Calgary is a thriving hub for dental professionals and oral healthcare services. Whether you’re aiming to become a Dental Assistant, Hygienist, or focus on dental administration, the city offers a range of programs to launch your career. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 15 dental schools and programs in Calgary, along with their fees, duration, and what makes each program stand out.

Top 15 Dental Schools In Calgary And Fees

1. Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) – Dental Assisting Certificate

SAIT is one of Calgary’s premier institutions for dental assisting. The program equips students with practical skills, patient care knowledge, and clinical experience.

Program Details:

• Credential: Certificate (Dental Assisting)
• Duration: ~1 year
• Fees: ~CAD $6,836 (tuition) + ~$4,500 (books/supplies) + ~$2,153 (mandatory fees)
• Skills Learned: Chair-side assisting, infection control, restorative support, radiography
• Career Path: Registered Dental Assistant

2. KDM Dental College International Inc. – Dental Assisting Program

This private college offers intensive dental assisting training with a focus on employment readiness.

Program Details:

• Credential: Diploma
• Duration: ~28 weeks
• Fees: ~CAD $23,033 (includes tuition, registration, books)
• Highlights: 90%+ job placement; strong clinical practicum

3. Columbia College Calgary – Dental Assistant Professional Program

Columbia College offers a professional diploma program that balances clinical and administrative training.

Program Details:

• Credential: Diploma
• Duration: ~31–45 weeks
• Fees: Contact school for exact pricing
• Focus Areas: Chair-side procedures, infection control, practice simulations

4. Calgary College of Dental Health – Dental Office Administration

This program is perfect if you prefer the administrative side of dentistry.

Program Details:

• Credential: Certificate
• Duration: ~18 weeks
• Fees: ~CAD $5,499 + materials ($535)
• Skills Learned: Insurance coding, scheduling, dental terminology

5. SAIT – Dental Clinic Services

SAIT’s dental clinic provides students with real-life clinical experience, reinforcing hands-on skills learned in the classroom.

Program Details:

• Type: Clinical training environment
• Benefit: Affordable patient care and practical exposure

6. CDI College – Dental Assisting Diploma (Calgary North)

CDI College offers a diploma program focusing on chair-side skills and foundational dental knowledge.

Program Details:

• Credential: Diploma
• Duration: ~45 weeks
• Fees: Contact school for current pricing

7. Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) – Dental Assisting (Edmonton)

Although based in Edmonton, NAIT attracts Calgary students due to its accredited programs and high clinical training standards.

Program Details:

• Credential: Certificate
• Duration: ~1 year
• Fees: Contact NAIT for details

8. University of Alberta – Dental Hygiene Bachelor’s (Edmonton)

This is a professional degree for students aiming to become licensed dental hygienists.

Program Details:

• Credential: Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
• Duration: 3–4 years
• Fees: ~CAD $56,169 (tuition, instruments, fees)

9. University of Alberta – Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)

The University of Alberta offers one of Alberta’s few full-scale dental programs.

Program Details:

• Credential: DDS
• Duration: 4 years
• Fees: ~$232,707–$528,422 (tuition, equipment, fees)

10. University of Alberta – Dental Assisting Certificate

A shorter certificate program for students seeking focused dental assisting education.

Program Details:

• Credential: Certificate
• Duration: 10 months
• Fees: Contact UAlberta for details

11. University of Alberta – Post-Diploma BSc Dental Hygiene

For existing dental professionals, this program advances their qualifications to a bachelor’s degree.

Program Details:

• Credential: Post-Diploma BSc
• Duration: 2–3 years
• Fees: Vary depending on prior qualifications

12. University of Calgary Continuing Education – Health/Dental Courses

Short courses in dental health, infection control, and office administration are offered through continuing education programs.

Program Details:

• Credential: Certificate / Badge
• Fees: Vary per course
• Benefit: Skill upgrades for working professionals

13. Online Dental Assisting Programs

Several online programs offer preparation for dental assisting certification and national exams.

Program Details:

• Credential: Certificate
• Duration: Variable
• Fees: ~$15,000–$16,500

14. Specialty Workshops & Certification Courses

Calgary offers workshops for orthodontic assisting, radiography, and software skills. These are great for continuing education and career growth.

Fees: Vary depending on program

15. International Dental Bridging Programs

Designed for internationally trained dentists, these programs help prepare for Canadian licensing.

Fees: Vary widely

Comparison Table: Dental Programs in Calgary

School / Program	Credential	Approx. Fees (CAD)	Duration	Focus Area
SAIT – Dental Assisting	Certificate	~$6,836 + ~$4,500 + ~$2,153	~1 year	Chair-side & clinical
KDM Dental College	Diploma	~$23,033 total	~28 weeks	Dental assisting
Columbia College	Diploma	Contact for fees	~8–12 mo	Dental assisting
Calgary College of Dental Health	Certificate	~$5,499 + materials	~18 wks	Office admin
CDI College – Dental Assisting	Diploma	Contact school	~45 weeks	Assisting basics
NAIT – Dental Assisting	Certificate	Contact NAIT	~1 year	Clinical roles
UAlberta – Dental Hygiene	BSc	~$56,169 (est)	3–4 yrs	Dental hygiene
UAlberta – DDS	Doctorate	~$232k–$528k (est)	4 yrs	Dentist training
UAlberta – Dental Assisting	Certificate	Contact UAlberta	~10 mo	Assisting
UAlberta – Post-Dipl. BSc Hygiene	Degree	Varies	2–3 yrs	Career advancement
UCalgary – CE Dental Courses	Certificates	Varies	Short courses	Skills upgrade
Online Dental Programs	Cert/Online	~$15k–$16.5k	Variable	Assisting skills
Specialty Workshops	Certificates	Varies	Short	Technical upskill
International Bridging Prep	Prep/Cert	Varies	Variable	Licensing prep
SAIT Clinic Services	Practical training	N/A	N/A	Student clinical experience

Why Choose Dental Education in Calgary?

Calgary offers:

• Hands-on training: From dental assisting to hygiene programs, practical experience is prioritized.
• Flexible pathways: Certificates, diplomas, and degrees cater to various career goals.
• Strong employment outcomes: Dental professionals are in demand across Alberta.
• Affordable alternatives: Compared to full DDS programs, diploma and certificate programs are budget-friendly.

Conclusion

Each program offers different benefits and fees, so always contact schools directly for updated costs and admission requirements. Calgary’s dental programs provide excellent opportunities to enter a growing and rewarding field.