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List of Canadian Dental Schools
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There is a total of 10 dental schools in Canada. Each dental school comes with its own academic and non-academic requirements, cost of tuition, curriculum, and unique history. Regardless of the one you are interested in, rest assured you will be receiving an excellent education and will be on the right path to become a highly qualified dentist! In this article, we will review the list of Canadian dental schools and provide information about each school. Please note, there is no difference between a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. Both are received upon similar education approved by The Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC).
I. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta’s (UofA) School of Dentistry offers a four-year program that leads to a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, aiming to ensure the well-being of the community through its progression. It also offers continuing education to expand scope after graduating, an elective postgraduate residency, and a multitude of Masters and PhD options upon graduation. In the first two years of the program, dental students go through an integrated curriculum that studies anatomical, physiological, and other health systems, in conjunction with the UofA’s medical school–along with access to pre-clinical practice and hands-on clinical experience. The last two years consist of greater clinical practice alongside lectures and labs pertaining to topics such as orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and more.
- Location: Edmonton, AB
- Language of Instruction: English
- Program length: 4 years
- Class Size: 30
- Enrolment Rate: 8%
- Qualifying/Degree Completion Program: Yes
- Mission Statement: “To advance oral health through outstanding education, research, and community service”
Email: admissions@dentistry.ualberta.ca
Phone #: (780) 492-1319
II. University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Faculty of Dentistry offers a four-year program that results in a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. Its curriculum boasts hybrid problem-based learning (PBL) in small groups, case-based and blended learning activities, and more traditional lectures and clinical experiences with an emphasis on learning that is self-directed. Starting in the first year, students are given the opportunity to build their psychomotor skills while seeing patients under supervision. Upon graduation, students may further their knowledge with UBC’s continuing dental education courses, general practice and oral medicine + pathology residencies, or MSc/PhD programs.
- Location: Vancouver, BC
- Language of Instruction: English
- Program length: 4 years
- Class Size: ~60
- Enrolment Rate: 15%
- Qualifying/Degree Completion Program: No
- Mission Statement: “To advance oral health through outstanding education, research, and community service”
Email: https://www.dentistry.ubc.ca/contact-form/?dept=DMD
Phone #: (604) 822-7566
III. University of Manitoba
The University of Manitoba’s (UofM) Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry offers a four-year program leading to a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. Its hands-on program emphasizes knowledge in basic biomedical, behavioural and clinical sciences; cognitive and behavioural skills; and professional and ethical values essential to the practice. Highlights of the program include clinical experience starting from first year, community service learning to improve access to dental care, international exchange opportunities, and the opportunity to research over the summers, resulting in a Bachelor of Science in Dentistry. Additionally, these students may be recruited to pursue a joint PhD, alongside their DMD.
- Location: Winnipeg, MB
- Language of Instruction: English
- Program length: 4 years
- Class Size: 29
- Enrolment Rate: 11%
- Qualifying/Degree Completion Program: Yes
Email: recepcss@umanitoba.ca
Phone #: (204) 789-3631
IV. Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Dentistry offers a four-year program culminating in a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. Throughout the degree, students are taught techniques pertaining to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, with an emphasis on clinical practice right from the first year. At this time, the faculty continuously works to improve access to dental care through their outreach clinics. As the program progresses, covered topics include maxillofacial surgery and comprehensive patient care.
- Location: Halifax, NS
- Language of Instruction: English
- Program length: 4 years
- Class Size: 40
- Enrolment Rate: 9%
- Qualifying/Degree Completion Program: Yes
- Mission Statement: “To promote oral health as an integral component of overall health through outstanding experiential and evidence-based learning and patient treatment, grounded in a culture of care for the diverse communities we serve, and driven by innovation, impactful research, and strong interprofessional collaboration”
Email: admissions.dentistry@dal.ca
Phone #: (902) 494-2824
V. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto (UofT) offers a four-year program that leads to a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. In the first two years, students build on the fundamentals of dentistry, basic science and diagnostics. In the last two, students are able to treat patients in one of 14 dental clinics or through community service learning opportunities. As the first and largest dental school in Canada, it is the only one to offer clinical training in all 10 dental specialties (dental anaesthesia, dental public health, endodontics, oral pathology and oral medicine, oral and maxillofacial radiology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and prosthodontics), it boasts a unique history, is top ranked, and offers many outreach programs around the world. Students may also go on to specialize through MSc or PhD programs.
- Location: Toronto, ON
- Language of Instruction: English
- Program length: 4 years
- Class Size: 96
- Enrolment Rate: 17%
- Qualifying/Degree Completion Program: Yes
- Mission Statement: “We shape the future of dentistry and promote optimal health by:
- Preparing the next generation of clinicians, scientists, educators, and leaders in the profession
- Conducting high-impact research
- Establishing partnerships and networks locally, nationally, and internationally to translate research knowledge into practice and policy
- Promoting comprehensive and patient-centred care from disease prevention to management
- Developing and supporting evidence-informed policies to advance and advocate for the needs of society”
Email: admissions@dentistry.utoronto.ca
Phone #: (416) 864 8113
VI. Western University
Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry offers a four-year program leading to a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. The first year begins with basic and clinical sciences progressing towards an emphasis on clinical practice as students enter their last year. Throughout the program, students experience case-based learning with importance placed on self-directed learning. For those interested in research, the Dental Clinician-Scientist (DCS) program is also offered, resulting in a joint PhD/DDS. Additionally, after graduation, students may complete a residency and obtain an MSc in general practice, orthodontics, or oral & maxillofacial surgery.
- Location: London, ON
- Language of Instruction: English
- Program length: 4 years
- Class Size: 56
- Enrolment Rate: 10.4%
- Qualifying/Degree Completion Program: Yes
- Mission Statement: “We develop in dental professionals the knowledge and skills to provide exemplary care to the diverse communities that we serve. We will influence the future of oral health care through scholarly inquiry, innovation, and research”
Email: admissions.dentistry@schulich.uwo.ca
Phone #: (519) 661-3326
VII. McGill University
McGill’s Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences offers a four-year program resulting in a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. With a focus on innovation, students begin working in the simulation lab and undergoing preclinical training as well as learning fundamentals alongside the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, progressing towards clinical practice in the last two years of the program. Students interested in research may work towards an MSc or PhD in Dental Science and Oral Health Sciences, respectively. After graduation, McGill offers the opportunity to advance your education with residencies in general practice or oral and maxillofacial surgery, as well as continuing dental education courses
- Location: Montreal, QC
- Language of Instruction: English
- Program length: 4 years
- Class Size: ~40
- Enrolment Rate: 3%
- Qualifying/Degree Completion Program: Yes
Email: undergrad.dentistry@mcgill.ca
Phone #: (514) 398-7090
VIII. Université de Montréal
The Université de Montréal offers a five-year program in Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) and is the largest French-speaking dental faculty in North America. The school focuses on interdisciplinarity and oral biology, clinical assessments, and public health in order to graduate competent dentists. The addition of a fifth year makes it possible for all students to obtain a Masters in Oral Sciences where they are able to delve into research as well. Additionally, students are able to take on opportunities to study abroad and complete mandatory internships.
- Location: Montreal, QC
- Language of Instruction: French
- Program length: 5 years
- Class Size: 89
- Enrolment Rate: 7%
- Qualifying/Degree Completion Program: Yes
Phone #: (514) 343-6750
IX. Université Laval
Université Laval’s Faculty of Dentistry offers a four-year French-speaking program leading to a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. Prioritizing basic, preclinical, and clinical knowledge in prevention, diagnosis, treatment planning, and prognosis, the school aims to prepare students in meeting the community’s needs. Students interested in research may also pursue the Masters in Dental Sciences and upon graduation, receive specialized training in oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, gerodontology, or periodontics.
- Location: Québec, QC
- Language of Instruction: French
- Program length: 4 years
- Class Size: 48
- Enrolment Rate: NR
- Qualifying/Degree Completion Program: No
- Typical Student Personality: “Be passionate about science, health and psychology. Like to solve concrete problems and make decisions. Like to feel useful. Love listening, understanding, and helping people. Like observation and precision work. Have an altruistic personality and skills for human relationships. Be skilled in transmitting and popularizing information. Have manual dexterity, physical endurance, and good stress resistance. Have a great capacity for concentration and be autonomous”
Email: fmd@fmd.ulaval.ca
Phone #: (418) 656-2247
X. University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan’s College of Dentistry offers a four-year program leading to a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. It aims to prepare its students for all dental disciplines through early hands-on experience while committing to providing dental care for the community and its marginalized groups. With the progression of the program, students are increasingly exposed to clinical practice. Students are also presented with the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Dentistry alongside their DMD if interested in research. After graduating, students may complete a PhD in Precision Oral and Systemic Health. For more information, click here!
- Location: Saskatoon, SK
- Language of Instruction: English
- Program length: 4 years
- Class Size: 34
- Enrolment Rate: 12%
- Qualifying/Degree Completion Program: Yes
- Mission Statement: “To educate dentists to provide high quality oral health care to the people of Saskatchewan and to advance clinical and scientific knowledge through research”
Email: dentistry.admissions@usask.ca
Phone #: (306) 966-5225
