Are you interested in pursuing a career as a dental hygienist in Canada? Being a Dental Hygienist is a rewarding and in-demand profession that involves working closely with patients to maintain their oral health. In Canada, dental hygiene and dentistry are regarded as different and distinct health professions. If you’re considering a career path as a dental hygienist, here’s what you need to know about the dental hygienist education requirements in Canada to embark on this fulfilling career.

Education Requirements

For International Dentists

If you are a foreign-trained dentist aspiring to become a dental hygienist in Ontario, Canada, you will need to complete an accredited dental hygienist course (1-3 years) in Canada to meet the requirements for certification as a dental hygienist in the province.

Following is the list of some colleges that offer Dental Hygienist programs in Canada,

1. University of Manitoba
2. University of Alberta
3. Dalhousie University
4. George Brown College
5. Vancouver Community College
6. Southern Ontario Dental College
7. Georgian College
8. Niagara College
9. Durham College
10. Camosun College

You may find out more about pursuing dental hygienist courses in Canada by visiting CDAC (cda-adc.ca)

For Internationally trained dental hygiene professionals and graduates of Canadian non-accredited programs

If you are an internationally trained dental hygienist or a graduate of a Canadian non-accredited dental hygienist program, you must apply for an equivalency assessment of your education and professional credentials to FDHRC (Federation of Dental Hygiene Regulators of Canada) to determine the eligibility and requirements for enrolling in a dental hygienist course in Canada for international students.

Graduates of Canadian accredited programs

If you have graduated from a Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) accredited program in Canada, you are eligible to apply to write the National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination (NDHCE).

National Dental Hygiene Certification Exam (NDHCE)

After completing your education or equivalency assessment, you will need to pass the National Dental Hygiene Certification exam in order to be a certified dental hygienist in Canada.

NDHCE is conducted 3 times a year in

• January
• May 
• September

You can find NDHCE reference materials, sample questions, and preparatory tests on their official website.

After the NDHCE Exam

You can expect your results in the mail within six weeks after you wrote the NDHCE exam.

If you have passed the exam, you will receive your NDHCE Certificate with a unique National Certification number, with your results letter. You have to then register with the jurisdiction you wish to practice.

Once you have completed these steps, you can begin working as a dental hygienist in Canada. As a dental hygienist, you will work closely with dentists and other oral health professionals to provide preventive care, such as cleaning teeth and applying fluoride treatments, to patients. You will also educate patients on oral health care and help to identify and treat oral health issues.

Salary Range of Dental Hygienists in Canada

On average, dental hygienists in Canada earn between C$31 – C$71(according to payscale.com). Entry-level positions or those with less experience may start at the lower end of the range, while hygienists with several years of experience or those working in high-demand areas can earn salaries at the higher end of the range or even higher. It is important to note that this range may vary from province to province.