Jonathan BensonCanada is one of the most sought-after destinations for aspiring dentists. With world-class education, modern clinical facilities, and strong licensing pathways, Canadian dental schools produce highly skilled professionals ready for global careers. Whether you aim for a DDS/DMD degree, a specialty like orthodontics, or allied dental programs, understanding tuition, admission requirements, and program focus is essential.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top 20 dental schools and programs in Canada, their fees, and what makes each unique—so you can make the right decision for your dental career.
Top 20 Dental Schools In Canada And Fees
1. University of Toronto — Faculty of Dentistry
Annual Tuition:
- Domestic: ~CAD 51,200
- International: ~CAD 132,160
Ranked as Canada’s #1 dental school, U of Toronto is known for its advanced clinical training, cutting-edge research, and comprehensive DDS program. Students gain hands-on experience in top-tier dental clinics and benefit from collaborations with major hospitals and research institutes.
2. University of British Columbia — Faculty of Dentistry
Annual Tuition: ~CAD 90,000+
UBC offers a problem-based DMD program with strong clinical practice and community outreach. Its modern facilities and global reputation make it highly competitive for both domestic and international students.
3. Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University
Annual Tuition: ~CAD 129,000+
Located in London, Ontario, Schulich combines excellent clinical exposure with strong research opportunities. Its DDS graduates are highly regarded for patient-centered care and professional readiness.
4. McGill University — Faculty of Dentistry
Annual Tuition: ~CAD 65,000–90,000
McGill emphasizes evidence-based dentistry and research skills. With bilingual instruction (English & French), it’s ideal for students looking for multilingual clinical experience and international opportunities.
5. Dalhousie University — Faculty of Dentistry
Annual Tuition: ~CAD 45,000–50,000
Dalhousie in Halifax offers a community-focused DDS program, rural clinical placements, and a supportive learning environment, helping students build confidence and practical skills.
6. University of Alberta — School of Dentistry
Annual Tuition: ~CAD 25,000–30,000
U of Alberta provides patient-centered training and interdisciplinary collaboration. Its DDS program focuses on developing highly skilled, ethical, and socially responsible dental professionals.
7. Université de Montréal — Faculty of Dental Medicine
Annual Tuition: ~CAD 20,000–30,000
A French-language program offering hands-on training and research opportunities. Ideal for Francophone students or those seeking bilingual clinical experience.
8. Université Laval — Faculty of Dentistry
Annual Tuition: ~CAD 15,000–22,000
Laval provides an affordable DDS program emphasizing clinical practice, community service, and provincial dental health initiatives, preparing graduates for strong local career prospects.
9. University of Saskatchewan — College of Dentistry
Annual Tuition: ~CAD 35,000–40,000
Focused on rural dentistry and northern health challenges, the University of Saskatchewan offers hands-on clinical training in diverse community settings.
10. University of Manitoba — Rady Faculty of Dentistry
Annual Tuition: ~CAD 27,000–32,000
This program combines clinical training with community health initiatives. Manitoba offers DDS programs and allied dental options like dental hygiene, making it a versatile choice.
11. Dental Hygiene Program — George Brown College
Annual Tuition: ~CAD 22,000–40,000
A well-recognized diploma program focusing on preventive oral health, clinical practice, and community outreach, ideal for students pursuing dental hygiene careers.
12. Dental Technology Diploma — George Brown College
Annual Tuition: ~CAD 20,000–35,000
This diploma trains students in prosthetics, crowns, bridges, and dental lab work, complementing traditional dentist-led practices.
13. Master of Orthodontics — University of Toronto
Annual Tuition: ~CAD 30,000–65,000
A postgraduate specialty focusing on alignment, braces, and corrective dental treatments, ideal for dentists seeking advanced clinical expertise.
14. Master of Prosthodontics — McGill University
Annual Tuition: ~CAD 30,000–62,000
This program specializes in prosthetics, implants, and restorative dentistry, training dentists to handle complex clinical cases.
15. Master of Periodontics — University of Alberta
Annual Tuition: ~CAD 28,000–60,000
Focused on gum disease management, implants, and periodontal surgery, this specialty prepares dentists for high-demand clinical practice.
16. Master of Pediatric Dentistry — University of British Columbia
Annual Tuition: ~CAD 25,000–55,000
Specialized training in child and adolescent dental care, emphasizing early intervention and specialized clinical techniques.
17. Ph.D. in Oral Health Sciences — University of Toronto
Annual Tuition: ~CAD 6,000–15,000
A research-focused program for students pursuing dental science, teaching, or advanced clinical investigation, ideal for academic and research careers.
18. Ph.D. in Dental Biomaterials — University of Alberta
Annual Tuition: ~CAD 6,000–12,000
This program trains students in biomaterials research and dental product innovation, opening opportunities in academia and industry.
19. Certificate in Dental Assisting — Local Colleges
Annual Tuition: ~CAD 5,000–15,000
A short-term program preparing students for chair-side assistance, office management, and support roles in dental practices.
20. Continuing Education in Dentistry — Various Universities
Annual Tuition: ~CAD 3,000–20,000+
Short courses and CE credits for practicing dentists seeking skill upgrades or specialized certifications.
Comparison Table — Top Canadian Dental Programs & Fees
| Rank | School / Program | Approx. Annual Tuition (CAD) | Program Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Toronto | 51,200 (domestic), 132,160 (intl) | DDS |
| 2 | University of British Columbia | ~90,000+ | DMD |
| 3 | Schulich–Western University | ~129,000+ | DDS |
| 4 | McGill University | ~65,000–90,000 | DMD |
| 5 | Dalhousie University | ~45,000–50,000 | DDS |
| 6 | University of Alberta | ~25,000–30,000 | DDS |
| 7 | Université de Montréal | ~20,000–30,000 | DDS |
| 8 | Université Laval | ~15,000–22,000 | DDS |
| 9 | University of Saskatchewan | ~35,000–40,000 | DDS |
| 10 | University of Manitoba | ~27,000–32,000 | DDS |
| 11 | George Brown — Dental Hygiene | ~22,000–40,000 | Diploma |
| 12 | George Brown — Dental Technology | ~20,000–35,000 | Diploma |
| 13 | Master Orthodontics — U of Toronto | ~30,000–65,000 | Postgrad |
| 14 | Master Prosthodontics — McGill | ~30,000–62,000 | Postgrad |
| 15 | Master Periodontics — U of Alberta | ~28,000–60,000 | Postgrad |
| 16 | Master Pediatric Dentistry — UBC | ~25,000–55,000 | Postgrad |
| 17 | Ph.D Oral Health — U of Toronto | ~6,000–15,000 | Doctoral |
| 18 | Ph.D Dental Biomaterials — U of Alberta | ~6,000–12,000 | Doctoral |
| 19 | Dental Assisting Certificates | ~5,000–15,000 | Certificate |
| 20 | Dental Continuing Education | ~3,000–20,000+ | CE |
How to Choose the Right Dental School in Canada
- Program Type & Level: DDS/DMD vs. specialty vs. allied dental programs.
- Tuition & Budget: International fees are significantly higher; plan for supplies and living costs.
- Licensure Requirements: NDEB exams are required to practice in Canada.
- Language & Location: French programs (Montréal, Laval) require proficiency.
- Clinical Exposure: Look for schools with strong community outreach and practical learning opportunities.
Conclusion
Canada offers a wide range of dental education options, from professional doctorates to specialized postgraduate programs and allied dental certificates. Tuition varies, especially for international students, but the combination of high-quality clinical training, research opportunities, and strong career outcomes makes Canadian dental schools an attractive choice.
Whether your goal is a DDS degree, specialty training, or dental hygiene certification, careful planning and research will ensure you find the program that fits your career aspirations.