Dentistry is one of the most stable professions in Canada and North America as a whole. Students in Montreal seeking education in dentistry, dental assisting, and dental hygiene have several renowned institutions to choose from. Discover the top dental schools in and near Montreal and find out how you can apply.
McGill University Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences
McGill is home to one of the top dental programs in Canada. Students at McGill benefit from an innovative curriculum supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a renowned community outreach clinical program.
Programs
Undergraduates, graduates, and students looking for residencies can all find something at McGill. The university specializes in intensive education, rather than shorter programs like hygiene and assisting.
Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
Students in McGill’s DMD program receive a comprehensive education covering everything required in dentistry.
Some classes within the course include:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology (series of classes)
- Community Oral Health Services
- Infection
- Cariology
- Dental Anatomy and Occlusion
- Radiology
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Restorative Dentistry
- Peridontics
- Endontics
- Orthodontics
- Implantology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Gerodontology
The highly competitive course only admits 28-30 students, with only 10-12 non-Quebec admissions per year.
Students graduate ready to take the licensing exams conducted by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) and l'Ordre des Dentistes du Québec (ODQ).
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Master’s of Dental Sciences (Thesis or Non-Thesis)
This tier of dental education is intended for students who want to hone their existing mastery of dental science. The non-thesis track allows graduates to study and practice what they know at a deeper level, rather than focus on new branches of information.
The thesis route promotes deep study in diverse research areas, such as biomaterials, mineralized tissues, nanobiotechnology, Indigenous health, and others.
Students in the thesis track can also pursue a Graduate Diploma in Oral Medicine, which is a 3-year program that provides specialty education in oral medicine recognized by the National Dental Specialty Examination and the Fellowship Examination of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada.
PhD in Oral Health Sciences
This thesis-based option is designed to promote deep research. It’s aimed at professionals interested in working in development, research, and technology sectors within dentistry and oral health, rather than dentists.
The higher you get in courses, the better they become.
various students, via The Princeton Review
Clinician-Scientists Pathway (MSc-DMD)
An innovative offering, this learning path allows students who have completed or are in their final year of their health science bachelor’s degree to automatically enroll in the 2-year Master’s of Dental Science (thesis) program, followed by the DMD program. The arrangement helps fast-track students, saving them a place in the competitive program, so they don’t need to reapply to the different stages of education.
Learn about the dentistry programs available in Ontario.
Facilities
McGill boasts a state-of-the-art teaching clinic, simulation lab and high-tech classrooms. Students learn theory with experienced professors through lectures, demonstrations, and labs.
Students complete their practicum requirements at nearby dentist clinics such as McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) hospitals, Jewish General Hospital, Welcome Hall Mission, Montreal Children’s Hospital, and other community clinics.
The array of clinical options provides students with all types of experience with all types of patients, preparing them for just about any work environment.
Admissions
To be eligible for the DMD program at McGill, applicants must fulfill specific requirements. The main academic requirements and other prerequisites are:
- 4-year (120 credit-hours) bachelor’s degree OR 90-credit bachelor’s degree with DEC
- Official transcripts
- CV
- CASper test
- Academic History Workbook
- CPR and AED certification
- Immunization
- Courses completed: 2 biology, 2 chemistry, 1 organic chemistry, 2 introductory physics (may substitute one physics requirement with calculus)
English is the main language at McGill, but students will be required to demonstrate at least a B2 level of fluency in French for admission into the DMD program.
Notably, the DAT is not a requirement for students enrolling in the 2025-2026 intake; be sure to check back for each application cycle to see if the requirement changes.
Applicants who move to the next round of selection are invited to interview. Interviews are administered in the multiple mini-interview (MMI) format, which consists of several short stations that require the interviewee to respond to different scenarios.
From there, final admission decisions are made, and selected applicants are notified within a few weeks.3
Find out what dental programs there are in Ottawa.
Prospective applicants must submit their applications and supporting paperwork for the DMD program by November 1. Applicants are advised not to submit letters of recommendation in their files, as admission is based solely on academics and competency.
Université de Montréal
The University of Montreal (or Université de Montréal) is a French-language university providing top-notch education in dentistry. Unlike most other DMD programs, l’UdeM’s curriculum covers 5 years of study. This is because it integrates master’s-level education into the doctoral program.
Programs
The main draw of the university is the undergraduate DMD program, but it also offers several postgraduate courses as well.
Doctor of Dental Medicine or Doctorat en médecine dentaire (DMD)
Students receive a well-rounded education, serving to give them experience in clinical dentistry as well as necessary interpersonal skills. Graduates of the program can choose to enter the workforce as a general practitioner or pursue further studies.
This pathway is known as the 1st-cycle doctorate in dental medicine.
Some of the classes students take include:
- Dental Morphology
- General Microbiology and Immunology
- Human Embryology and Histology
- Orthodontics
- Psychology and Dentistry
- Preclinical Operative Dentistry
- Special Pathology
- Preventive Dentistry and Clinical Periodontics
- Evidence-Based Dentistry
- Radiological Interpretation and Radiology
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Implantology
- Clinical Surgery
Preclinical studies are performed on industry-standard mannequins. In clinical studies, students practice performing examinations and providing care to real patients.
Master’s Degree in Oral and Dental Sciences
Aimed at students who want to deepen their knowledge of dental research, this degree can be combined with the DMD 1st-cycle as mentioned above.
Those who complete the MD without the DMD program are not eligible to obtain a licence to practice dentistry. The course does not offer practical education in providing care to patients. Instead, scholars focus on research projects, preparing for a career in research or an industrial setting.
Facilities
The main draw of the university program is the dental clinic located on campus, which is the largest university dental clinic in Quebec. Students are supervised by general and specialized dentists as they use industry-standard tools, equipment, and practices to provide care to patients.
The clinic features a 25,000 square foot space with 160 dental chairs, a pediatric area, a dental prosthesis and appliance lab, a working laboratory, an operating room, and a sterilization unit.
Admissions
The admissions requirements for the University of Montreal are fairly standard. Interested students must meet the following requirements:
- Quebec college diploma (DEC), equivalent, or complete a University Preparatory Year program
- Eligible diplomas: Sciences, Letters and Arts (700.A1 or 700.A0); Natural Sciences (200.B1 or 200.B0); Biology competency 0B0F or Objective 00XU; Chemistry competency 0C0F or Objective 00XV
- Courses: Biology (cell biology, evolution, human anatomy and physiology, etc), chemistry, calculus, physics
- DAT
- CASPer (average R-score is 36,684)
- Immunizations, CPR certification
- At least B2 fluency in French; may need to take French courses as part of studies2
Learn about dental programs in Alberta.
The admissions window opens on August 1 and ends on March 1 for entry into the subsequent Fall intake. Winter intake applications are open from May 1 to November 18. Summer intake is open from August 1 to April 1.
Dental Assistant and Dental Hygiene Programs in Montreal
Several institutions that offer dental assistance and hygiene education in Montreal. Those who want to enter the dental field without completing a full doctor program can train as a qualified specialist in oral healthcare.
Explore these options to begin a stable career in healthcare.
CDI College
Offering Dental Assistance credentials in both English and French, this 71-week program has several intakes throughout the year, making it an accessible option. Students learn everything they need to be competent assistants, like oral anatomy, oral diseases and lesions, hygiene and asepsis, pharmacology, and more.
To gain admission, students must possess a secondary V diploma or equivalent and be at least 18 years old.
Lester B. Pearson Continuing Education
This 13-month Dental Assistance program simply requires students to possess a high school diploma or Sec. 4 English, French (B2) & Math. There are several intakes each year, so checking the status of application deadlines on the website is prudent.
Pupils graduate with a Diplôme d’Études Professionnelles (DEP) and all they need to know to begin a steady career as a dental assistant.
John Abbott College
The 3-year Dental Hygiene program at John Abbott creates highly sought-after graduates. Students obtain many hours of theory and observation, as well as clinical experience. The institution features a community dental clinic, which provides preventive and restorative services to patients in the community, so students get to experience a wide variety of situations in their practicum.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Secondary School Diploma with English, French, Mathematics, Science and Technology, and History and Citizenship classes
- OR a Secondary School Vocational Diploma with English, French, and Mathematics
The application deadline is March 1 each year.
Tuition and Fees for Montreal Dentistry Programs
When selecting a dentistry course, it’s important to consider the cost of education. Living in Quebec has its perks, and many institutions charge a discounted rate to full-time residents.
Here’s how the dental programs in Montreal compare:
| Institution | Program | Length | Tuition (Total, Quebec resident) |
|---|---|---|---|
| McGill University | Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) | 4 years | 62000 |
| Université de Montréal | Doctorat en médecine dentaire (DMD) | 5 years | 64000 |
| CDI College | Dental Assistance | 71 weeks | 20000 |
| Lester B. Pearson Continuing Education | Dental Assistance (DEP) | 13 months | 30000 |
| John Abbott College | Dental Hygiene | 3 years | Free |
Scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid are generally available at each institution. Explore their websites or contact the financial aid offices directly to learn more about which options are available for you.
Learn more about becoming a dentist in Canada.
Obtaining Your License in Montreal
To legally practice dentistry in any capacity in Montreal, Quebec, or indeed, Canada, graduates must follow their education with licensing exams.
Dentists need to pass the NDEB certification exam and then apply to the ODQ for a Quebec practice permit.
Dental Assistants do not need to register, which is unusual; all other provinces require certification with the NDAEB.
Dental Hygienists must pass the National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination (NDHCE) and register with the Ordre des hygiénistes dentaires du Québec (OHDQ) to obtain their license. 1, 4, 5
No matter which path you pursue, Montreal can provide a comprehensive education in dentistry. Many students choose this field because it has remained in steady demand for many years and is expected to modestly grow in the future.
References
- “Entry-to-Practice: Graduates of Accredited Dental Programs - the National Dental Examining Board of Canada.” The National Dental Examining Board of Canada, 26 Sept. 2024, Available at: ndeb-bned.ca/certification-process/entry-to-practice-graduates-of-accredited-dental-programs. Accessed 3 May 2026.
- "Faculté De Médecine Dentaire." Université De Montréal. Available at: medecinedentaire.umontreal.ca/accueil. Accessed 3 May 2026.
- “Find Your Program.” Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, Available at: www.mcgill.ca/dentistry/programs. Accessed 3 May 2026.
- “Home - Ordre Des Dentistes Du Québec.” Ordre Des Dentistes Du Québec, 15 Dec. 2025, Available at: www.odq.qc.ca/en. Accessed 3 May 2026.
- Smith, Kristy. “Accreditation - CDAC-CADC.” CDAC-CADC, 25 Mar. 2026, Available at: www.cdac-cadc.ca/accreditation/#_accreditation-guide. Accessed 3 May 2026.
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