Dentistry is a fulfilling and rewarding career. It requires individuals to have skills in both scientific knowledge and patient care. The road to becoming a dentist in Canada is rigorous. These are two essential branches of dentistry. The family and cosmetic dentistry. The reward is a career that allows you to improve the oral health and quality of life of your patients. Becoming a dentist in Canada is a process that involves obtaining a bachelor’s degree to obtaining Licensure.
Step 1: Acquire Bachelor’s Degree
The initial stage of embarking on the journey to become dentist in Canada is to get a Bachelor’s in take science-related field. Some of the recommended undergraduate majors include biology, chemistry, and biochemistry. One needs to maintain a high GPA, as dental schools in Canada are competitive, and admission is on merit.
Step 2: undergo a Dental Aptitude Test (DAT)
The Dental Aptitude Test (DAT). It’s a standardized exam that measures an individual’s academic ability and scientific knowledge. It is a need for admission to dental colleges in Canada. The composition includes four divisions, namely: Overview of Natural Sciences, Comprehension of Reading, Reasoning and perennial ability. The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) gives the test.
Step 3: Complete a Dental Degree Program
After passing the DAT, the next step is to complete a dental degree program from an accredited Canadian dental school. There are ten dental schools in Canada. They all offer a four-year Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program. The program consists of both classroom and clinical training. Students learn the fundamental skills needed to become a dentist.
Step 4: Pass the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) Exam
After completing a dental degree program, graduates must pass the (NDEB) Exam. The NDEB exam is a two-part exam. The test assesses the competency of graduates in both written and clinical skills. The first is a written exam, and the second is a clinical skills exam. Once passed, graduates are eligible to apply for Licensure. This allows them to practice dentistry in Canada.
Step 5: Get Licensure
Obtaining Licensure is the final step to becoming a dentist in Canada. The provincial dental regulatory authority gives Licensure to the dentist. The province the dentist wishes to practice receives the Licensure as well. The regulatory authority reviews the applicant’s education and experience before granting a license.
Step 6: Complete Continuing Education
Continuing education is a crucial step for dentists. This is to maintain their licensure and stay current with the latest advances in dental technology. Dental regulatory authorities in Canada need dentists to complete a certain number of traditional degree courses annually to maintain their licensure.
If you are passionate about oral health, a career in dentistry might be the right choice for you. We encourage you to take the first step by researching dental schools. Speak with practicing dentists to gain insight into the profession. You become a successful dentist in Canada with dedication, hard work, and education. So, start your journey today and take the first step towards a fulfilling career in dentistry.