How to become a Dentist
Official title: Dentists
Also called: Dentist, Pediatric dentist, Public health dentist, General practice dentist, Endodontist, Pedodontist, Oral surgeon, Orthodontist, Periodontist, Stomatologist, Dental surgeon, Prosthodontist
Dentists diagnose, treat, prevent and control disorders of the teeth and mouth. They work in private practice or may be employed in hospitals, clinics, public health facilities or universities.
Main tasks
- Dentists
- Examine patients' teeth, gums and surrounding tissue to diagnose disease, injury and decay and plan appropriate preventative or corrective treatment
- Provide general dental care such as cleaning teeth, filling cavities, performing root canals, applying veneers, and fitting crowns, bridges and dentures
- Restore, extract and replace diseased and decayed teeth
- Instruct patients on oral hygiene and preventive dental care
- Monitor patient progress to identify changes or the progression of dental disease
- Prescribe antibiotics or other medication as required
- Bleach, clean, or polish teeth to restore natural color
How to become one
Dentists Two to four years of pre-dentistry university studies or, in Quebec, completion of a college program in sciences and a university degree from a recognized dental program are required. Licensing by a provincial or territorial regulatory body is required. Dentists in general practice can move into a specialized practice through advanced training. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons Four to seven years of specialty residency training in oral and maxillofacial surgery are required. Orthodontists Three years advanced orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics program accredited by the Canadian Dental Association is required. Prosthodontists Three years advanced prosthodontics program accredited by the Canadian Dental Association is required.
Ways in
- University: Medicine & Dentistry degrees, Offered by 15 universities in Canada
- Licence or registration: Licensing by a provincial or territorial regulatory body is required.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $110,000 a year The middle half earn $59,200 to $156,000.
- About 21,400 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 27,600 are projected by 2033. (+29%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: strong risk of shortage.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Dentist?
Dentists Two to four years of pre-dentistry university studies or, in Quebec, completion of a college program in sciences and a university degree from a recognized dental program are required. Licensing by a provincial or territorial regulatory body is required. Dentists in general practice can move into a specialized practice through advanced training. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons Four to seven years of specialty residency training in oral and maxillofacial surgery are required. Orthodontists Three years advanced orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics program accredited by the Canadian Dental Association is required. Prosthodontists Three years advanced prosthodontics program accredited by the Canadian Dental Association is required.
How much does a Dentist earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $110,000 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $59,200 to $156,000.
Is a Dentist a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 29% by 2033, from about 21,400 to about 27,600 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a Dentist?
Usually. 100% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03