Students searching for dental schools in Ottawa may be disappointed with the lack of universities offering DDS and DMD programs. However, those who want to get into dentistry below the doctor level can find established institutions for training. These options allow students to become dental hygienists and dental assistants. For those who want to continue their education, these Ottawa schools can serve as a starting point. Learn more about pursuing dentistry education in Ottawa and how to further your education in the field if you want to pursue a higher degree.
Canadian National Institute of Health (CNIH)
| Programs Offered | Program Cost (total) | Facilities | Admissions Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Dental Hygiene (19-month program) | $53,800 | 20,000 sq. ft. campus with 26 dental operatories | Secondary school diploma or Mature Student status |
| Modern classrooms, x-ray labs, and simulation technology | Prerequisite classes (biology, physics, chemistry, maths, English) |
The Canadian National Institute of Health is a private career college offering specialized diplomas in a variety of healthcare fields. It’s known for providing practical training to students and expedited educational pathways that allow graduates to enter the workforce faster than traditional colleges and universities.
The institution is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) and has a Dental Hygiene Accreditation Canada (AC).5
Discover dental schools in Alberta.
Dental hygienists are vital members of the healthcare team, providing essential preventive and therapeutic services that improve oral and overall health.
CNIH
Programs Offered
The main dental program at CNIH is the Diploma in Dental Hygiene. The 19-month course is designed for students who want to enter the workforce quickly.
Classes are offered both in-person and online, making it convenient to attend classroom-style lessons that don’t require clinical, hands-on work.
The Dental Hygiene Program consists of 3 terms, and classes cover all the necessary fundamentals of the job a student needs to know.
Courses include:
- Head & Neck Anatomy
- Radiography Theory and Lab
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology and Infection Control
- Dental Anatomy and Terminology
- Dental Materials Theory and Lab
- Dental Hygiene Principles
- Oral Pathology and Pathophysiology
- Periodontics
- Community Practice
- Oral Histology & Embryology
- Radiographic Interpretation
- Dental Hygiene Practice Management
- Orthodontics Theory & Lab
- Dental Specialties
Students learn how to assess oral health, perform cleanings and educate patients on preventive care. Under the supervision of professionals, students gain valuable clinical practice before beginning their professional career.
Facilities
CNIH features a 20,000-square-foot campus with 26 dental operatories, giving students access to the resources they need to gain a thorough education. These operatories function like dentist offices, where students can practice their skills on real members of the community with actual industry-standard equipment under the supervision of a lead instructor.
X-ray labs, materials labs, and technology-enhanced classrooms serve as more valuable resources, along with the library and computer lab. On-site lockers and change rooms make it even easier for students to attend classes before or after other obligations.
Admission Requirement
Since CNIH is a college, it has specific requirements for students who want to apply. Those who want to join the Dental Hygiene program must meet these conditions:
- Mature Students (age 19 or older) OR
- Must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent
- Prerequisite classes (with a grade 60% or higher):
- Grade 12 English
- Grade 11 Mathematics
- Grade 11 Biology
- Grade 11 Physics and/or Chemistry
- Police check / Vulnerable Sector Check
- First-Aid/CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
Students who want to apply must make an inquiry on the college’s website to receive the application forms. School transcripts must be sent with the application materials.
After submitting the application, prospective students must pass an entrance exam and interview. Upon acceptance, students will also need to receive proper immunizations and receive a dentist note from the institution.2
Students should contact the admissions department to find out the specific deadlines for different intakes at CNIH. Since the program is expedited, there are several admissions periods throughout the year.
Algonquin College Dental Clinic
| Programs Offered | Program Cost (total) | Facilities | Admissions Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Assisting Level 1 and 2(1 year) | 11686 | 8 treatment rooms, 24 chairs | Secondary school diploma or Mature Student status |
| Dental Hygiene (3 years) | 28763 | On-site community dental clinic | Prerequisite classes (biology, physics, chemistry, maths, English) |
| College-specific admissions test |
Algonquin College is the main public institution in Ottawa offering dental education, among other specialties.
The associated dental clinic is a real, functioning facility, giving students practical training while providing affordable care to the community.
The dental programs are recognized by the CDAC.
Find out more about dentistry programs in Vancouver.
Programs and Services
Located within the School of Health Studies, the dentistry programs at Algonquin College focus on the support positions within a dentist's office. There are two main programs for students pursuing dentistry:
Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) Ontario College Certificate program (1 year)
This program provides students with experience in radiography, lab and chair-side skills, oral health education and practical skills regarding maintaining a professional practice environment. Students work alongside professional dentists and hygienists at the Algonquin College dental clinic, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
This course teaches valuable classes, such as:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
- Dental Anatomy
- Preclinic Practicum
- Dental Radiography
- Health History Assessment
- Oral Health Promotion
- Restorative Theory and Practice
- Client Care Practicum
- 60-hour placement in a private dental office
The program emphasizes theory and practical skills, combining classroom lessons with hands-on clinic practice. Students learn how to communicate with patients to encourage preventive care in the community as an authority in public health.
Upon graduation, students are ranked as a Level I Assistant. When they pass the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) exam, they can practice Level II Dental Assisting skills in Ontario.
Dental assistants and hygienists are responsible for advocating for patient care and well-being through education and necessary procedures. Education programs focus on education about patient safety and comfort as well as hygiene-focused procedures.
Dental Hygiene Ontario College Advanced Diploma program (3 years)
This two-and-a-half-year program emphasizes classroom lessons and practical experience just as much as the Dental Assisting program. Under the supervision of Registered Dental Hygienists and Dentists, students administer preventive services in the on-site dental clinic.
Some of the courses offered to Dental Hygiene students are the same as those for the Dental Assisting students. Courses in the Hygiene program include:
- Oral Disease Prevention
- Dental Hygiene Professionalism and Collaboration
- Human Pathophysiology
- Nutrition and Dental Health
- Periodontics
- Pharmacology
- Orthodontics
- Clinic Practicum
- Population Health
- Career Writing Practicum
The dental clinic provides student-led services to Adults and Children (ages 6-16), so students can experience a range of patients in their studies. Students will practice procedures such as routine cleanings, informing patients about preventive care and designing treatment plans.
Upon completion of the course, students can take the National Dental Hygiene Certification Exam, which, once passed, allows them to register with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario.
Learn more about being in the dentistry field in Canada.
This program teaches you how to provide safe and effective dental hygiene care in collaboration with the client, community, and other healthcare providers.
Algonquin College
Facilities
The college’s community dental clinic includes 8 treatment rooms and 24 dental chairs, giving students and patients an efficient yet comfortable experience. Each station is equipped with industry-standard tools, and the clinic maintains strict infection control and safety protocols.
During their courses, students rotate roles within the clinic to develop a well-rounded education in both dental care and administration.
Admission Process
To enroll at the college, students must:
- Mature Students (age 19 or older) OR
- Must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent
To enter the dental programs, students need to meet specific criteria:
- Prerequisite classes (with a grade 65% or higher):
- Grade 12 English
- Grade 11 or 12 Maths
- Grade 11 or 12 Biology
- Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry
- Pass the Algonquin College Health Program Admissions Test (AC-HPAT)
- Police check / Vulnerable Sector Check
- First-Aid/CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
- Immunizations for Hepatitis B
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and Ontario Health and Safety Awareness (OHSA) Training certification
The programs are decently competitive, so meeting the minimum transcript requirements isn’t an automatic guarantee of acceptance.1
Deadlines for each program vary due to their different natures. Generally, the Dental Assisting program has two annual intakes: September and January. The Hygiene program usually has one intake in September. Deadlines for these intakes are subject to change, so you should contact admissions directly to find out more.
Admission Requirements and Application Process
Understanding the admissions process for any educational program is essential for prospective students. For those considering an Ottawa dental school pathway, knowing that the specific requirements for the local institutions may vary, but are similar, helps with planning classes in high school and creating a career plan.
General Prerequisites
The two main dental programs in Ottawa both require the same core classes to be taken and passed in high school:
- English
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Typically, a strong GPA is beneficial and can help secure a place in the program. A 60-65% passing score is required for the core courses listed above, with less emphasis placed on classes outside of this scope.
Find out more about dentistry programs in Montreal.
Application Steps
Just like any other higher education program, the dental schools in Ottawa require applicants to submit specific documents. You can ask your high school’s career counsellor, or other helpful teacher, or administrator to assist you in compiling the most important documents:
- Official and complete transcript
- Letters of recommendation
- Copy of diploma or alternate certificate
These colleges generally allow students to submit applications and paperwork through online portals, fax, or mail.
You may be able to access grants made available to students studying in Ontario. Find out more on the official Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) website.4
Once your materials are submitted, you may be asked to conduct an interview or an entrance exam. Preparing with a friend or mentor for these tasks can be helpful.
Also, be sure to pay attention to correspondence from admissions notifying you of additional certifications you may need to submit, such as a police check or CPR certification. Missing a deadline may set back your education and career by a full year, so be sure to stay on top of your application!
Career Opportunities Post-Graduation
There are many different career pathways for graduates of a program in dental assisting or dental hygiene. It’s not necessary to complete a master's or doctorate program in dentistry to break into the field.
Employment Prospects
Ottawa and the rest of Canada have a steady demand for dentists and dental professionals. Workers trained in the art of dentistry can work in places like clinics, hospitals, community health centres, private practices and care facilities. Outside of direct practice, such professionals can also work in research and development, education, and dental sales and supply.
Positions often occupied by graduates of such programs include:
- Dental hygienist
- Dental assistant
- Administrative staff
- Educator
Continuing Education
To secure a higher-paying or more involved job, you might choose to pursue even more education. This is a common choice for many assistants and hygienists after spending a few years in the industry.
Pursuing a Bachelor of Science can be the next step to obtaining a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry. Institutions across Ontario, like the University of Toronto and Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, offer these higher education programs.
Depending on your level of education, you may be able to complete specialist graduate courses or equivalents for skills like restorative dentistry.
No matter which path and level of expertise you choose, you may need to fulfill annual continuing education obligations to renew your license(s). Be sure to check with province and federal licensing boards to find out.3
Pursuing a career in dental assisting or dental hygiene is a great way to secure a stable job. The field is also conducive to gradual education increases over time, so you can move up the career ladder to become a full-fledged dental surgeon if you desire.
References
- “Dental Hygiene - 3 Years - School of Health Studies.” School of Health Studies, 11 July 2023, Available at: www.algonquincollege.com/health-studies/program/dental-hygiene-3-years. Accessed 30 April 2026.
- “Dental Hygiene - CNIH.” CNIH, 2 Sept. 2025, Available at: www.cnih.ca/programs/dental-hygiene. Accessed 30 April 2026.
- "Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario - Home." RDSCO. 22 Apr. 2026, Available at: www.rcdso.org. Accessed 30 April 2026.
- “OSAP: Ontario Student Assistance Program.” ontario.ca, 5 May 2026, Available at: www.ontario.ca/page/osap-ontario-student-assistance-program. Accessed 30 April 2026.
- “Home - CDAC-CADC.” CDAC-CADC, 22 Apr. 2026, Available at: www.cdac-cadc.ca. Accessed 30 April 2026.
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