Job requirements Licensed Dental Therapist in Canada

National Occupational Classification update

We have updated this page to reflect the transition to the 2021 version of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). This means that the occupation "licensed dental therapist" was moved from the group Dental hygienists and dental therapists (NOC 3222) to the group Dental hygienists and dental therapists (NOC 32111).

Find out what you typically need to work as a licensed dental therapist in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Dental hygienists and dental therapists (NOC 32111).

Employment requirements

This is what you typically need for the job.

  • Completion of a two- to three-year college dental hygiene program, approved by the governing board within the province or territory of residence, is usually required for dental hygienists.
  • Dental therapists are required to complete a two- to three- year college diploma from an approved dental institution program.
  • Licensing by the appropriate provincial or territorial regulatory body is required for dental hygienists.
  • Licensure is required for dental therapists in Saskatchewan, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Source National Occupational Classification

Professional certification and licensing

You might need to get a certification from a regulatory authority before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated in your province or territory.

Table listing provincial regulation requirements
Location Job title Regulation Regulatory body
Alberta Dental Hygienist Regulated College of Registered Dental Hygienists of Alberta
British Columbia Dental Hygienist Regulated College of Dental Hygienists of British Columbia
Manitoba Dental Hygienist Regulated College of Dental Hygienists of Manitoba
New Brunswick Dental Hygienist Regulated New Brunswick College of Dental Hygienists
Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Hygienist Regulated Newfoundland and Labrador Council of Health Professionals
Dental Technician Regulated Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Board
Northwest Territories Dental Hygienist Regulated Registrar, Professional Licensing, Department of Health and Social Services
Dental Therapist Regulated Registrar, Professional Licensing, Department of Health and Social Services
Nova Scotia Dental Hygienist Regulated College of Dental Hygienists of Nova Scotia
Ontario Dental Hygienist Regulated College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario
Prince Edward Island Dental Hygienist Regulated Dental Association of Prince Edward Island
Québec Dental Hygienist Regulated Ordre des hygiénistes dentaires du Québec
Saskatchewan Dental Hygienist Regulated Saskatchewan Dental Hygienists' Association
Dental Therapist Regulated Saskatchewan Dental Therapists Association
Yukon Dental Hygienist Regulated Professional Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Government of Yukon
Dental Therapist Regulated Professional Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Government of Yukon
Denturist Regulated Professional Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Government of Yukon

Source Foreign Credential Recognition Program - ESDC

Do you want to work in another province or territory?

If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.

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