Dental Studies in Canada 2025 | Requirements and Costs

Studying Dentistry in Canada

Overall, studying dentistry in Canada is not easy; however, the success you will experience after graduation is worth the effort. Despite the high cost of dentistry in Canada, it remains one of the most popular fields among international applicants. The quality of education in dentistry in Canada is globally recognized, and considering the job market demand, the chances of employment for graduates are very high.

Another good news for excellent students applying for educational migration to Canada is that you can benefit from various scholarships during your studies, which can significantly reduce the cost of studying dentistry in Canada. For more information on this topic, stay with Elm Vira until the end of this article.

Dentistry Field in Canada

Dentistry in Canada is considered a branch of medicine that involves the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases related to the teeth, gums, and bones of the jaw and face. Studying dentistry in Canada is not limited to teeth alone; it also covers areas of the head and face including the jaw, temporal region, and other related bone structures. This field in Canada includes 9 specialties, which are:

• Dental Public Health
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Endodontics (Root Canal Therapy)
• Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
• Oral Pathology
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
• Periodontics (Gum Treatment)
• Prosthodontics (Dental Prosthetics)

Requirements for Studying Dentistry in Canada

It is important to know that studying dentistry in Canada begins with a four-year program after high school. To enroll in this program, you must have completed a pre-university (foundation) course. Note that one of the most important requirements for studying dentistry in Canada is the applicant’s age—applicants closer to 30 years old have a lower chance of acceptance.

Additionally, other requirements for studying dentistry in Canada include having a strong academic record, a high GPA, and a language proficiency certificate. In many cases, after receiving an initial acceptance, applicants are required to participate in an interview. Also, to be admitted to this program, you must write a complete and compelling statement of purpose highlighting any academic achievements. The following points provide a more detailed look at these requirements:

1. Age Requirement for Studying Dentistry in Canada
2. The minimum age for admission to dentistry programs in Canada is 18 years, and applicants up to 30 years old can apply. However, the younger the applicant and the smaller the educational gap, the higher the chances of acceptance and obtaining a Canadian student visa. In other words, the Canadian embassy is strict about applicants’ age when issuing student visas and typically does not grant visas to older applicants. Based on experience, an educational gap of up to 2 years is generally acceptable.
3. GPA Requirement for Studying Dentistry
4. Besides tuition costs, GPA is a major concern for applicants wishing to study dentistry in Canada. Canadian universities usually require passing an entrance exam, which is crucial for admission. Academically, students should have a strong academic record with a GPA ranging between 15 and 17 (on a 20-point scale). Also, English proficiency with an IELTS score of 7 or a valid French language certificate (depending on the language of instruction chosen for dentistry studies) is required.

3. Duration of Studying Dentistry in Canada

Dentistry in Canada is divided into three academic stages. After completing these three stages, students who have covered the dentistry costs in Canada can gain sufficient knowledge and skills and begin working after graduation. It is worth mentioning that the first and second stages of dentistry studies in Canada each last about 2 years, during which students study both basic and specialized dental courses. The third stage is a 1 to 3-year program, designed for students who wish to obtain a specialization in fields such as orthodontics or oral surgery.

4. Dentistry Entrance Exam in Canada

In addition to the mentioned requirements for studying dentistry in Canada, students must take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). This exam is administered by the Canadian Dental Association and is also accepted by most universities in the United States. The DAT is conducted in both English and French and consists of four sections: manual dexterity, natural sciences, perceptual ability, and reading comprehension (in the English version). It is important to note that the English version of the test lasts 3 hours, while the French version lasts 2 hours.

Steps to Study Dentistry in Canada

The process of studying dentistry in Canada differs from that in the United States and European countries. To study dentistry in Canada, you must first complete an undergraduate premedical program. The second step includes passing the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT), which is held by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA).

If you fail this exam, you cannot proceed to the next stage of the program. Applicants who pass the DAT with a minimum score of 70 are admitted to the dentistry program and study in either the DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) programs. This program lasts 3 years. The final stage of studying dentistry in Canada is postgraduate education, which takes about 2 years, after which students receive their Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. It should be noted that clinical specialty programs and fellowships after the doctorate are optional; you may choose to enroll in these programs to gain specialization.

Required Documents for Admission to Dentistry in Canada

To be admitted to a dentistry program in Canada, applicants must first complete an undergraduate degree in a basic science field; in other words, direct entry into dentistry is not possible. Therefore, to receive admission to a dentistry program in Canada, you must hold a bachelor’s degree in basic science from a Canadian university. Additionally, applicants must provide a valid language proficiency certificate. Other required documents for studying dentistry in Canada include:

• Passing score in the entrance exam
• Translated diploma and transcripts
• Completed admission application form
• Payment of application processing fee
• Valid passport
• Academic resume
• Proof of financial support for one year of living expenses in Canada
• Statement of purpose (motivation letter)
• Medical health certificate

Advantages of Studying Dentistry in Canada

Overall, studying dentistry in Canada is one of the most suitable options for those interested in this field. If you have the means to cover dentistry costs in Canada, there are many reasons and advantages to choose Canada, including:

• Numerous job opportunities in both private and public sectors after graduation
• High-quality and advanced education at universities
• The increasing population in Canada leading to a higher demand for dentists
• Countless learning opportunities for dentists in the country
• High recognition and credibility of degrees from Canadian universities
• Very good income for dentists in Canada
• Opportunity to obtain specialization within 1 to 4 years
• Living in a developed society
• High capacity and demand for the dentistry field in Canada

Dentistry Universities in Canada

Canada hosts some of the best and most reputable medical and dental universities in the world, equipped with excellent facilities. The top Canadian universities use the most advanced educational resources for their students. In the list of best universities for dentistry in Canada, the University of Toronto ranks first, and the University of British Columbia ranks second. Below is a list of the top Canadian universities for dentistry studies, especially for students who can cover dentistry costs in Canada:

• University of Toronto
• University of British Columbia
• University of Alberta
• McGill University
• Western University
• Laval University
• University of Montreal
• University of Manitoba
• McMaster University
• Dalhousie University
• University of Saskatchewan

Canadian Universities Approved by the Iranian Ministry of Health and Science

Most applicants prefer to receive admission from Canadian universities that are recognized by the Iranian Ministry of Health. This is because degrees from these universities are officially accepted in Iran, allowing graduates to work or continue their studies in Iran after completing their education. Fortunately, all the top dental universities in Canada are approved by the Iranian Ministry of Health and Science.

Students who receive admission from these universities not only have the chance to obtain a degree from some of the best and most reputable universities in the world, but they also do not need to worry about the recognition of their academic credentials in Iran.

Dentistry Scholarships in Canada

Applicants interested in studying dentistry in Canada can benefit from scholarships if they meet the required qualifications. It should be noted that over 200 scholarships are available for dentistry students at Canadian universities. Some of these scholarships are full funding (full-ride), covering all tuition and living expenses, while others are partial scholarships providing financial assistance.

The amount of partial scholarships varies from $5,000 to $70,000, depending on the type of scholarship. For example, Laval University, one of the largest universities in Canada, offers scholarships for dentistry students. This university has a research group focused on oral health and dentistry and provides substantial financial support for graduate students.

Dentistry Tuition Fees in Canada

The cost of studying dentistry in Canada varies depending on the university. Generally, annual tuition fees for dentistry range from CAD 40,000 to CAD 100,000 for international students. It is important to note that tuition fees for international students are typically about twice as high as those for Canadian residents.

Because of these costs, prospective students should ensure they have the necessary financial means before applying. If a student cannot provide sufficient financial resources, they may need to consider studying in a different country with lower expenses.

Here are some examples of annual tuition fees for dentistry at top Canadian universities (in Canadian dollars):

UniversityTuition Fee (CAD/year)

University of Toronto 90,000

McGill University 50,000

University of Alberta 42,000

University of British Columbia 86,000

Working While Studying Dentistry in Canada

One advantage of studying in Canada is that dentistry students are allowed to work part-time during their studies, up to 20 hours per week. However, some universities may have specific restrictions or requirements regarding student work permits.

Students must obtain the necessary work authorizations, and their work should not interfere with their studies. Many universities also provide opportunities for students to work on campus in research, cultural activities, student organizations, or teaching assistant roles — positions that often come with compensation.

Income of Dentists in Canada

Dentistry is considered one of the highest-paying professions in Canada. However, it should be noted that the salary varies depending on the province and city of residence, as well as your area of specialization (if you pursue a specialty). A dentist’s income in Canada can reach up to 350,000 Canadian dollars annually. It is also important to mention that years of work experience have a significant impact on income. Canada currently faces a shortage of dentists, especially in small towns and rural areas, and there are about 2,000 job vacancies for dentists across the country.

Summary

This article by Elm Vira reviewed the process of studying dentistry in Canada. As mentioned, Canada is one of the best countries for studying and pursuing a career in dentistry, and dentists are among the highest earners in Canada. If you have the qualifications and financial means to study dentistry in Canada and wish to pursue this field there, you can benefit from the services of Elm Vira immigration institute. For more information about studying abroad and to receive guidance, please visit the free consultation section.