Dentistry is a wise career choice for those who want a stable job for years to come. In Vancouver, students who want to pursue dentistry have a few strong programs to choose from. These dentistry institutions prepare students for a career in dental hygiene or dental surgery with attention to clinical and administrative duties. Find out which dental education opportunities are offered by the local universities.
University of British Columbia (UBC) Faculty of Dentistry
The dentistry program at the University of British Columbia is one of the most recognized in Canada. The Faculty of Dentistry is known for its focus on clinical experience and group and self-directed learning. Professional behaviour is also highly emphasized, including how students conduct themselves within classes and in the clinic.
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Overview
UBC’s program includes a popular dental clinic on-site that serves as a real, functioning dental office for the community. Here, students put their theoretical knowledge into practice, gaining valuable hands-on clinical experience.
Facilities available to students in the clinic and in their studies are state-of-the-art, preparing students for all facets of their careers in dentistry.
The Faculty of Dentistry programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC).5
Programs Offered
UBC offers several different dental programs within the Faculty. Students can climb the educational and career ranks by taking on multiple programs in succession, or choose one and build a career that way. Both options are great choices for stability.
Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
This four-year program is renowned for its innovative curriculum that combines classroom learning with active learning methodologies and clinical practice. Students learn everything they need to be a competent and effective Doctor of Dental Medicine, from fine motor skills to practical clinical knowledge, to administrative and professional practice skills.3
Dental Hygiene Degree Program
This program offers two pathways: one for aspiring dental hygienists with no prior education, and one for those with previous experience but who want to deepen their knowledge with upper-level courses.
The program, known as the Entry-to-Practice Admission option, is a four-year course that grants students a Bachelor of Dental Science degree in Dental Hygiene.
This offering is only one of two in Canada where graduates can register as a Dental Hygiene Practitioner (DHP) right after graduation and begin practicing in other provinces and countries.
Students hone their skills in innovative classroom education and at the community health centre on campus. Education emphasizes oral health, prevention, and patient care.1
The [DMD] program is based on sound knowledge of the related biological sciences, strong clinical skills, and an understanding of the role of the dentist as a health professional and a leader in the community.
University of British Columbia
Graduate and Post-Graduate Programs
Students can enhance their knowledge with specialty training programs. These programs include Master’s and PhD studies in various topics, such as Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy (MSc or PhD) credentials in:
- Craniofacial Science
- Endodontics
- Orthodontics
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Peridontics
- Prosthodontics
As well as post-graduate options in Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology (OMOP) and General Practice Residency programs.
Admission Requirements
Admission into UBC Dentistry programs is extremely competitive. Students must meet certain requirements to be considered for the different programs.
- DMD students must have a minimum of 90 credits (3 years) of post-secondary study. Applications are due in early October, with all remaining paperwork to be submitted by the end of October.
- Dental Hygiene students must have a minimum academic average of 70%, but the average score of accepted students is usually much higher. Students enrolling in the program straight out of secondary school are expected to have completed at least one of these prerequisite courses: English, Biology, Chemistry, Pre-Calculus or Foundations of Mathematics.
Additionally, students must prepare a supplemental application (personal profile) and attend a mandatory open house/interview session.
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Of 268 students who applied to the DMD program in 2024, only 64 were admitted.
The average accepted applicant had a cGPA above 87%, a DAT score of 23.25, and 3 to 4 years of university education.
Facilities
The central point of interest at UBC is the Nobel Biocare Oral Health Centre, the clinical dental facility that sees hundreds of patients on average per day. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, students learn with hands-on clinical experience and research opportunities.
The centre is home to 144 dental units across 20 operatories, allowing a large number of patients to be seen by various dental students each day. The 123Dentist Simulation Laboratory is a cutting-edge learning and research space.
Research Opportunities
Students gain access to various research initiatives associated with the university. The Centre for High-Throughput Phenogenomics and the Endodontic Biobank are just some of the projects focusing on oral health, disease prevention, and new technology that students have the privilege of using.
Student Life
Beyond academics, UBC students enjoy an active campus full of student organizations. Community outreach and global engagement programs provide students with meaningful, exciting ways to get involved in the community as a human and as a dental professional.
Within the program, serving the community is a core part of student education. Students often work with underserved populations, simultaneously helping those who require it while allowing students to develop their professional skills.
Vancouver College of Dental Hygiene Inc.
For students looking to join the workforce faster, pursuing a shorter dental education can be the perfect choice. The program focuses on practical training with experienced instructors in classrooms, labs, and at the on-site dental clinic serving the community.
Overview
Established in 2005, the college is accredited by the CDAC. Students benefit from courses designed by the Registrar of The Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU), which develops and audits courses taught by private institutions in British Columbia. Students have confidence that the institution upholds a commitment to high standards in teaching and student expectations.4
Find out about dental programs in Ottawa.
We value and encourage the growth and learning of our students, staff and community.
Vancouver College of Dental Hygiene
Program Offered
Vancouver College of Dental Hygiene (VCDH) offers an 18-month Dental Hygiene Diploma.
In the program, students learn theory, clinical skills, and patient care through classroom lessons and clinical practicum. Students graduate with suitable proficiency in abilities like analysis and research, evidence-based decision making, and non-surgical management of periodontal disease.
Emphasis on providing adequate preventive care and education to patients is achieved through clinical experience.
Admission Requirements
Entry into the program can be competitive since it’s an in-demand school and career option. Applicants must take an admissions test that covers topics like biology, spatial relations and a written component.
Applicants must have achieved at least 30 credits in an undergraduate university program, specifically in these subjects:
- 6 credits - Chemistry with Lab
- 6 credits - Human Anatomy & Physiology with Lab
- 6 credits - Psychology
- 6 credits - English
- 3 credits - Statistics
- 3 credits - Electives
On the college’s website, applicants will create an Edulink Admissions Profile to submit the application form and take the online exams. Additionally, applicants will arrange to take a Pre-Admissions exam and pass the test with at least a 70% score, as well as complete an interview.
The college typically holds 2-3 intake waves per year: in winter, in spring, and in the fall.
Applicants must submit all their documentation at least a few weeks in advance of the intake date to secure a place. Remember that the program is competitive, so there may not be any available spaces for late applicants.
Visit the official website to view the updated intake dates and submit your application.
Facilities
VCDH was built in 2005 with education in a clinical setting at the forefront. The classrooms, computer lab and library provide adequate environments for theory and non-clinic learning. The main clinic features 11 chairs with X-ray units, and each examination chair is outfitted with industry-standard equipment and tools.
The Pre-Clinic Lab also houses 26 mannequin head stations for students to start learning before assisting with real patients.
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Career Support
The college is known for its job placement and networking opportunities available to current students and graduates. Students can sign up to be notified about job opportunities from alumni services. Employers can also contact the school directly to inquire about hiring graduates or students about to graduate.2
Choosing the Right Dental School in Vancouver
Selecting which dental school to attend depends on your personal career goals, timeline, learning preferences, finances, location, and other factors.
Here’s how the main dentistry programs available in Vancouver compare:
| School | Program | Time | Tuition (Domestic, total) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of British Columbia | Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) | 4 years | $85,000 |
| University of British Columbia | Bachelor of Dental Science degree in Dental Hygiene | 4 years | $38,500 |
| Vancouver College of Dental Hygiene | Dental Hygiene Diploma | 18 months | $48,300 |
Factors to Consider
Review each program you’re interested in before committing. Look through all the information available on the websites and request information packets from the admissions team. Seek out honest reviews from current and former students to get a better idea of what being a student there is actually like.
The most important factors to keep in mind are the foundational ones:
- Program Accreditation: Make sure the program is recognized in Canada. Only degrees and diplomas from accredited institutions allow graduates to register with organizations like the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) and get their license to practice.
- Curriculum Structure: Look at how the course balances theory and clinical work. Hands-on training is essential in dentistry. The program should give students ample time in clinical settings as healthcare providers and administrators.
- Facilities: Modern clinics and equipment improve learning outcomes.
- Career Opportunities: Some schools offer stronger job placement support and professional networks. Look at job placement statistics and alumni testimonials.
- Tuition Fee Costs: Consider the fee for tuition, as well as for services like room and board. See what scholarship or grant opportunities are available for each institution.
Be sure to examine these aspects in any dentistry program in Canada you may be considering.
Application Tips
Applying to a dental program generally takes planning. The institutions in Vancouver have more relaxed requirements than some other programs in other provinces, such as Ontario. Still, hopeful dental professionals need to have taken specific classes and achieved adequate grades to gain entry into a dental program.
- Early Preparation: Start gathering required documents and prerequisites well in advance. Make sure your secondary school or undergraduate university classes satisfy the credit requirements for the dentistry program you’re applying for. Know how to obtain an official transcript and have it sent to the institution.
- Personal Statement: Each institution may have different requirements for personal essays in its applications. Craft your essays to explain why you want to work in dental health, conveying your passion and interest in the field while adhering to the essay requirements.
- Interview Readiness: Practice common interview questions and scenarios specific to dentistry program applications. Be prepared to discuss your goals and experience.
Studying dentistry, whether as a hygienist or doctor of dental medicine, in Vancouver offers a straightforward path into the healthcare field. Programs are structured to educate students and give them the necessary experience to become successful, effective care providers in the community.
References
- “Dental Hygiene.” UBC | Undergraduate Programs and Admissions, 19 Dec. 2023, Available at: you.ubc.ca/ubc_programs/dental-hygiene. Accessed 2 May 2026.
- "Dental Hygiene Program." Vancouver College of Dental Hygiene. Available at: www.vancouver-college-dental.org/dental-hygiene-program.html. Accessed 2 May 2026.
- “Dentistry.” UBC | Undergraduate Programs and Admissions, 18 Mar. 2025, Available at: you.ubc.ca/ubc_programs/dentistry. Accessed 2 May 2026.
- "Private Training Institutions." Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit. Available at: www.privatetraininginstitutions.gov.bc.ca. Accessed 2 May 2026.
- Smith, Kristy. “Accreditation - CDAC-CADC.” CDAC-CADC, 25 Mar. 2026, Available at: www.cdac-cadc.ca/accreditation/#_accreditation-guide. Accessed 2 May 2026.
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