Best Dental Hygiene Course in Canada 2024

You're fresh out of high school and thinking of a career in dental hygiene. You've heard that Canada offers some of the best dental hygienist programs in Canada. I was surprised to learn that in 2023, there were about 1,040,985 international students in Canada. That's a 29% increase over 2022! 

It's clear that Canada is one of the top three destinations for students worldwide. Here, you'll find programs that offer a great mix of theory and practical experience, perfect for international students. 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 a student considering education from abroad:

Factor	Details
High Demand and Job Opportunities	Canada has a high demand for dental hygienists.  As per WorkBC, from 2019 to 2028, there are expected to be 12,900 new job openings for dental health care professionals.  This shows a strong need for skilled workers in this field.
Diverse Job Roles	As per Canadian Dental Hygienists Association, approximately  73% of dental hygienists work in private practice 12% in public health 8% in education and research, and  7% in other sectors such as industry and government. There are also opportunities in the government sector, such as in the military or public health department.
Wide Scope of Practice	Each of the 10 provinces and three territories in Canada self-regulate the practice of dental hygiene.  This means each region has its own requirements, so it's important to contact the one you plan to work in.  Currently, there are approximately 30,400 registered dental hygienists in Canada.
High Demand for Clinical Workspaces	About 91% of dental hygienists in Canada have their own clinical workspace.  This indicates that the country has a strong infrastructure and support for dental hygiene professionals.
Attractive Salaries	The average annual salary for a dental hygienist in Canada is CAD 63,667, which is quite competitive and reflects the value placed on this profession.
Advanced Education and Research Opportunities	Canadian institutions offer bachelor’s and advanced diplomas in dental hygiene in Canada for international students. This can open doors to research, teaching, and higher administrative roles.
Comprehensive Health Coverage	Canada is known for its comprehensive health coverage, which extends to dental hygienists.  This ensures a balanced work-life experience and access to necessary healthcare services.

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.

Feature	Details
Duration	2–3 years
Key Features	Basic knowledge and skills, eligibility for National Dental Hygiene Certification Board (NDHCB) exam. Over 30 accredited dental hygiene programs across Canada.
Cost	CAD 20,000 to CAD 40,000 per year
Career Opportunities	Registered Dental Hygienist

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.

Feature	Details
Duration	Additional one year
Key Features	Specialization and advanced training
Cost	CAD 25,000 to CAD 45,000 per year
Career Opportunities	Education, Research, Management, Leadership Roles

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.

Feature	Details
Duration	4 years
Key Features	Comprehensive education, research opportunities. For example, the University of British Columbia and the University of Alberta have respected dental hygiene bachelor's programs with rigorous courses and research opportunities.
Cost	CAD 30,000 to CAD 50,000 per year
Career Opportunities	Career advancement, Teaching, Postgraduate studies, Research

Admission Requirements

Some essential admission requirements that international students will have to meet include:

Requirement	Details
Educational Qualifications	Diploma: High school diploma with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0. Submit high school transcripts. Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree): High school diploma with a competitive GPA and completion of prerequisite courses in biology and chemistry.  Postgraduate (Master’s or Doctorate): Relevant undergraduate degree with a strong academic record. Submit all previous academic qualifications, including undergraduate and any postgraduate certificates. Research experience and letters of recommendation may be required.
English Language Proficiency	TOEFL: minimum score 90, IELTS: minimum score 6.5, or CAEL: minimum score 70.
Prerequisite Courses	Courses in biology, chemistry, and sometimes mathematics.
Personal Statement	Explanation of my motivation for pursuing a career in dental hygiene and why I chose Canada.
Letters of Recommendation	Two letters from previous teachers or employers.
Interview	Some programs required interviews to assess communication skills and passion for the field.

These requirements can vary slightly depending on the institution, so it's essential to check the specific requirements of each program.

Cost of Dental Hygiene Education

Understanding the cost of dental hygiene education in Canada was crucial for me as an international student. Here’s a breakdown of the expenses:

Expense	Cost Range (CAD)
Tuition Fees	CAD 20,000–40,000 per year; Advanced Diploma: CAD 25,000–45,000 per year; Bachelor's Degree: CAD 30,000–50,000 per year.
Additional Fees	Application, student fees, health insurance: CAD 1,000–2,000 per year.
Books and Supplies	Textbooks, uniforms, and instruments: CAD 1,500–2,500 per year.
Living Expenses	Accommodation, food, transportation, personal expenses: CAD 12,000–15,000 per year.

Planning for these costs helped me manage my finances effectively while studying for a dental hygienist course in Canada.

Scholarships

Finding scholarships was essential for me as an international student pursuing a dental hygienist course in Canada. Here’s a list of specific scholarships I discovered that are applicable to dental hygiene courses:

Scholarship Name	Amount	Eligibility
CDHA Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Scholarship	CAD 2,000	Available to members of the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) pursuing a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene.
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)	CAD 5,000 per term	International students studying in Ontario with excellent academic records, including those in dental hygiene programs.
University of Alberta Dental Hygiene Scholarship	CAD 3,000	Awarded to top-performing dental hygiene students based on academic merit.
Dalhousie University Entrance Scholarships	CAD 1,000–CAD 5,000	Merit-based scholarships for international students entering the dental hygiene program.
Canadian Dental Association (CDA) Scholarships	CAD 1,000–CAD 5,000	Various scholarships for students enrolled in dental hygiene programs across Canada.
University of Manitoba International Student Award	CAD 2,000	Awarded to international students enrolled in health sciences programs, including dental hygiene, based on academic performance.

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:

University/College	QS World University Rankings 2025	Average Tuition Fee*
University of Alberta	96	CAD 5,216 per 3 credits
University of Manitoba	661–670	CAD 18,700/year
Dalhousie University	275	18,546/year

*As per university sites: topuniversities.com 

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:

Job	Average Annual Salary*
Dental Hygienist	CAD 63,667
Dental Public Health Officer	CAD 102,409
Dental Office Manager	CAD 100,000
Dental Assistant	CAD 41,256
Treatment Coordinator, Dental	CAD 51,491

*As per Glassdoor and Payscale

Clinical Training and Practical Experience

When I studied for my dental hygienist course in Canada, I found that clinical training and practical experience were crucial components of the program. Here’s what my experience entailed:

Component	Details
Clinical Hours	Most programs required 600–900 hours of supervised practice. For example, at the University of Alberta, I completed 700 clinical hours.
Hands-On Training	I worked directly with patients under the supervision of licensed dental hygienists and dentists. At the Toronto College of Dental Hygiene, I treated over 50 patients.
Simulation Labs	Before treating real patients, I practiced on dental simulators and mannequins. At Dalhousie University, I spent around 100 hours in simulation labs.
Community Clinics	I provided dental hygiene services in community health clinics. At Cambrian College, I participated in a community clinic program for 200 hours.
Internships and Externships	Some programs offered internships or externships lasting 6–12 months. I completed a 6-month internship at a public health facility, gaining experience in various dental settings.
Research Opportunities	I participated in research projects related to dental hygiene. At the University of British Columbia, I worked on a project focused on preventive dental care.

*As per university sites

Conclusion

Pursuing a dental hygienist course in Canada was one of the best decisions I made for my career. The high-quality education, practical experience, and vibrant, diverse culture have prepared me for a bright future. If you're considering dental hygiene, I highly recommend exploring the excellent programs here. Let upGrad Abroad guide you through finding and enrolling in the best dental hygienist programs in Canada.