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Study Dental Hygienist Courses in Canada

Planning on getting your Dental Hygienist degree from Canada? Here's everything you need to know about studying dental hygienist courses in Canada, like the popular programmes, top universities, admission requirements, costs and career prospects for international students.

Last updated30th Mar 2026
7 mins read
5.64K views
Ankit Dogra
Published by Ankit Dogra

Canada & UAE Education Specialist | 14 Years Advising International Students

The Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) sets and approves the standards for dental hygienist courses in Canada. The curriculum emphasises professional relationship-building and communication, and evaluates the effectiveness of care and support for people.

The benefits of studying in Canada, especially in dental hygiene programmes, include hands-on learning in well-equipped dental clinics and the potential to earn competitive salaries upon completion.

Start your journey toward a rewarding career as a dental hygienist in Canada with AECC! Explore top-notch courses, expert guidance, and step-by-step support for your study abroad dream.

Best Dental Hygienist Courses in Canada

Here is a list of the courses that international students in Dental Hygienist programmes can pursue in Canada:

Dental Hygienist Courses in CanadaDescriptionDuration
Certificate programmesIt is ideal for upgrading skills or meeting specific licensing requirements related to dental hygiene. 6 months - 1 year
Diploma in Dental HygieneThis is an entry-level qualification for becoming a dental hygienist in Canada. Students learn about oral health assessment, preventive care, and therapeutic services.2 - 3 years
Bachelor of Dental HygieneA bachelor's degree offers advanced training, research opportunities, and a career in teaching, public health, or leadership roles.3 - 4 years
Master of Science in Dental HygieneAmplifies participation in advanced research, public health policy, education, or specialised clinical practice.2 years

Top Institutions for Dental Hygienist Courses in Canada

Here are some of the top Canadian universities and colleges offering diploma, bachelor’s, and postgraduate dental hygienist courses in Canada:

University/College NameProgrammes on Offer
University of Alberta,
Edmonton
Master of Science in Medical Science - Dental Hygiene
University of British Columbia,
Vancouver
BDSc in Dental Hygiene
Dalhousie University,
Halifax
Bachelor of Dental Hygiene
University of Saskatchewan,
Saskatoon
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
University of Manitoba,
Winnipeg
Diploma in Dental Hygiene
Fanshawe College,
London
OC Advanced Diploma in Dental Hygiene
Niagara College,
Niagara
Advanced Diploma in Dental Hygiene
Durham College,
Oshawa
Advanced Diploma in Dental Hygiene
Algonquin College,
Ottawa
OC Advanced Diploma in Dental Hygiene
George Brown College,
Toronto
Advanced Diploma in Dental Hygiene

Explore and shortlist the best universities and colleges that offer a dental hygienist course to study in Canada for international students with our team of expert counsellors at AECC.

Eligibility Requirements for Dental Hygienist Course in Canada

For dental hygienist courses in Canada, international applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements, including educational qualifications and language requirements. Outlined below are the general eligibility criteria to enrol in dental hygiene courses in Canada:

Academic Pre-Requisites

Level of StudyEligibility Criteria
Diploma/Certificate
  • Graduated from senior secondary school
  • Minimum 60% in 10th and 12th
  • Minimum 50% in English in 10th and 12th 
Undergraduate
  • Graduated from senior secondary school or equivalent
  • Minimum 60% in Science subjects like Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology
Postgraduate
  • Must have graduated from a university or college
  • 1st or 2nd class degree results required

English Language Pre-Requisites

English Language ExamsMinimum Score Requirements
IELTS (Academic)6.5, minimum 6.0 in each skill band
TOEFL iBT88, minimum 22 in each skill band
PTE (Academic)60, overall minimum (55 in each skill band)
Duolingo English Test120 min overall score, 100 min Production Score

Application Process for Dental Hygienist Courses in Canada

As an international student, here are the steps involved in applying to dental hygiene courses at Canadian institutions:

Steps to Study Dental Hygienist Programmes in CanadaProcedure
Pre-Application Requirements
  • Choose a Dental Hygienist course in Canada
  • Choose a University
  • Review admissions requirements
  • Review English language requirements
Application Process
  • Visit the application portal
  • Fill out the application form
  • Submit the documents
  • Pay the application fees
Post-Application
  • Wait for the offer letter
  • After receiving the offer letter, confirm the seat
  • Pay admission fees
  • Apply for a Study permit

Documents Required for Dental Hygienist Courses in Canada

To complete the application process, all aspiring international students must submit the following documents along with their university/college application form:

Simplify your application process to your desired programme and university abroad with tailored guidance at AECC. Our team of expert counsellors are dedicated to helping you through every step of your study abroad journey until you reach the university where you wish to study dental hygiene in Canada.

Costs to Study Dental Hygienist Courses in Canada

Outlined in the table below are the various costs, i.e. dental hygienist course fees in Canada, as well as the living expenses that prospective international students will incur:

ExpensesAverage Annual Cost (in CAD)
Tuition Fees
  • Diploma in Dental Hygiene: CA$ 13,000 - $18,000
  • Bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene: CA $39,000 - $45,000
  • Masters in Dental Hygiene: CA $9,000 - $16,000
Books and SuppliesCA$1,000 - $2,000
Dental EquipmentCA $3,000 - $10,000 (one-time payment)
License and CertificationCA $850 - $1,200 (Final Year)
AccommodationCA $8,000 - $18,000
Food and GroceriesCA $3,600 - $6,000
Utilities and InternetCA $1,000 - $2,400
Health InsuranceCA $600 - $1,000

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Scholarships for Dental Hygienist Courses in Canada

Here is a list of Canadian scholarships offered to aid international students wishing to study dental hygienist courses in Canada:

Scholarship NameEligibilityFunding Coverage
123Dentist Enthusiasm and Dedication Award - Dental Hygiene ProgrammeAvailable to the most passionate students enrolled in the second year of the Dental Hygiene programmeCA $1,000 - $1,500
International Student Leadership Award at George Brown CollegeThe student must be an international student with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and must be actively involved in the Community.Tuition Credit/Discount
Margaret Berry Maclean Graduate Scholarships in Dental Hygiene at the University of AlbertaMust be enrolled in the MSc in Medical Science (Dental Hygiene) programme, and the application is through nomination by the Graduate Scholarship committeeVariable
Colgate-Palmolive CDHA Dental Hygiene Academic Admission ScholarshipStudents entering their first year of an accredited dental Hygiene Programme in Canada. Application through nomination based on the academic performance of the candidateCA $500

Find the best scholarships and financial aid to help support your higher studies abroad with us. Our team of expert counsellors can help you find and apply to the best scholarships that align with your aspirations and needs.

Job Opportunities After Completing Dental Hygienist Course in Canada

Here is a list of the job opportunities in Canada that students can come across after finishing their Dental Hygienist courses:

Job RoleJob DescriptionAverage Annual Salary (in CAD)
Registered Dental HygienistPerform cleanings, apply sealants/fluoride, and educate patients on oral hygiene.CA $60,000 - $75,000
Dental Public Health OfficerWork to improve oral health at the community or population level through preventive programmes and educationCA $85,000 - $102,000
Orthodontic AssistantWork closely with orthodontists in fitting and maintaining bracesCA $45,000 - $55,000
Periodontal TherapistSpecialise in care for patients with gum diseaseCA $75,000 - $95,000
Dental Treatment CoordinatorExplain treatment plans and procedures to patientsCA $35,000 - $45,000

Sources: Government of Canada Job Bank, Payscale, Talent.com

Dental Hygienist courses in Canada offer students from around the globe excellent educational opportunities in the field. The country’s high standard of education, combined with diverse cultural experiences, makes it a popular destination for international students aspiring to become dental hygienists.

Transform your passion for oral healthcare into a fulfilling career with AECC's guidance on Dental Hygienist courses in Canada. From selecting the right programme to simplifying your application process, AECC is here to support you every step of the way!

Dental Hygienist Courses in Canada FAQs

Depending on the programme you wish to enrol in, it can take anywhere between 1 to 4 years. Those pursuing a diploma will complete the dental hygiene courses in Canada in 2-3 years, while those enrolled in an advanced diploma programme will ned 3 years. Meanwhile, a Bachelor's will require 3-4 years and a Master's will require 1-2 years. 

Ankit Dogra
Published by Ankit Dogra

Canada & UAE Education Specialist | 14 Years Advising International Students

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Ankit Dogra has been advising students on higher education in Canada and the UAE for 14 years. He has worked across three of the largest international education organisations in South Asia: AECC, ApplyBoard and IDP Education. That breadth means he understands how the same application looks to different institutions and where students tend to lose ground.

Most education counsellors focus on the admission process. Ankit also covers what comes after. He leads AECC's Student Essential Services team, which means he routinely advises students on setting up a Guaranteed Investment Certificate, securing an education loan, and sorting accommodation before they arrive. Students who have worked with him tend to arrive in Canada or the UAE considerably better prepared than most.

Over 14 years he has worked with students across a wide range of academic profiles. Some are strong students targeting top-ranked Canadian universities. Others are building a two-year diploma pathway with post-graduate work permit eligibility. The articles he writes reflect those real conversations, not the polished versions that appear on university websites. He holds an MBA in Marketing and is based at AECC's Gurgaon office.

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