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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
4.92K views
Ankit Dogra
Published by Ankit Dogra

Canada & UAE Marketing Specialist | Manager - Client Relations & SES

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

Ankit Dogra
Published by Ankit Dogra

Canada & UAE Marketing Specialist | Manager - Client Relations & SES

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With over a decade of experience in the overseas education sector, Ankit Dogra is a marketing and student recruitment specialist with deep expertise in the Canada and UAE markets. He has a proven history of success at top multinational companies like AECC, ApplyBoard, and IDP Education.

What makes Ankit's perspective unique is his holistic understanding of the entire student journey. Beyond just admissions, he leads the Student Essential Services (SES) vertical, which includes crucial support like education loans, accommodation, GIC accounts, and money transfers. This means he doesn't just help students get into university; he helps them build their new life abroad.

As a Manager at AECC, Ankit is responsible for growing student enrollment numbers from the South Asia region for Canada and the UAE. His extensive background in digital marketing, certified by a Digital Marketing Course, allows him to provide the most current and effective advice for students navigating the modern, online world of university applications.

Ankit can help you with

  • Navigating Beyond Admissions: Get expert advice on the "next steps" after your acceptance letter, including securing an education loan, finding accommodation, and setting up your finances.
  • Understanding Canada & the UAE: Benefit from his focused expertise in the Canadian and UAE education markets to make informed choices about your future.
  • Building a Digital-First Application: Use his certified digital marketing knowledge to understand how to present yourself effectively online to universities and admissions teams.
  • Making a Smooth Transition: Leverage his experience with Student Essential Services to ensure every aspect of your move abroad is planned and stress-free.

Ankit holds an MBA in Marketing, which, combined with his extensive hands-on experience, makes him a powerful guide for any student's international education journey. 

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