Out of 20 students who wrote the exam, 19 passed. These results follow previous successes, including high pass rates in 2024 and 2025. 
 

What helps these students succeed is the structure of the program. Reeves College integrates job shadowing, real clinical experience, infection control training, radiography practice, and day to day chairside procedures into the curriculum. Students spend 45 weeks learning and practising skills that show up directly on the NDAEB exam. By the time they write the test, they are familiar with patient care, dental equipment, and the flow of a clinical environment. 
 

When your education mirrors national standards and you are trained in real dental settings, the NDAEB exam becomes less stressful. Students go in knowing they have the knowledge and experience to answer scenario-based questions with confidence. 

Final Thoughts 
 

Learning how to pass the NDAEB exam in Alberta is more than memorizing notes. It is about building a steady, realistic study plan that supports your confidence and brings together everything you learned during your program. The exam tests your ability to think like a dental assistant, to prioritize patient safety, and to apply your training in practical ways. 
 

With early preparation, active study techniques, and strong support from your instructors, you can absolutely succeed. Thousands of students across Alberta have passed the NDAEB and started meaningful careers in dental care. The key is trusting your training, taking your study sessions seriously, and giving yourself enough time to absorb the material. 
 

If you are enrolled in a program like the Dental Assisting Diploma at Reeves College, you already have the tools you need to do well. With hands-on experience, real clinical exposure, and structured exam preparation, you are on the right path. Stay focused, stay consistent, and believe in the skills you have built. Passing the NDAEB exam in Alberta is within reach, and once you do, your career in dental assisting can truly begin.