Learn about the credential assessment, education, and licensing requirements needed to practise as a dental hygienist, as well as job prospects and salary expectations. Discover how Windmill Microlending can provide financial support to help you overcome the challenges of transitioning your career and achieve success in Canada’s healthcare system.
March 6, 2025
A career as a dental hygienist in Canada offers internationally educated professionals a rewarding opportunity in the healthcare sector. As one of the largest registered health professions in the country, with 33,500 registered dental hygienists, these professionals play a vital role in promoting oral health by providing preventive dental care, educating patients, and assisting in the treatment of dental conditions. This occupation is projected to experience a significant labour shortage across Canada from 2024 to 2033. If you are a newcomer looking to integrate into Canada’s healthcare system, understanding the steps to becoming a licensed dental hygienist is essential.
Dental hygienists in Canada are licensed oral health professionals who focus on preventing and treating oral diseases. Their responsibilities include conducting oral health assessments, removing plaque and tartar, applying preventive materials like fluoride, and educating patients on maintaining optimal oral health. They work in a variety of settings, including private dental clinics, community health centres, and educational institutions.
For internationally trained dental professionals, the journey to becoming a dental hygienist in Canada involves several key steps:
1. Credential assessment: To practise dental hygiene in Canada, you must first have your educational credentials evaluated to determine their equivalency to Canadian standards. The Federation of Dental Hygiene Regulators of Canada (FDHRC) provides an equivalency assessment for internationally trained dental hygienists. To be eligible, applicants must have completed a dental hygiene program of at least two years in length, including both theoretical and clinical components. Additional coursework or training may be required based on the assessment outcome.
2. Completion of an accredited program: If your credentials are not deemed equivalent, you may need to complete a dental hygiene diploma or degree program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC). These programs, which range from two to three years, equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become a licensed dental hygienist in Canada.
3. National certification examination: After completing an accredited program or having your credentials recognized, you must pass the National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination (NDHCE) before applying for initial registration or licensing in all Canadian provinces, except Quebec. This exam assesses your competency to practise dental hygiene in Canada safely and effectively.
4. Provincial or territorial registration: Licensure is regulated at the provincial or territorial level. You must register with the dental hygiene regulatory authority in the region where you intend to practise, as requirements can vary. Visit the website of your respective regulatory body for specific application procedures and additional requirements.
5. Language proficiency: Proficiency in English or French is mandatory, depending on the region where you plan to work. Applicants may need to provide proof of language skills through standardized tests such as IELTS or TEF.
Salaries for dental hygienists in Canada vary based on experience, location, and workplace setting. According to recent data, the average dental hygienist salary in Canada is approximately $91,054 per year or $43.69 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $73,445 annually, while experienced professionals can earn up to $107,250 per year.
Dental hygienist salaries in Canada can differ significantly across provinces:
Transitioning into a dental hygiene career in Canada can be challenging, but Windmill Microlending is here to support you. We offer affordable loans of up to $15,000, along with personalized coaching and mentorship, to help skilled immigrants and refugees cover costs related to accreditation, training, and career development. Our goal is to assist you in re-establishing your professional career in Canada.
If you’re ready to advance your career as a dental hygienist in Canada, explore how Windmill Microlending can assist you. Visit our website to learn more about our services and start your application today.
