Ibrahim Gardner
Canada is a popular study destination for international students due to its high-quality education, pro-immigration policies, and enhanced learning environment. For those interested in studying dentistry in Canada, there are several options available. International students can pursue undergraduate dental degrees, which typically last four years, or graduate and postgraduate programs, which can range from five to six years. Additionally, international students with recognised dental degrees can specialise and pursue master's degrees in dentistry, or pass the eligibility requirements set by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) to begin practising. Canada offers a range of dental courses for international students, including oral, dental hygienist, pediatric dentistry, and research-oriented programs. The country's dental colleges also provide a robust alumni network and clinical teaching models, where students can gain hands-on experience treating patients under the supervision of licensed dentists.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Admission requirements | High school education with a 3.0 GPA or above with physics, chemistry, and biology as core subjects |
| Course duration | Undergraduate programs are four years; graduate programs are two years; Postgraduate programs are five years; Advanced diploma programs are three years |
| Course structure | Research-based and based on a teaching clinic model where students work on real-life dental issues |
| Specialisations | Endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, oral and maxillofacial pathology, pediatric dentistry, dental public health, and oral medicine |
| Job prospects | Dentistry is one of the highest-paying professions in Canada, with an average annual salary of 175,823 USD/year |
| Licencing | To practice dentistry in Canada, a licence from the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) is required |
| Accreditation | The Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) and the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) are the accrediting bodies for dental programs in Canada |
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What You'll Learn
Admission requirements for undergraduate dental degrees
Academic Requirements
All Canadian dental schools require applicants to submit Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) scores. The DAT evaluates general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, two- and three-dimensional visual perception, and manual dexterity. While DAT scores are mandatory, they are only one factor considered when evaluating applicants. Other academic requirements include a minimum number of years of undergraduate study and a high school education with a 3.0 GPA or above, with physics, chemistry, and biology as core subjects. Some dental schools also require specific prerequisite courses, such as maths and sciences, to be completed before enrolment. Advanced biology and physics are typically not required.
Application Process
To apply to a dental school in Canada, you must contact the school(s) of your choice and submit a completed application according to their instructions. Each dental school in Canada has different requirements, so it is essential to review the specific requirements of your chosen institution(s). Some universities require applicants to submit autobiographical sketches and may request interviews as part of the admissions process.
Additional Requirements for International Students
International students interested in pursuing an undergraduate dental degree in Canada have several options. They can attend undergraduate dental school, specialise and pursue a master's degree in dentistry if they already have an internationally recognised dental degree, or pass the eligibility requirements set by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) and begin practising dentistry in the country. Additionally, if an international student has a bachelor's degree in dentistry from a university outside of Canada, they may need to complete a bridging program or the International Dentist Advanced Placement Program (IDAPP) before applying for graduate school in Canada. Furthermore, international applicants from non-English speaking countries must provide results from an English language proficiency examination taken within the last two years.
Other Considerations
It is important to note that dentistry education in Canada is research-based and taught through a teaching clinic model, where students gain hands-on experience by treating patients under the supervision of licensed dentists. The duration of undergraduate dental programs in Canada is typically four years, followed by a national licensing exam administered by the NDEB, which must be passed to practise dentistry in the country.
Financial Considerations
Tuition fees across Canada continue to rise, and there may be varying costs for international students. Financial aid opportunities may be available, as some dental schools offer scholarships and bursaries to international students. Additionally, specific awards, such as the Wilson G. Harron Award for Aboriginal Students at the University of Toronto, are available to assist students with financial expenses.
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Options for international students
International students can pursue a career in dentistry in Canada through a few options. Firstly, they can enrol in an undergraduate dental programme at a Canadian university. This option typically requires a high school education with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in physics, chemistry, and biology. Bachelor's degrees in dentistry in Canada usually take four years to complete.
Alternatively, if an international student already holds a recognised dental degree from another country, they can choose to specialise and pursue a master's degree in dentistry in Canada. Master's programmes typically last two years. To be eligible for a master's programme, international students may need to complete a bridging programme or the International Dentist Advanced Placement Program (IDAPP) if their previous degree is not recognised by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC).
Another option for international students is to pass the eligibility requirements set by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) and begin practising dentistry in the country. This route typically involves taking a national exam to certify their dental degree. Additionally, international students can explore dental diploma courses in Canada, which offer an affordable and quick route to becoming a dentist.
Canada offers a range of dental courses for international students, including oral, dental hygienist, pediatric dentistry, and more. Top universities for dentistry in Canada include McGill University, the University of Manitoba, and the University of New Brunswick. The University of Toronto also offers a pathway for internationally trained dentists to gain a licence to practise in Canada through their International Dentist Advanced Placement Program (IDAPP).
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Specialisations and postgraduate study
International students interested in studying dentistry in Canada have three options: attending undergraduate dental school, specialising and pursuing a master's degree in dentistry if they already have an internationally recognised dental degree, or passing the eligibility requirements set by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) and beginning to practise dentistry in Canada.
There are several specialisations within dentistry that students can pursue at the postgraduate level, including endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, oral and maxillofacial pathology, pediatric dentistry, dental public health, and oral medicine. These specialisations typically require an additional two to four years of study after completing an undergraduate dental degree.
Students who have obtained a bachelor's degree in dentistry from a Canadian university can directly apply for a master's programme in dentistry. However, if a student has an international degree that is not recognised by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC), they must complete a bridging programme or the International Dentist Advanced Placement Program (IDAPP) before applying for graduate school.
The University of New Brunswick, for example, offers continuing education options for dentist graduates to enhance their learning. The University of Manitoba focuses on providing hands-on training to help students align their dental learning experiences with real-world demands.
Additionally, most dental alumni in Canada have become recognised dentists or surgeons, and engaging with them can help students learn about the contemporary dentistry industry's demands and build their professional careers.
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The National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB)
International students can study dentistry in Canada, but it is a lengthy and difficult process. The dental field is highly regulated in Canada, and there are a number of steps that international students must take to become certified dentists.
The NDEB website is a valuable resource for applicants, providing information on examination dates and locations, how to apply, how to prepare, and frequently asked questions. The NDEB Equivalency Process includes three examinations. Successful completion of these examinations allows individuals to move on to the NDEB Certification Process.
Accredited Qualifying and Degree Completion Programs are offered by select Faculties of Dentistry in Canada. These programs are designed to familiarise international graduates with dentistry and dental practice in Canada. Upon successful completion of a Qualifying or Degree Completion Program, individuals are eligible to participate in the NDEB Certification Process.
After completing their BDS, DDS, or DMD undergraduate degree in dentistry, students can go on to graduate studies in specialisations such as oral, dental hygienist, or pediatric dentistry. The fees for a master's in dentistry start from 13,000 USD per year. A student with a bachelor's degree in dentistry from a Canadian university can apply directly for the course. However, if a student has an international degree that is not recognised by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC), they must complete a bridging program or the International Dentist Advanced Placement Program (IDAPP) before applying for graduate school.
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Job prospects and salaries
Dentistry is a highly regulated profession in Canada, and to practice as a dentist, one must be a licensed member of a provincial or territorial regulatory body. With this license, one can work in private practice, hospitals, clinics, public health facilities, or universities.
There is an increasing demand for dentists in Canada due to population growth, an aging population, and technological advancements in diagnosis and treatment. This demand is expected to continue over the projection period of 2022-2031, with a projected labour shortage in the dentistry profession. Therefore, job prospects for dentistry graduates in Canada are expected to be good over the next few years.
When it comes to salaries, dentistry is one of the highest-paying professions in Canada. The average salary for a dentist in Canada is around $190,564 per year, although some sources place it lower at $175,823 per year. An entry-level dentist with less than a year of experience can expect to earn an average of $99,630, while an early-career dentist with 1-4 years of experience can earn an average of $114,191.
It is important to note that dentist salaries can vary based on location and job prospects, with some provinces and territories offering higher salaries than others. Additionally, to earn an attractive dentist salary in Canada, one must undergo extensive training, including pre-dentistry university studies and a degree from a recognized dental program.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can study dentistry in Canada. The country's pro-immigration policies make it an attractive option for international students.
The general admission requirements for undergraduate dental degrees in Canada are a high school education with a 3.0 GPA or above, with physics, chemistry, and biology as core subjects.
Some of the top dental colleges in Canada for international students include McGill University, the University of Manitoba, and the University of New Brunswick.
Canada offers a high-quality education, internationally recognized degrees, good job prospects, well-paying salaries, and a balanced professional life.
