BDS in Canada: A Ultimate Guide

Highlights

• Popular BDS Programs Offered: Canadian Universities offer 4 year BDS programs such as Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry, Doctor of Dental Surgery, Doctor of Dental Hygiene and Doctor of Dental Medicine.
• Top Universities: Several institutions offer BDS programs in Canada like McGill University, University of Alberta, University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, Dalhousie University, etc.
• Tuition Fees for BDS: The average annual tuition fees charged by the dentistry universities is between 35000 CAD and 100,336.44 CAD (INR 21.12L - INR 60.84L)
• Salary Range: The average salary of a BDS graduate in Canada is 87,750 CAD - 396,645 CAD. (INR 53.21L - INR 2.40 Cr)
• Career Opportunities: Graduates can have ample job options to pursue in the dentistry field - General Dentist, Specialist Dentist (Orthodontist), Oral Surgeon, Paediatric Dentist, Dental Hygienist, etc.

Canada is one of the most popular study destinations for dental students worldwide. Firstly, there are around 10 Canadian institutions providing dentistry programs that are recognized by the CDA (Canadian Dental Association), emphasising research and internship opportunities, clinical practice, and community involvement. They also give dental graduates a competitive advantage in the employment market, with a starting salary of 87,750 CAD, and those with experience can earn up to 396,645 CAD per year or more.

Apart from its academic offerings, Canada has a diverse cultural experience, with a high standard of living and a welcoming environment for international students. The country's strong economy and high demand for skilled dentists ensure a promising career for BDS graduates. As per the Canadian Dental Association, over 21,000 dentists are practising in Canada, and the number continues to rise. If you are the one looking to study BDS in Canada then this article will delve into all the essential insights students require to start their education journey in dentistry.

Why Study BDS in Canada?

Before we can proceed towards learning BDS in Canada, let’s first understand why Canada is the ideal destination to pursue this field of study:

• Highly Ranked Dental Universities: The top universities in Canada are the University of British Columbia, which is rated 38 in the QS World Rankings 2024, the University of Toronto, which is ranked 25, Mcgill University, which is ranked 29, and many more. These universities are the top options for students wishing to pursue a BDS in Canada.
• Accreditation and Recognition: BDS programs in Canada are approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC), guaranteeing that the education given is of high professional quality. This accreditation boosts your degree's global recognition and acceptance.
• Collaboration with Medical Experts: During their study term, international students will have the chance to interact with medical professionals. It significantly improves the learning process for forthcoming BDS graduates, including dentists, dental assistants, and medical professionals.
• Provides Great Medical Facilities: The University of British Columbia is an excellent example, as it provides cutting-edge technology, including a well-equipped lab and research facilities. This is a demonstration that Canada has always been ahead of the curve in terms of technology.
• Evolving Curriculum: Universities in Canada have always kept up with current trends in each discipline, which is one of the primary reasons for their educational system's outstanding quality. For example, McGill University provides a four-year DMD program that regularly updates its course material to keep up with current Dentistry trends.
• Internship and Clinical Experience: In Canada, BDS programs often include clinical rotations and internships at dental hospitals, community clinics, and private offices. This hands-on experience enables students to apply their knowledge, improve clinical skills, and gain exposure to real-world dental problems.

Best Universities to Pursue BDS in Canada for International Students

Canada is home to multiple highly-ranked dental universities. Listed below in the table are the most preferred and popular dental institutes to consider in 2024 to pursue dentistry with the annual fees for BDS in Canada:

Admission Intake for BDS in Canada

1. Application Period: The application period generally becomes available from June to September, one year preceding the desired start date. However, it is best to check the particular deadlines for each university, as they may differ.
2. Admission Assessments: Upon submitting your application, certain dental schools could ask you to take more tests. These could be written exams, interviews, or the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT), a standardised exam used to determine admission to dental schools in Canada.
3. Notification of Acceptance: Universities generally notify applicants of their admission decisions between December and April, several months before the start of the program.
4. Program Start Date: BDS programs typically begin in September, but, it's crucial to double check the start date with the particular university you're applying to.

BDS in Canada Requirements

For international students, the entrance requirements to pursue a BDS in Canada are highly competitive. Therefore, in order to get admitted to a Canadian Institute for Dental Studies, one must possess the necessary knowledge. The following is the eligibility and admissions procedure to enrol in this course:

Documents Required To Pursue BDS in Canada

Here is the list of documents that need to be submitted along with your application:

• All official transcripts of post-secondary and pre-med education
• Academic history workbook
• English language proficiency results
• CASPer Test results if required
• DAT test results
• CV
• Statement of Purpose
• Canadian student visa application

Cost Of Studying BDS Courses In Canada

In this section, the cost of studying BDS in Canada is categorised into two parts: Pre-arrival and Post-arrival costs.

Pre-Arrival Costs

Following are the pre-arrival costs to be considered by the applicants along with their BDS fees in Canada:

Post-Arrival Costs

The Post-arrival costs for pursuing a BDS in Canada for Indian students include their cost of living and other miscellaneous expenses:

BDS in Canada fees:

The tuition fees charged by the different universities for their BDS programs are as under:

Cost of Living

The cost of living is another factor that impacts the applicant’s expenses to stay in Canada to pursue BDS studies. These costs are based on the lifestyle choices applicants make in Canada:

Scholarship Opportunities to Study BDS degree in Canada

Managing BDS course fees in Canada doesn’t have to be a costly affair. Dedicated to tight-budgeted students, Canada offers various scholarship opportunities that make studying dentistry a simple breeze in the country.

Career Opportunities after Studying BDS in Canada

After pursuing the BDS course duration in Canada, you can get started with multiple job profiles in Canada as you will be eligible to apply for the PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) after studies for three years and subsequently, you can apply for the permanent residency in Canada. Following are some of the job designations upon which you can start work in the dentistry field in Canada, and the annual average expected salary for them:

For Graduate of the Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD), Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Doctor of Dental Hygiene (DDH)

Note: The average annual income ranges are approximate and may vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and industry.

Obtaining a BDS degree from Canada provides multiple opportunities for graduates for their career growth and progression in the field of dentistry. With an increased demand for dental professionals and a strong emphasis on innovation and research, Canada is an excellent place for students to thrive and contribute significantly to the field. From general dentistry to speciality disciplines such as oral surgery and orthodontics, BDS graduates can expect to earn competitive wages and have rewarding jobs that improve their patient's dental health and overall well-being. BDS graduates who are committed to excellence and have a love for dental care can expect a bright career in Canada's dynamic and developing dentistry business.

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