Dental science and dental surgery have reached great heights today thanks to the infusion of advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), lasers, CRISPR, augmented reality, etc., into it. These technologies have improved the quality of treatment, transformed surgeries into non-invasive procedures, and have made treatments highly affordable. This has increased the demand for dental procedures across the globe.
This directly creates a demand for more dental experts. Already there is a great shortage of dental surgeons globally. Such a demand has led many students to pursue a degree like Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). A country that is well-known to offer this degree is Canada. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFDJRKpPRIM
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Why study DDS in Canada?
Here are 5 reasons why it makes total sense to pursue your dental education in a country like Canada –
- Canada is home to several reputed dental institutes in the world
- The high quality of education and the presence of world-class faculty
- It is one of the best countries to live due to its diversity and multicultural ecosystem
- There is no language constraint here as everyone speaks English
- You can easily get a job as a dentist after graduation
List of Universities in Canada for Dental Surgery
Here are the best universities in Canada that offer the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree –
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University of Alberta
Ranked #83 by the Centre for World University, the University of Alberta takes the number 1 spot on this list. The DDS at this university is a 4-year undergraduate program that covers topics like implants, periodontics, endodontics, and so on. Apart from regular classroom training, the students also get a chance to practice dentistry on real patients in a hospital.
Eligibility Criteria
- Completion of high school with a minimum of 60%
- Thorough knowledge of chemistry, biology, mathematics, and English
- Satisfactory scores in the Canadian Dental Aptitude Test
- Proof of English language proficiency
The Canadian Dental Aptitude Test is an entrance examination that is conducted by the Canadian Dental Association for first-year applicants. A good score on this test, along with an excellent academic record, increases your chance of getting admission to a Canadian dental school.
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Tuition Fee
Around 92,000 CAD for four years.
Admission Process
The admission process starts with the submission of the application form available on the official website along with necessary documents such as a resume, letter of recommendation, and academic certificates.
University of Toronto
Ranked #16 in the best global universities in Canada by US News, the University of Toronto offers a 4-year doctor of dental surgery course. In these four years, you will gain the necessary experience to practice as a dental surgeon. Successful completion of the course makes you eligible to apply for the dental license examination conducted by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB). This test is mandatory for all students looking to practice dentistry in Canada.
Eligibility Criteria
- Completion of a 3-year undergraduate study from a recognized institute
- Should have specialized in the areas of biochemistry, human psychology, or life sciences with a minimum grade equivalent to a Canadian GPA of 4.0.
- Should have a passing score in the Canadian Dental Aptitude Test (DAT)
- A valid score of 100 in TOEFL or 6.5 in IETLS
Tuition Fee
Around 420,000 CAD for the entire duration of the program
Admission Process
Admission to the University of Toronto usually takes place in the months of July and November every year. Students need to fill out an application form and send it along with the necessary documents. You also have to pay an application fee of 250 CAD. After this, you need to apply for the DAT examination. You will be called for an interview based on the results of this exam.
Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry
Situated in Ontario, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry is ranked #22 globally by US News. The 4-year doctor of dental surgery (DDS) course at Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry helps the student to gain thorough knowledge about the basics of dentistry and become a full-time dental experts.
Admission Criteria
- An undergraduate degree from a recognized university with a minimum score of 80% at the time of completion
- Should have completed coursework in subjects like organic chemistry, basic science, and human physiology
- Should have valid DAT scores
The university does not require any English test scores for admission. However, if scores are submitted, they will be considered at the time of any conflict.
Tuition Fee
Around 439,000 CAD for four years.
Admission Process
The intake for the DDS program usually opens in mid-September every year. Students need to send all their admission documents, such as academic transcripts, resumes, and a personal statement, along with their application form. Students will be called for an interview based on their eligibility and also based on the scores of the DAT exam.
University of Manitoba
Ranked #301 in the world by the Times Higher Education, the University of Manitoba’s Dr Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry has carved a name for itself in the world of dentistry. It has successfully generated thousands of professional dentists through its popular graduate and special programs in dentistry.
Eligibility Criteria
- An undergraduate degree from a recognized university with strong knowledge in subjects such as organic chemistry, biology, and physics
- A valid score on the Canadian Dental Aptitude Test
- A minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS is mandatory
This university also accepts other English test scores such as TOEFL, Cambridge English Assessment, etc.
Tuition Fee
Around 70,000 CAD for the entire duration of the program
Admission Process
Admission to the University of Manitoba opens in September, and students can download the application form from the university’s official website. Students should submit their application form along with DAT scores and other documents like a resume and letter of recommendation before the deadline.
University of Saskatchewan
Located along the coasts of the Saskatchewan River, the University of Saskatchewan is ranked #465 by the QS World Rankings. This university offers a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, which is a two-year course that allows international students to gain due recognition from the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada. You can also attend the NDEB exam to get a dentist’s license and start your practice as a dental surgeon immediately after graduation.
Admission Criteria
- Completion of an undergraduate degree in dentistry from a recognized institute
- Valid scores in the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK) examination
- Completion of the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT)
- A minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS or 86 in TEOFL
Tuition Fee
Around 112,000 CAD for two years.
Admission Process
Students must submit the application form along with other supporting documents and the DAT scores. After a thorough evaluation of the application form, the student will be called for an interview, based on which the final selection will be made.
Dalhousie University
Ranked #317 in the best global universities by US News, Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia is one of the oldest universities in Canada to offer a DDS degree. The Faculty of Dentistry at this university offers state-of-the-art labs and classrooms where the students can experiment and learn the art of oral health. The 4-year DDS program focuses on handling a multitude of dental diseases, including oral cancers.
Admission Criteria
- Completed high school in the home country with coursework in biology, biochemistry, and physics
- Satisfactory score on the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT)
- A valid score of 6.5 in IELTS or 90 in TOEFL
Tuition Fee
Around 60,000 CAD for 4 years.
Admission Process
The admission process starts with the submission of the application form, academic transcripts, and DAT scores. After evaluation of the form, you will be called for an interview. Upon selection, the students can proceed to process the visa application and the study permit.
McGill University
Ranked #27 in the world by the Centre for World University Rankings (CWUR), McGill University is the last university on this list to offer a DDS program. The program is offered by the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences. It provides a cutting-edge approach to oral health management, diagnosing, and treatment of oral diseases, and dental surgery.
Admission Criteria
- An undergraduate degree from an acclaimed university
- Satisfactory scores in the DAT exam
- A minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS or 89 in TOEFL
Tuition Fee
Around 102,000 CAD for four years.
Admission Process
The admission process starts with the submission of the application form, academic transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and DAT scores. Students will be selected based on the evaluation of the application form and final interview.
Conclusion
And that concludes the list of top universities in Canada to pursue a DDS degree. However, getting an entry into these world-class universities is never an easy task, especially if you don’t know the application process. This is where LeapScholar can help. We are a leading study abroad consultants who have helped thousands of students study at their dream colleges. To know more about us, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is traditional and holistic dentistry?
These are the two forms of dentistry taught in most colleges. Traditional dentistry focuses only on dental health and treats the problems related to your mouth and teeth. Holistic dentistry, on the other hand, considers the effects of your oral health on your entire body, including how it impacts the physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
Is Canadian citizenship required to practice dentistry in Canada?
Not necessary. Yes, it’s much easier to practice dentistry in Canada if you have citizenship. However, anyone who has completed the NDEB test and has a valid work permit or a PR can start practicing as a dentist in Canada.
What is the validity of a PR, and how can I renew it?
The validity of a permanent resident in Canada is five years. With a PR, you do not require Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or visa to enter Canada every time. To renew your PR, you must have stayed in Canada for a total of 730 days in five years.
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