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.
Start your dental hygiene career in Canada — get expert guidance today
What you'll learn in this article
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.
Start your dental hygiene career in Canada — get expert guidance today
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 Canada | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate programmes | It is ideal for upgrading skills or meeting specific licensing requirements related to dental hygiene. | 6 months - 1 year |
| Diploma in Dental Hygiene | This 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 Hygiene | A 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 Hygiene | Amplifies 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 Name | Programmes 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 Study | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Diploma/Certificate |
|
| Undergraduate |
|
| Postgraduate |
|
English Language Pre-Requisites
| English Language Exams | Minimum Score Requirements |
|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each skill band |
| TOEFL iBT | 88, minimum 22 in each skill band |
| PTE (Academic) | 60, overall minimum (55 in each skill band) |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 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 Canada | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Pre-Application Requirements |
|
| Application Process |
|
| Post-Application |
|
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:
- Academic Transcripts
- English Language Proficiency Scores
- CV/Resume
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letter of Recommendation (LoR)
- Proof of prior experience in healthcare (if any)
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:
| Expenses | Average Annual Cost (in CAD) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees |
|
| Books and Supplies | CA$1,000 - $2,000 |
| Dental Equipment | CA $3,000 - $10,000 (one-time payment) |
| License and Certification | CA $850 - $1,200 (Final Year) |
| Accommodation | CA $8,000 - $18,000 |
| Food and Groceries | CA $3,600 - $6,000 |
| Utilities and Internet | CA $1,000 - $2,400 |
| Health Insurance | CA $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 Name | Eligibility | Funding Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 123Dentist Enthusiasm and Dedication Award - Dental Hygiene Programme | Available to the most passionate students enrolled in the second year of the Dental Hygiene programme | CA $1,000 - $1,500 |
| International Student Leadership Award at George Brown College | The 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 Alberta | Must be enrolled in the MSc in Medical Science (Dental Hygiene) programme, and the application is through nomination by the Graduate Scholarship committee | Variable |
| Colgate-Palmolive CDHA Dental Hygiene Academic Admission Scholarship | Students entering their first year of an accredited dental Hygiene Programme in Canada. Application through nomination based on the academic performance of the candidate | CA $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 Role | Job Description | Average Annual Salary (in CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Dental Hygienist | Perform cleanings, apply sealants/fluoride, and educate patients on oral hygiene. | CA $60,000 - $75,000 |
| Dental Public Health Officer | Work to improve oral health at the community or population level through preventive programmes and education | CA $85,000 - $102,000 |
| Orthodontic Assistant | Work closely with orthodontists in fitting and maintaining braces | CA $45,000 - $55,000 |
| Periodontal Therapist | Specialise in care for patients with gum disease | CA $75,000 - $95,000 |
| Dental Treatment Coordinator | Explain treatment plans and procedures to patients | CA $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.
The cost of studying dental hygienist courses in Canada will depend on the degree you wish to study. For example, a diploma in dental hygiene can cost anywhere between CA $13,000 - $18,000 per year, while a Bachelor's degree can cost between CA $39,000 to $45,000 per year and a Master's can cost anywhere between CA $9,000 - $16,000 per year.
Yes, dental hygienists are currently in demand in Canada. As per the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA), the unemployment rate for dental hygienists in Canada is 0.5% which indicates a high demand for qualified professionals.
For any aspirant wishing to become a dental hygienist, they must first graduate from a Commission of Dental Accreditation in Canada (CDAC)-accredited dental hygienist course in Canada. Upon graduation, candidates will need to pass the National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination (NDHCE) and register with the provincial regulatory authority in the area where they wish to practice.
The cost of becoming a dental hygienist in Canada involves numerous factors like the degree cost, i.e. CA $26,000 - $60,000, mandatory institution fees, i.e. CA $2,500+, clinical equipment, materials and textbooks, i.e. CA $18,000 - $20,000, national board exams and licensing, i.e. CA $3,700 - $4,000 and the average cost of living in Canada which include the minimum funds of CA $22,895 to cover the living expenses.
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About the Author
Published and reviewed by AECC counsellors who guide students through every step of their study-abroad journey.
Published by Ankit Dogra
Canada & UAE Education Specialist | 14 Years Advising International Students
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.
