Best Dental Hygiene Course in Canada 2024

As of 2022, the number of international students in Canada was around 388,782, an increase of about 43% in the past 7 years.  Therefore, it is safe to say that when it comes to countries that attract students from all over the world, Canada is certainly in the top 3. While there are several specializations that one could pursue in, the following article will help you learn more about dental hygiene courses in Canada.

Why Study Dental Hygiene in Canada?

Canada offers their international students a variety of benefits and perks, whether we consider the learning environment or job opportunities. Given below is a list of reasons why you should consider a dental hygienist course in Canada as an international student:

Scope

Each of the 10 provinces and 3 territories in Canada self-regulate the practice of dental hygiene. Since each province and territory has slightly different requirements, it is important for applicants to get in touch with the one they intend to apply to.Currently, Canada has approximately 30,400 registered dental hygienists. 

Job Roles

Dental hygienists work in a variety of situations such as long-term care, private practice, research, education as well as administration; moreover, these healthcare workers also work with the government sector such as in the military and public health department.

Demand

In Canada, about 91% of the dental hygienists have their own clinical workspace, this entails that the country has a high demand for dental hygiene professionals. 

Job Opportunities

In the time period of 2019-2028, a total of 12,900 new job openings are expected to arise for people working the technical aspects of dental health care. 

Types of Dental Hygiene Degrees

In Canada, dental hygiene education typically leads to a diploma or an advanced diploma. However, some institutions also offer bachelor's degrees in dental hygiene. Here are the different types of dental hygiene degrees in Canada:

Diploma in Dental Hygiene 

A diploma program is the most common type of dental hygiene education in Canada. It is of two to three years of duration and provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to become registered dental hygienists. Diploma holders are eligible to take the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board (NDHCB) examination to obtain their professional license.

Advanced Diploma in Dental Hygiene

Advanced diploma programs build upon the foundational knowledge and skills acquired in a diploma program. The advanced diploma program is designed to provide additional specialization and advanced training in areas such as dental hygiene education, research, and management.

Bachelor's Degree in Dental Hygiene

A few Canadian universities offer bachelor's degree programs in dental hygiene. These programs usually have a duration of four years and provide a more comprehensive and in-depth education in dental hygiene. A bachelor's degree can offer additional opportunities for career advancement, research, teaching, or pursuing postgraduate studies in dental hygiene or related fields.

Eligibility Criteria to Study Dental Hygiene at Canadian Universities

The following are the chief eligibility criteria for international students planning to study Dental Hygiene diploma in Canada:

• The qualification is dependent on the level of education the applicants are applying for. Therefore, they must present all their previous year’s qualifications that may include certificates of their diplomas, undergraduate, post-graduation, or doctorate. 
• The candidates also need to score a minimum of 3.0 out of 4-grade point in their previous academic qualifications.
• The applicants need to pass an official English Language Proficiency Exam, which includes TOEFL(Test of English as a Foreign Language), CAEL(Canadian Academic English Language Assessment), or IELTS(International English Language Testing System).
• The applicants need a score of at least 90 on their TOEFL, 70 in CAEL or 6.5 in IELTS.

Top Universities & Colleges for Dental Hygiene Courses in Canada

Given below is a list of top universities and colleges that offer Dental Hygiene courses in Canada:

*As per university sites

Career Prospects after Dental Hygiene Courses in Canada

Given below are profiles of jobs and their average salaries (as per various job sites) that individuals can pursue after a diploma in dental hygiene in Canada:

*As per Glassdoor and Payscale

Conclusion

A beneficial location along with a degree in a prestigious university is extremely crucial in order to have a bright future. Canada offers a safe and hassle-free learning environment with a variety of networking opportunities, as the country is known for its diverse educational and cultural environment.