From Internationally Trained Dentist to Dental Hygienist in Ontario: A Comprehensive Guide

For an internationally trained dentist, transitioning to a career as a dental hygienist in Toronto offers a promising and rewarding path within the Canadian healthcare system. It’s important to understand that in Canada, dentistry and dental hygiene are distinct, regulated professions. Your dental degree provides a strong foundation but does not grant you the ability to practice as a hygienist directly.

This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to become a registered dental hygienist in Ontario.

The Fundamental Requirement: Canadian Education

The most critical step in this journey is to graduate from a dental hygiene program that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC). There are no “bridging programs” or “equivalency assessments” for foreign-trained dentists to become dental hygienists. You must complete a full Canadian diploma program, which typically ranges from 18 to 24 months.

While this may seem like a significant undertaking, your background as a dentist will be a considerable asset during your studies and in your future career.

Step-by-Step Pathway to Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Toronto

Here is a detailed breakdown of the process:

Step 1: Meet the Admission Requirements for a Dental Hygiene Program

Each college in Ontario has its own specific admission requirements. As an internationally trained dentist, you will generally need to:

Have Your Dental Degree Assessed: You must obtain a credential assessment from a service like World Education Services (WES) to demonstrate the Canadian equivalency of your education. This is a mandatory step for most colleges.
Fulfill Prerequisite Courses: Most programs require Grade 12 equivalent courses in English, Biology, and Chemistry.
- Advantage for Dentists: Your dental education likely covers the science prerequisites. Some colleges, like the Canadian Academy of Dental Hygiene, explicitly exempt foreign-trained dentists from the Grade 11/12 Biology prerequisite. You will need to confirm this with the admissions department of each college you are interested in.
Prove English Language Proficiency: If your dental education was not in English, you will need to provide proof of proficiency through a standardized test like IELTS or TOEFL.
Complete Other Program-Specific Requirements: This may include a pre-admission aptitude test, an interview, or a written essay. Some institutions, for example, require applicants to observe in a dental office for a couple of days, a requirement that is often waived for foreign-trained dentists.

Finding a Program in the Toronto Area:

Several public and private colleges in and around Toronto offer CDAC-accredited dental hygiene programs. It is crucial to ensure the program is accredited. Some options to research include:

George Brown College
Durham College
Niagara College
Toronto College of Dental Hygiene and Auxiliaries Inc.
The Canadian Academy of Dental Health and Community Sciences

Step 2: Complete the Accredited Dental Hygiene Program

Once accepted, you will immerse yourself in a comprehensive curriculum that covers:

Dental hygiene theory and practice
Oral anatomy and histology
Periodontics
Dental radiography
Preventive dentistry
Community dental health
Ethics and jurisprudence

Your prior dental knowledge will give you a significant advantage in understanding these subjects. The program will focus on developing the specific hands-on clinical skills required of a dental hygienist in Canada.

Step 3: Pass the National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination (NDHCE)

After graduating from your accredited program, the next major step is to successfully pass the National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination (NDHCE). This is a written, multiple-choice exam that assesses the knowledge and skills required to practice safely and effectively. The exam is offered several times a year.

Step 4: Register with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO)

Once you have successfully passed the NDHCE, you are eligible to apply for registration with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO), the regulatory body for the profession in the province. The registration process for graduates of accredited Canadian programs is generally straightforward and involves:

Submitting a completed application form.
Providing proof of graduation from a CDAC-accredited program.
Providing your NDHCE certificate.
Successfully completing the CDHO’s jurisprudence and ethics examination.
Obtaining professional liability insurance.
Providing a police record check.
Paying the required registration fees.

Upon successful registration, you will be granted a certificate of registration and can use the title “Registered Dental Hygienist” (RDH).

Estimated Timeline and Costs

Credential Assessment: 2-3 months ($200 – $400 CAD)
Dental Hygiene Program: 18-24 months.
- Tuition and Fees: This is the most significant expense. For a full program in the Toronto area, you can expect costs to range from $30,000 to over $50,000 CAD. This often includes instruments, uniforms, and other fees.
NDHCE Fee: Approximately $1,000 CAD.
CDHO Registration Fees: Approximately $500 CAD (initial application and registration).

Total Estimated Timeline: 2 to 2.5 years.

Total Estimated Cost: $32,000 to $55,000+ CAD.

Your Advantage as an Internationally Trained Dentist

Your journey, while requiring a significant investment of time and money, is enhanced by your prior training. You bring a depth of understanding of oral health, pathology, and patient management that will be highly valued in the classroom and in your future practice. This background can make you a strong candidate for admission and a confident, competent clinician.

This established and clear pathway, though demanding, leads to a stable and respected profession in Ontario, allowing you to leverage your passion for oral health in a new and rewarding way.

Do you have any specific questions about the application process to a dental hygiene program, or would you like to explore information on specific colleges? Help us help you, contact us today (REGISTER HERE)