Did you know that the average salary of a dentist in Canada is INR 85-86 Lakhs per annum!?
The reason why dentistry is so popular in Canada is due to these attractive salary packages, along with its skyrocketing job opportunities.
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The increased quality of education in Canadian universities makes it an even better achievement to study dentistry in the country.
Looking to learn more about dentistry in Canada? Here is a complete study guide to study dentistry in Canada with top universities, dentistry courses, tuition fees and an application guide.
Overview of Dentistry Courses in Canada
Canada offers numerous courses in dentistry. From diploma to PhD, the courses offered in the country will help you to develop in-depth knowledge in the field.
Generally, dentistry courses in Canada last up to 3-4 years, and cover the major topics from the cause and prevention, to management and treatment of oral and dental disease.
The first year of study is to develop basic medical and clinical knowledge in core subjects. This includes anatomy, physiology, oral biology and biochemistry. Afterwards, students get to have on-field training sections.
The dentistry courses offered in Canada and their details are below.
| Course | Duration | Average Tuition Fee |
| Diploma | 2-3 Years | 15-17 Lakhs |
| Bachelor’s | 4 Years | 35-45 Lakhs |
| Master’s | 2-4 Years | 40-50 Lakhs |
| PhD | 4-5 Years | 40-50 Lakhs |
The tuition fee for your preferred program can change depending on your university, duration, and other influencing factors.
Check out the official website of your institution for more information.
Top Colleges for Dentistry in Canada
Canada hosts some of the top educational institutions in the world. The QS World University Rankings 2024 includes 31 top Canadian universities.
Canada is a great option for a dentistry program due to its higher quality of education, availability of diverse options and cutting-edge research opportunities.
Completing your studies at one of the country’s top universities is the easiest way to secure a stable job in Canada.
Given below is a list of top Canadian universities that provide dentistry courses.
| University | Tuition Fee |
| University of British Columbia | INR 48-50 Lakhs |
| McGill University | INR 45-50 Lakhs |
| University of Alberta | INR 17-20 Lakhs |
| University of Toronto | INR 80 Lakhs |
| Dalhousie University | INR 35 Lakhs |
The tuition fee for each university can vary depending on the program you are opting for. The total expense of tuition fees can also increase if the duration of your program is high.
Check out the official website of your preferred university for more information.
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Admission Process for Dentistry in Canada
Candidates must meet specific eligibility parameters set by the institution to join a school of dentistry in Canada. The admission process can vary depending on your university and program.
Although the requirements vary across universities and colleges, some essential eligibility criteria remain the same.
Check out the essential admission criteria below:
- Clear Dental Aptitude Test (DAT): Most universities ask applicants to clear the DAT, administered by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), as part of their admission process.
- Complete CASPer: Universities in Canada also ask you to clear the CASPer test, which analyses your non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics before joining a medical program.
- Language Proficiency Test: As the medium of instruction of your course is English, you have to clear a language proficiency test. This can be IELTS, TOEFL, MELAB, or CELPIP.
- Pre-Medical Program: In order to join a dentistry program in Canada, you must complete 2-4 years of university education in any medical science field. If you completed your course from an unaccredited institution, then you have to clear the equivalency exam given by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada.
- Optimum GPA: An overall GPA of 2.5-3.0 or more is essential for most Canadian universities.
- Interview and Personal Statement: Most universities ask you to give an interview or personal statement, followed by your application.
- Other Achievements: In addition to the basic requirements, you can also submit proof of your personal achievements. This can add value to your application. This includes work experience relevant to the field, leadership and volunteer experience, research experience, and publications.
Admission criteria can vary for each university and for the program you are applying for.
Check out the official website of your preferred university for more information.
Scholarships for Dentistry in Canada
The average tuition fee for a dentistry course in Canada can range between INR 45-50 Lakhs. If you find it difficult to fund your course on your own, you can apply for a scholarship for the program.
Numerous scholarships are provided by the Canadian government, Indian government, non-governmental bodies and international organisations for Indians and other international students coming to Canada.
We have compiled a list of scholarships for Canada that are specific to dentistry.
Check out the scholarships and their benefits.
| Scholarship Name | Benefits |
| Albert Bodnarchuk Award in Dentistry | $500 (INR 30,000-31,000) |
| Alberta Blue Cross 50th Anniversary Dental Scholarship | $1250 (INR 76,000-77,000) |
| Arthur D Cumming Scholarships | $1750 (INR 1 Lakh) |
| B.C. Society of Orthodontists Charles C. Craig Memorial Scholarship – Canadian Scholarships | $500 (INR 30,000-31,000) |
| Alberta Dental Association and College Professional Award | $1,000 (INR 60,000-61,000) |
The eligibility, application process and other requirements vary for each scholarship. Check out the official website of your preferred scholarship for more information.
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Career Opportunities After Studying Dentistry in Canada
Completing your studies in dentistry opens up numerous opportunities for you in Canada. The average salary for a dentist in Canada is INR 85-86 Lakhs.
Your salary can further increase depending on your specialisation, level of experience, work sector (private or public), or work location.
In addition to your basic salary, dentists in Canada can also get other benefits such as housing allowances, medical allowances, bonuses and incentives.
Given are the high-paying job profiles for dentists in Canada, along with their average annual salary.
Check out the table below for top jobs in dentistry.
| Job Profile | Annual Income in INR |
| Associate Dentist | INR 112 Lakhs |
| Dental Officer | INR 97 Lakhs |
| Pediatric Dentist | INR 97 Lakhs |
| Public Health Dentist | INR 97 Lakhs |
| Assistant Dentist | INR 33 Lakhs |
Note:- All the figures mentioned above are approximate figures per existing data and are subject to change. Your average annual salary also depends on your location, work sector, work profile, experience level, and specialisation.
To Sum Up
While Canada is one of the top study-abroad destinations for its higher quality of education and enhanced learning environment, completing a dentistry degree can further escalate your career possibilities in the country.
In addition, the pro-immigration policies of the country make it a much more attractive option for Indians and other international students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the salary of a dentist in Canada?
A. The average salary of a dentist in Canada is INR 85-86 Lakhs excluding other benefits. Apart from the basic salary, most dentists in Canada also receive additional payments and benefits. This includes housing allowance, medical allowance, incentives and bonuses. Your salary can also vary depending on other factors such as your experience level, work profile, or location.
Q. Can I become a dentist in Canada after doing BDS in India?
A. Yes, it is possible for you to become a dentist in Canada after your BDS course. However, you will have to complete the equivalency process of the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB), as Indian dental degrees are non-accredited according to the NDE. After that, you can apply for a diploma, bachelor’s or master’s from any accredited dental school in Canada.
Q. Can I do a master’s in dentistry from Canada?
A. Yes, it is possible to do a master’s course in dentistry in Canada. A master of science (MSc) in dentistry lasts up to 2-4 years in Canada. The average tuition fee for the course is 50-55 Lakhs. A master’s course will allow you to specialise in a particular field and also provide you with research-based knowledge in dentistry.
Q. What are the top universities for a dentistry course in Canada?
A. As dentistry is one of the high-demand courses in Canada, the course is available in the most prestigious universities in the country. Some of them are:
– University of British Columbia
– McGill University
– University of Alberta
– University of Toronto
– Dalhousie University
Q. How much does it cost to become a dentist in Canada?
A. The average tuition fee for a dentistry course in Canada is INR 45-50 Lakhs for a bachelor’s, master’s and PhD program. The average fee for a diploma course is INR 15-16 Lakhs. Fees can vary depending on your university or college, course duration, and program.
Q. Do I need a master’s to become a dentist in Canada?
A. Doing a master’s is not essential for becoming a dentist in Canada. In order to become a general dentist, you need to have a BDS/DDS/DMD degree issued by an accredited university in the country. If you are looking to become a dental specialist, then you need to finish your BDS/DDS/DMD degree, followed by advanced education and training in your specialising field such as endodontics, periodontics, and orthodontics.
Q. Which country is the best for a dentist job?
A. Some of the best countries for a dentist other than Canada are given below:
– Australia (INR 1 crore)
– US (INR 1.5 crore)
– Luxembourg (INR 1.2 crore)
– Singapore (INR 73 Lakhs)
Salary can further vary depending on your experience, work role, or work location.
Q. How long does it take to become a dentist in Canada?
A. The average duration of a dentistry course in Canada is 4 years. You can do a BDS/DDS/DMD degree from any of the accredited dental schools in Canada. Followed by your bachelor’s you can do a master’s course to specialise in any field.
Q. Can I work in Canada after my DDS?
A. Yes, after a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine), you can practice as a dentist in Canada. After completing your course, you have to pass the national licensing exam to practice as a dentist in Canada.
Q. Is the Indian BDS program accepted in Canada?
A. Indian dental degrees are considered non-accredited in Canada. Countries recognised by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) or the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) are:
– USA
– Canada
– Australia
– Ireland
– New Zealand
Students from countries other than those listed above are considered non-accredited and have to take the equivalency exam.
Q. What is the difference between a DDS and a DMD?
A. Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), and a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) are both bachelor’s courses in the field of dentistry that last up to 4 years. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), both the courses are the same. The programs include classroom training, clinical training, and dental laboratory training.
Q. What are the top specialisations for dentistry in Canada?
A. Some of the top specialisations in dentistry are endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, oral and maxillofacial pathology, pediatric dentistry, dental public health, and oral medicine. In order to work as a general specialist you need to specialise in any of these fields in dentistry.
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