Studying a dentistry program in Canada
Dentistry is a rewarding profession that involves caring for individuals and communities’ oral health. To become a dental professional, students must undergo specialized training and education in dental schools. The best dental schools provide a quality education through a curriculum that covers essential subjects such as dental sciences, anatomy, physiology, and clinical training. Usually, the course structure is updated to incorporate the latest developments and techniques in the field.
Dentistry courses in Canada generally last five years and are demanding both academically and technically. Dentistry students will study the causes, prevention, management, and treatment of oral and dental diseases. Dentistry graduates will complete their course with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) award. The first year of study will concentrate on basic medical and clinical knowledge in anatomy, physiology, oral biology and biochemistry. These academic studies will continue throughout the degree, but practical work under supervision will begin to be carried out towards the end of the first year.
This combination of academic rigour and practical experience enables students to gain the necessary skills and perfect knowledge to excel in their dental careers.
Types of Dental Degrees
Undergraduate
Bachelor’s dental degrees in Canada are the perfect foundation for aspiring dental professionals. These courses equip students with the essential knowledge and prerequisites needed to pursue a career in dentistry.
Canadian universities are well-known for their high academic standards, ensuring all students receive a well-rounded dental education. The course structure strongly emphasizes the fundamental sciences, oral health sciences, mathematics, and practical training. Hands-on experience is mostly an integral part of Canadian dental courses, and students get to engage in laboratory work and clinical training to develop practical skills in procedures and patient care.
- Course Duration: 4 years
- Course Fees: CAD 22,000-56,000
- Entry Requirements: Applicants must have a high school diploma and showcase English language proficiency to apply for the course.
Graduate
Master’s dental degrees are designed to provide advanced education and training for students aspiring to excel in various dental specialties and engage in research. These courses allow students to specialize in dental fields such as orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and more. Each specialization has its unique curriculum and clinical training requirements, making the courses highly acclaimed for prosperous career pathways.
Clinical training is crucial to the master’s courses, allowing students to gain real-world experience in their chosen specialty. They work with patients under the guidance of experienced faculty members. Certain courses emphasize research, and students are often required to complete a research thesis or project as part of their degree.
- Course Duration: 2-3 years
- Course Fees: CAD 28,000-83,000
- Entry Requirements: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s dental degree, and some universities require work experience. English language proficiency is needed to apply.
PhD
PhD programs in dental education are advanced graduate degrees designed for students interested in becoming experts in dental education and engaging in research within the field. These are mostly research-intensive and focus on preparing students to become educators and researchers in the discipline. The curriculum for PhD courses involves advanced coursework in educational theory, curriculum development, assessment and evaluation, and dental education research methods.
- Duration: 4-5 years
- Fees: CAD 14,000-18,000
- Entry Requirements: Candidates must hold a master’s degree in a related field, such as dentistry, dental hygiene, or education and standardized test scores like the GRE. English language proficiency is also required.
Scholarships for Dentistry
Pursuing dental education in Canada can be costly, but they can apply for several scholarships for international students to offset the overall costs. Some of the major financial aid options available are:
- University-specific scholarships: Many Canadian universities offer scholarships to international students, including those pursuing dental degrees. These may be based on academic excellence, leadership, or other criteria. You can check the scholarship offerings at the specific dental school you are interested in.
- Government scholarships: Some provincial and federal government scholarships may be open to international students pursuing healthcare or dental degrees in Canada. These scholarships are typically highly competitive and may have specific eligibility requirements.
- Private scholarships and foundations: Some private organizations and foundations in Canada also offer scholarships to international students pursuing dental studies. Examples include the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) Foundation and other dental-related associations.
- Institutional scholarships: Some dental institutions in Canada may have scholarships or financial aid options specifically for international dental students.
Jobs and Careers
A dentistry degree can lead to various careers in Canada’s healthcare sector. While many graduates take up the traditional route of clinical practice as general or specialized dentists, there are other opportunities for dentistry graduates which can be explored in Canada. Following are some career options for graduates with dentistry degrees:
- General Dentist
- Specialized Dentist
- Dental Hygienist
- Dental Specialist Assistant
- Dental Sales and Marketing Executive
- Dental Educator
- Dental Researcher
- Dental Consultant
- Healthcare Administration
- Forensic Odontologist
Salary
As the career options after dentistry education are varied, the salaries are also different and usually vary depending on the specialization, location and specific roles that graduates take up after completing their studies. The Government of Canada Job Bank estimates that dentist salaries can range from approximately CAD 30,000 annually for beginners to about CAD 350,000 annually for experienced professionals.
Top Universities for Dental Degrees
To learn more about the best dental universities in Canada, find details on the top ranking Dental programs in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 below:
Study Dentistry in Canada
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FAQ
What are the best dentistry courses in Canada?
Canada offers several excellent dentistry courses, including Bachelor of Dental Hygiene, Bachelor of Dentistry, MSc in Dentistry, Master’s of Dentistry in Pediatric Dentistry, and MSc in Orthodontics.
Which are some of the top universities in Canada that offer dentistry programs?
The best universities to study dentistry in Canada are the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, McGill University, and the University of Alberta.
What is the duration of a dentistry course in Canada?
The duration of dentistry courses in Canada varies according to the level of education and the program specifications but usually ranges from 4 to 6 years.
What is the future of dentistry in a country like Canada?
With more people needing dental care, especially as they age, there will be a huge demand for skilled dentists. Canada, in particular, has a high population of older people, which is only increasing, and the country is also calling in more immigrants each year.