Dentist
One of Canada's highest-paid health professions - excellent work-life balance and strong demand.
About the Career
Canada has a limited number of dental schools - demand for dentists is consistently strong across provinces.
Salary in Canada
- Entry level: $120,000
- Senior level: $280,000
Dentists who own their practice often earn significantly more. Specialists earn higher.
Job Outlook
Stable demand. Canada has a limited number of dental schools - demand for dentists is consistently strong across provinces.
How to Get There
- 4-yr undergrad (science-heavy) → 4-yr DDS/DMD program
- Time to career: 8 years post-Grade 12
Key Skills
- Manual Dexterity
- Patient Communication
- Diagnostic Skills
- Business Management
- Attention to Detail
Typical Employers
- Private dental practices
- Dental clinics & chains
- Public health dental programs
- Dental schools & academia
High School Roadmap
- Start with Biology and Chemistry focus. Volunteer in community health settings. Research dental school prerequisites.
- Take Chemistry and Biology seriously - both are prerequisites for dental school.
- Aim for 88%+. Research the DAT (Dental Aptitude Test) - typically written in 3rd year undergrad.
- Apply to strong science undergrad programs. Prepare for organic chemistry - one of the hardest dental school prerequisites.
Top Universities for This Path
- University of Toronto – Toronto, ON
- McGill University – Montreal, QC
- University of British Columbia – Vancouver, BC
- University of Alberta – Edmonton, AB
- Dalhousie University – Halifax, NS
Insider Tips
- Canada has only 10 dental schools - admission is very competitive. A 3.7+ GPA and strong DAT score are typically required.
- Shadowing a dentist and demonstrating manual dexterity (through art, music, or sports) is valued in applications.
- Dental specialties (orthodontics, oral surgery) require additional residency training after the DDS/DMD.