Dentists Demand – Job Opportunities in Canada

Canada's healthcare system is one of the most inclusive and high-standard systems, and dental care is integral to that. The demand for dentists in Canada has been increasing steadily over the years because of factors such as an aging population, increasing awareness of oral health, and advancements in dental technology. This calls for a greater need for skilled dental professionals to meet the oral health needs of the country.

Requirements

There are several key requirements for working as a dentist in Canada.

• Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field.
• Aspirants must obtain a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from an accredited dental school in Canada or abroad.
• Must obtain National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) Certification which ensures that the dentist meets the national standards of practice.
• Dentists must also be licensed by the dental regulatory authority in the province or territory where they intend to work.
• Dentists must demonstrate proficiency in English or French, depending on the province in which they practice.
• Dentists who have completed their education abroad must undergo the NDEB Equivalency Process to assess whether their qualifications meet Canadian standards.

In some provinces, new graduates may be required to complete a period of supervised practice or residency before receiving full licensure. However, this varies by region and the dentist's qualifications.

Opportunities for Dentists in Canada

• Many dentists in Canada choose to operate their private practices, providing a wide range of dental services, from routine checkups to more specialized procedures.
• Dentists in Canada have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as orthodontics, periodontics, pediatric dentistry, oral surgery, or prosthodontics. This involves advanced studies in particular areas.
• Dentists passionate about education and research can pursue careers in dental academia or clinical research. There are opportunities to teach at dental schools or engage in research to advance the field of dentistry and improve patient care.
• Dentists in Canada can work in public health settings (Public health dentistry), focusing on providing dental care to underserved populations, including children, seniors, and low-income individuals. Public health dentistry may involve working with government-funded programs or non-profit organizations to promote oral health awareness and provide preventive care.

Job Titles for Dentists

• Dentist
• Endodontist
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
• Oral Pathologist
• Oral Radiologist
• Orthodontist
• Pediatric Dentist
• Periodontist
• Prosthodontist
• Public Health Dentist