Dental hygienist courses in Canada offer a compelling pathway for individuals looking for a career in oral health. These comprehensive programmes are meticulously designed to provide students with extensive training and education, equipping them with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in the field.
According to the latest supply data, the dental hygiene profession in Canada boasts a significant presence, with a total of 31,170 registered dental hygienists. This places dental hygiene as the sixth largest registered health profession in the country, highlighting its importance and prominence within the healthcare sector.
It is crucial to consider certain factors when choosing a university. Some universities exclusively admit Canadian students, while others require Canadian sponsorship for international students. Therefore, prospective students should carefully review the admission policies of their desired institutions to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria.
Dental hygienists enjoy favourable employment prospects, with an approximate unemployment rate of 1%, significantly lower than the current Canadian unemployment rate of 6.7% as of October 2021.
Also, what’s important to know is that Canada’s Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) programme has expanded to include dental assistant and dental laboratory assistant occupations. This change aims to facilitate the immigration process for qualified dental professionals looking to relocate to Canada and enables dentists in the country to recruit internationally. The addition of these occupations is a response to the high demand for dental hygienists and dental assistants in Canada.
A quick look at what the programmes entail.
Accredited dental hygiene programmes and advanced diplomas in Canada cover a broad spectrum of subjects, ranging from dental anatomy and oral pathology to radiography, periodontics, and preventive dentistry. With a focus on holistic oral care, these courses empower aspiring dental hygienists to make a meaningful impact on patients’ dental health and overall well-being.
Students receive hands-on training in dental clinics and laboratories, allowing them to gain valuable experience in patient care, dental procedures, and dental hygiene techniques. We cover courses and universities in detail below.