Dental Schools in Canada

Canadian Dental School Acceptance Rates

Dental Schools in Canada

1.      Dalhousie University, Faculty of Dentistry

Curriculum: What makes the dentistry program at Dalhousie University unique is that clinical experience starts in first year. In the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program, students will learn how to diagnose, treat, and prevent a range of oral diseases. Students will have the opportunity to learn how to screen specifically for oral cancers and perform oral surgery. Sample courses include orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and caries prevention. When students graduate, they have the option of pursuing a one-year Dental Specialty Assessment and Training (DSATP) in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Application fee: 70$

Submission deadline: December 1

Admissions process: Canadian residents must submit results from the Canadian Dental Aptitude Test; applicants not residing in Canada can complete the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT). Students must also forward official transcripts and complete a supplementary application form with information on employment, awards, volunteering, and dental school extracurriculars. Successful applicants will be interviewed, typically those with the highest grades, using a structured interview format. Applicants who are invited for an interview will need to submit three dental school letters of recommendation.

2.      Laval University, Faculty of Dentistry

Curriculum: The Laval School of Dentistry is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in basic and preclinical sciences in the first two years. The final two years will mainly consist of clinical work. All classes will be taught in French.

Application fee: $84.00

Submission deadline: March 1

Admissions process: Students interested in the DMD program should note that applications are not accepted from non-Canadian citizens and preference is given to in-province applicants. Students must submit scores from the Dental Education Aptitude Test (TAED) administered by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA). The visual perception portion of the exam is required but the manual dexterity portion is not. Students must have a Diplôme d'études collégiales (DEC) in one of the following areas: sciences, letters, and arts; international Baccalaureate in health sciences obtained in Quebec; natural sciences (completed biology 401 and chemistry 202); dental hygiene with successful completion of select courses in mathematics, physics, and chemistry; another DEC with courses completed in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology; or pre-university diploma equivalent to 13 years of the Quebec University system. All applicants must complete the CASPer test.

3.      McGill University Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences

Curriculum: The first 16 months of the Undergraduate DMD program will consist of training in the fundamentals of medicine and dentistry with the faculty of medicine and science. The next seven months will comprise pre-clinical training followed by two years of clinical training during which students rotate through various units including hospital departments in the following categories: maxillofacial, surgery, and pediatric dentistry. Students will gain experience at the Jim Lund Dental Clinic and the Alan Edwards Pain Management Unit.

Application fee: $171.52

Submission deadline: November 1

Admissions process: Canadian and International students must have a 120-credit bachelor’s degree. Quebec residents can have either a 120-credit bachelor’s degree or a 90-credit bachelor’s degree with the DEC. All applicants must submit transcripts, an Academic History Workbook, CASPer test results, a CV, a list of verifiers, proof of residency/citizenship, and proof of proficiency in English. DAT test will not be a requirement for subsequent cycles. Interviews will be in MMI format.

4.      University of Alberta School of Dentistry

Curriculum: The University of Alberta Faculty of Dentistry offers three programs for prospective students: a three-year Advanced Placement program for dentistry graduates of non-accredited programs, a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, and Masters programs in Dentistry, Dental Hygiene, Oral Biology, Oral Medicine, Orthodontics, and Periodontics. The first two years of the DMD program will focus on oral biology, dental anatomy, and oral pathology. The final two years will consist of lectures, labs, seminars, and clinical practice. Clinics will take place at the following locations: Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, The Boyle McCauley Health Centre, and others.

Application fee: $125

Submission deadline: November 1

Admissions process: For the DDS Advanced Placement Program: one must be a graduate from a minimum 4-year University dental program; have successful completion of the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK); letters of good standing from licencing bodies; have English language proof of proficiency; and pre-entry examination for applicants who demonstrate potential. For the DDS program: applicants must complete 60 credits of postsecondary work; have a minimum of 2 years of Fall/Winter semesters with a full course load in each year; a minimum GPA of 3.5; submitted DAT score; submitted Situational Judgement Test (SJT); personal experiences involving employment, leadership roles, volunteer work, life experience and achievements, and personal highlights. Applicants who are interviewed must complete a dental school personal statement written on the same day of the interview. Interviews will be a combination of traditional questions and MMI questions. For Bachelor of Science (Dental Hygiene): completion of 30 transferable credits, 27 of which must be taken during the Fall/Winter; completion of SJT; personal experiences including employment, leadership roles, volunteer work, life experience and achievements, and personal highlights; competitive applicants should strive for at least a 3.0 GPA.

5.      University of British Columbia Faculty of Dentistry

Curriculum: This curriculum aims to provide students with a firm understanding of the principles of the biological sciences underlying dental practices. Students will begin clinical instruction during their first year. A solid foundation in clinical and patient-management skills will be developed through participation in group settings supervised by at least one faculty member.

Application fee: $252.00

Submission deadline: October 10

Admissions process: Canadian or US applicants must have a minimum average equivalent to a University of British Columbia (UBC) B- in third and fourth-year senior level courses. International applicants must have a minimum overall GPA equivalent to a UBC B-. To be eligible, students must complete 90 credits and a minimum of three academic years. Students must also have prerequisite courses completed with a minimum grade equivalent to a UBC C-. Supplementary documents include a personal statement, two dental school letters of recommendation, DAT exam score, and English language proficiency test results (TOEFL or IELTS) if applicable. Invited applicants will have individual and group interviews

6.      University of Manitoba Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry

Curriculum: The Doctor of Medicine Program curriculum will consist of extensive clinical exposure. Students will gain knowledge and experience in the sciences and patient-management skills through simulated practice settings working with dental Hygiene student partners.

Application fee: $100

Submission deadline: January 15

Admissions process: To apply, students must complete the required courses over two years of full-time study with a minimum score determined by the admissions committee. Applicants must also submit DAT scores. All applicants must also submit an autobiographical sketch. Indigenous applicants need to demonstrate proof of Canadian Indigenous status. Applicants will be interviewed using the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) structured interview, led by a panel of two individuals.

Applying to dental school? Here's a quick guide:

7.      Université de Montréal Faculté de Médecine Dentaire

Curriculum: During the first two years of the DMD program, students will learn basic science concepts and preclinical disciplines. In the third and fourth years, students will receive clinical training in some of the following areas: implantology, periodontics/endodontics, and restorative dentistry. Students will have the opportunity to explore student exchange programs, international cooperation humanitarian projects, and off-campus clinics.

Application fee: $109,50

Submission deadline: March 1 (college applicants), January 15 (other applicant categories)

Admissions process: To apply to the DMD program, students must have a degree in one of the following: Diploma of Collegial Studies (DEC) in Sciences, Letters and Arts; DEC in Health or Pure and Applied Science (with completion of Biology and Chemistry); any other DEC issued by the Ministère de l’Éducation du Quebec with completed courses in Biology, Chemistry, Math, and Physics; or any Bachelor’s degree deemed equivalent to the preparatory year. Applicants must submit DAT scores (TAED in French) with minimum scores of 5 in dental school manual dexterity and 10 in perceptual ability. Applicants should provide proof of French proficiency and a 2-page letter of motivation written in French.

8.      University of Saskatchewan College of Dentistry

Curriculum: Interested applicants should know that there are no course offerings during the summer. The first two years of the program will emphasize basic sciences; some dental sciences will be incorporated each year. After the second year, the emphasis will shift toward the dental sciences. A balance will be maintained between theoretical and practice applications of both basic science and dental science.

Application fee: $170

Submission deadline: December 1

Application process: Students must complete the following pre-dentistry requirements before applying: biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, general physics, biochemistry, metabolism biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, nutrition, and social sciences/humanities. Courses can be scheduled by applicants as they wish provided they maintain a 3-credit courseload per year. Applicants must complete three academic years of university coursework with a cumulative weighted average of 75% over the best academic years. 39 Prerequisite credits must be completed with a minimum average of 70%. Applicants will submit their DAT results with the following minimum scores: an academic average score of 15, perceptual ability score of 14, and a reading comprehension score of 14. The primary application should also include CASPer test results, official transcripts, proof that you have resided in Saskatchewan for at least four years, proof of Indigenous ancestry if applicable, and proof of English proficiency. The interview will be in MMI format.

9.      University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry

Curriculum: The curriculum of the DMD program is designed to consolidate and strengthen knowledge of basic and clinical sciences. Years 1 and 2 will consist of basic science coursework with an introduction to dentally relevant subjects; years 3 and 4 will involve clinical study of dental disciplines, gradually moving into more advanced assessment and patient-management skills in preparation for general practice.

Application fee: $275

Submission deadline: November 1

Admissions Process: To be eligible to apply to the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), students must complete 3 full years of university study with a minimum grade of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students will need to send official transcripts, complete the CASPer, complete the DAT, provide proof of English proficiency if applicable, and complete the DDS application form. The interview will be in MMI format.

10.  Western University, Schulich School of Dentistry

Curriculum: The first 2 years of the program will consolidate and build on requisite knowledge of basic/medical sciences with an introduction to clinical courses to prepare for dental clinic and hospital electives. The final 2 years involves courses in basic dental sciences with rotations in clinical disciplines. Students will learn and practice how to deliver comprehensive dental care in a clinical setting.

Application fee: $275

Submission deadline: December 1

Admissions process: Applicants must have completed a four-year undergraduate degree or be in their final year. Prerequisite courses must be completed in the following courses: organic chemistry, biochemistry, and/or human or mammalian physiology. Applicants must have at least an 80% in their best two academic years. All applicants must take the DAT administered by the CDA or the American Dental Association (ADA) and submit CASPer scores. Non-academic requirements include an autobiographic sketch and a personal statement. Interviews will be30-minutes long, structured and standardized.

How Do I Get Into Dental Schools in Canada?

There are many requirements for dental schools in Canada. To know how to become a dentist, you will need to have each document in order, including dental school personal statement examples and typically a dental school letter of recommendation. Requirements will vary by school, but generally, you will need to do the following to get be eligible to apply:

1. Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree

The first step on the road to gaining admission into a Canadian medical school is to earn your bachelor’s degree. Provided you complete the necessary prerequisite courses, the actual nature of your degree doesn’t matter. Common degree programs include biology, biochemistry, physics, molecular biology, biomedical engineering, physiological sciences, or pre-density. However, most schools in Canada that offer a pre-dentistry program don’t qualify it as a bachelor’s; instead, students can utilize the pre-dentistry program to earn their prerequisites and apply to dental school a year before it’s usually possible. Here are the most common prerequisites you will need:

• Biology
• General chemistry
• Organic chemistry
• Physics
• Biochemistry
• Physiology
• Microbiology
• Statistics
• Social sciences/humanities

Making sure you fulfill these requirements is very important, otherwise you won’t be eligible to apply. Additionally, some schools will require you to schedule classes in a certain way. For example, the University of Alberta College of Dentistry requires applicants to have a minimum of two years of Fall/Winter semesters with a full course load in each year. Other schools are more lenient. Still, it’s best for you to plan your schedule early and optimize for prerequisite performance. If you need help with this, you can consider a dental school advisor. Remember, you will also have to consider implementing other activities into your schedule such as dental school extracurriculars.

2. Have a Competitive GPA

The ideal GPA for dental schools in Canada will, of course, depend on the school to which you’re applying. However, the ideal cumulative undergraduate GPA that you should aim for is 3.5. You will need to look at the specific average scores of the most recent class profile and find out if the school has a cutoff score. Some schools will look at only your two best years. To emphasize the point that was made above: you will be disqualified from most Canadian dental schools if you don’t schedule your classes in a certain way, with a certain number of credits. Prerequisite GPA cutoffs should also be considered; for example, University of British Columbia Faculty of Dentistry requires applicants to have a UBC equivalent of at least a C- in prerequisite classes. Before you apply, make sure you consider specific school course requirements to maintain eligibility and perform optimally. Dental school admissions consulting is one such way you can access critical information and strategize your application.

3. Have a Competitive DAT

Every dental school in Canada except for McGill requires applicants to complete the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT). The multiple-choice exam has four sections: Natural Sciences, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning. Some schools will mention specific cutoff scores, such as the University of Saskatchewan Faculty of Dentistry, requiring an academic average score of 15, perceptual ability score of 14, and a reading comprehension score of 14. Note that part of the test will involve the dental school manual dexterity question where applicants must carve a piece of soap to exact specifications. The question “how to become a dentist?” really boils down to a series of skills and competencies, not least of which is precision on a small scale. Your performance on the DAT is consequential for getting accepted, so consider the following strategies to help you prepare:

4. Take the CASPer

Most dental schools in Canada will also require applicants to take the CASPer assessment. The best way to prepare for the CASPer is to practice answering questions. You can also take advantage of resources like a CASPer test prep course or a CASPer test prep book. The CASPer is divided into two sections. The first will be the video response section; you will be presented with two word-based scenarios and four video-based scenarios. The second section is for typed responses in which you will have to answer three word-based scenarios and five video-based scenarios. You will receive two open-ended questions at a time after reading the prompt, which you will have one minute to answer. When you’re practicing, focus on producing a high-quality answer; once you establish what a quality answer sounds/looks like, you can focus on answering within the time constraint. If you’re struggling to prepare, consider CASPer prep services.

Watch this video for our ultimate CASPer test prep strategy and sample passages!

5. Apply to the Right Schools

Next, it’s important to consider the schools to which you’re applying. It’s a mistake to blindly submit your application to every school and hope that one of them invites you to an interview. Instead, you should apply to schools that align with your stats (GPA, DAT) and experiences. While you can apply to schools that have average GPA or DAT scores above yours, there’s a chance you will be wasting your time and energy on this application process. Not to mention that, as you will have seen above, application fees can be expensive. It’s best for you to focus on applying to schools where your stats will be appreciated. You should also avoid schools that have requirements that you simply don’t meet. For example, the University of Saskatchewan College of Dentistry says this about GPA scores: “Completion of 39 credit units of required pre-dentistry courses with a minimum overall average of 70%.” If you can’t meet this requirement, it doesn’t make sense for you to apply. So, focus on narrowing down your choices to schools where you can meet their basic requirements and fit in with their community/culture.



6. Submit Your Application Using the Appropriate Application Service

To submit your application, you will need to use the correct application service. The schools listed above will use different services, so it’s important to know which you will be using to upload your materials. Some use the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS), but most will not. Navigate to the school you wish to apply to below and see the application service they use:

7. Start the Process Early

It’s best for you to start the application process early. Even if you don’t start writing your personal statement and other requirements, you should be doing research on programs and schools. Find out what their requirements are and start pursuing experiences that will help you stand out: shadowing, employment, volunteering, etc. The earlier you start building your portfolio, the more opportunities you will get to expand and broaden your appeal to different schools. Your goal is the show dental schools that your experiences demonstrate your suitability for dental school. Then, once you establish these meaningful pursuits, you can start working on your application. Starting early will allow you to make sure you have all the necessary supplemental documents in order and ready to send out. By then, you will be able to start practicing for interviews.

Writing a personal statement for dental school? Here are some tips:

Other Factors to Consider When Applying

#1: Tuition

When you’re trying to decide which school to apply to, you will need to consider tuition costs, which will likely be a major factor for most applicants. Use the following table to learn more about average tuition costs for each institution:

#2: Applying From the US or Out-of-Province

If you’re applying from out-of-province or you’re an international student, you will have to consider which dental schools in Canada will give you the best chances of getting accepted. For most of the schools in Canada, it will be more difficult for international students, even at schools where applicants in this category are allowed. Some schools don’t allow international students, others do but rarely admit them. So, it’s important to apply to the right schools and avoid the ones that aren’t friendly to international or even out-of-province students. Here’s what each school has to say regarding these types of applicants:

1. Dalhousie University, Faculty of Dentistry: The Doctor of Dental Surgery Qualifying Program is designed for Canadian residents of permanent residents of Canada who have graduated from a non-accredited dentistry program in another country. Preference is given to permanent residences of the Atlantic provinces for the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program (DDS).
2. Laval University, Faculty of Dentistry: Admission is offered in the following order of priority: candidates from Quebec or francophones from New Brunswick or Ontario; candidates from other provinces; non-Canadian applicants.
3. McGill University Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences: Non-Quebec Canadian Applicants are welcome to apply if they are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is not a resident of Quebec and meets all other admissions requirements. International applicants can apply if they are individual who requires a study permit to study in Canada and meets all other application requirements.
4. University of Alberta School of Dentistry: For the Doctor of Dental Surgery program, there is an annual quota of 30 students. Of those 30, 27 are reserved for Alberta residents, up to 3 for non-Alberta residents.
5. University of British Columbia Faculty of Dentistry: The Faculty of Dentistry will consider applicants who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. Students must fulfill admissions requirements and any Canadian immigration student visa requirements. The Indigenous admissions process of the faculty has a limited number of reserved seats in the first year of the DMD program. Approximately 90% of available domestic seats will be offered to in-province applicants.
6. University of Manitoba Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry: A minimum of 23 of 29 positions offered to applicants in the general applicant category (personal or academic background disqualify them from other applicant categories). A maximum of two positions in the first year dental program may be allocated to applicants in the Indigenous populations of Canada in the Canadian Indigenous Applicant Category. A maximum of six positions in the first year program may be allocated to the combined Canadian Indigenous Applicant and Individual Applicant Categories. Applicants who hold a dental degree outside of Canada may apply to the International Dentist Degree Program (IDDP).
7. University of Montreal Faculty of Dentistry: The International Students Office welcomes international students to apply.
8. University of Saskatchewan College of Dentistry: Applications from international students are no longer accepted. No consideration or provision for accepting transfer applicants.
9. University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry: Applications from qualified persons of aboriginal ancestry will be given special consideration for admission. If you’re a Canadian resident or Permanent resident enrolled in a Canadian or US dental school, you can apply to transfer; transfer applicants will only be considered for transfer into second-year if there is room. International students are welcome to apply but must obtain a Student Authorization Visa after they’ve been offered a place. Students who have completed a minimum four year university dental program not recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC), have maintained a GPA of at least 3.00, will be a Canadian citizen or have permanent residency status in Canada, and can provide proof of English proficiency are welcome to apply to the International Dentist Advanced Placement Program (IDAPP). International students are not eligible for this program.
10. Western University, Schulich School of Dentistry: Up to 4 seats available for international applicants who must satisfy the same admissions requirements as national students and demonstrate English language proficiency.

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Please note: although we have made every effort to provide the most accurate information, admissions information changes frequently. Therefore, we encourage you to verify these details with the official university admissions office. You are responsible for your own results. BeMo does not endorse nor affiliate with any official universities, colleges, or test administrators and vice versa. 

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