Be Part of Something New: Join NDAEB’s Innovation & Testing Centre in Ottawa
The National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) is the national certification body for dental assistants in Canada. the NDAEB administers high-stakes certification examinations that are used by regulatory authorities across the country as a requirement for registration and licensure. Similar to national licensing examinations used in other health professions, such as nursing examinations administered for entry to practice, the NDAEB examination serves an important public protection function by determining whether candidates have demonstrated the knowledge, judgment, and competencies required for safe entry-level practice.
Due to growth, an ambitious strategic plan, and the launch of a brand-new Innovation & Testing Centre in Ottawa, the NDAEB is currently seeking a full time, Ottawa based, National Examiner, with extensive expertise in dental assisting, assessment and passionate about professional standards and public safety.
Reporting to the CAO/Registrar, this important onsite professional will serve as the senior subject matter expert and the senior authority responsible for the integrity, validity, and defensibility of the NDAEB Theory Examination and Clinical Practice Evaluation (CPE).
This role offers a unique opportunity to shape national entry-to-practice standards, lead innovation in testing and evaluation, and steward the future of dental assisting assessment across Canada.
You will provide national leadership in examination development, psychometrics, clinical evaluation, and testing innovation. You will work closely with committees, psychometricians, assessment staff, and educators to ensure all assessments reflect current practice and meet the highest standards of fairness and quality.
This position is ideal for a professional with significant experience in dental assisting practice, education, examination development, clinical evaluation, and assessment leadership who is passionate about advancing professional standards and supporting fair, reliable national examinations that support the issuance of the NDAEB certificate and contribute to public confidence and public safety.
The successful candidate will play a critical role in supporting the future of dental assisting assessment through leadership in:
- National Occupational Analysis (NOA) activities
- Examination blueprinting and item bank integrity
- Clinical Practice Evaluation standards and calibration
- Psychometric collaboration and standard setting
- Recruitment, training, and mentorship of evaluators and item writers
- Oversight of the NDAEB Innovation & Testing Centre
Key Responsibilities and Areas of Impact
National Subject Matter Leadership
- Serve as the principal subject matter expert for dental assisting entry-to-practice standards in Canada
- Lead the National Occupational Analysis (NOA) every 5–7 years
- Maintain and update the Dental Assisting Domain Description
- Review and approve the NDAEB Examination Blueprint
- Provide senior SME input to NDAEB committees and governance bodies
Examination & Assessment Oversight
- Serve as National Examiner for the NDAEB Written Examination and Clinical Practice Evaluation
- Oversee item development, validation, translation, and quality assurance
- Lead standard-setting (Angoff) and key validation activities
- Direct item bank management, growth, and renewal
- Ensure all assessments are psychometrically sound and legally defensible
Clinical Practice Evaluation Leadership
- Oversee development and delivery of CPE criteria, rubrics, and evaluation tools
- Chair Clinical Practice Evaluation Committee meetings
- Lead evaluator training, calibration, and quality assurance
- Support establishment and auditing of clinical evaluation sites
Training, Mentorship & Recruitment
- Recruit, train, and mentor:
- Clinical evaluators
- Session facilitators
- Item writers
- Examination and testing staff
- Provide guidance on staff continuing education and professional development
Innovation & Testing Excellence
- Champion innovation in assessment and testing
- Provide strategic and functional oversight of the NDAEB Innovation & Testing Centre
- Collaborate with psychometricians to implement best practices and emerging methodologies
What You Bring
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in dental assisting practice, education, examination development, or assessment
- Level II Dental Assisting Certificate and NDAEB Certification
- Experience in high-stakes assessment environments (e.g., examiner, evaluator, session facilitator)
- Strong understanding of entry-to-practice competencies and clinical standards
- Post-secondary degree in education, oral health, assessment, or a related field
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and organizational skills
- Mastery of English; French proficiency is an asset
Preferred Qualifications
- Graduate degree (master’s degree or higher) in education, assessment, oral health, public health, or a related discipline
- Advanced experience working with psychometricians or assessment data
- Experience leading national committees or large-scale assessment initiatives
Key Competencies
- National-level subject matter expertise
- Sound professional judgment in high-stakes environments
- Assessment and psychometric literacy
- Collaborative leadership and stakeholder engagement
- Ethical integrity and confidentiality
- Strategic thinking and adaptability
- Commitment to continuous professional learning
Why Join Us
- Work in a brand-new, state-of-the-art Innovation & Testing Centre
- Contribute to national standards in dental assisting certification and assessment
- Work at the intersection of clinical practice, education, and assessment science.
- Be part of a respected, high-impact organization influencing the profession across Canada
- Make a meaningful contribution to public safety and professional competance
- Lead innovation and excellence in high-stakes testing and evaluation
- Experience authentic teamwork in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment
- Benefit from supportive and caring leadership
- Enjoy a comprehensive group benefits plan
Workplace
This role is 100% onsite in Ottawa and requires an individual who is adaptable, strategic, collaborative, and committed to maintaining the highest standards in a regulated and high-stakes examination environment. Travel is required.
The salary range for this position is $90,000 to $140,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications, experience, and demonstrated competencies.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and résumé outlining their experience in dental assisting, assessment, and leadership to [email protected]
Please submit your cover letter and resume by 11:59 PM on Friday, July 3, 2026
NDAEB is committed to fairness, equity, and excellence in assessment and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.
Pay: $90,000.00-$140,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
