Job requirements Dental Hygienist in Canada

Find out what you typically need to work as a dental hygienist in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Dental hygienists and dental therapists (NOC 32111).

Employment requirements

This is what you typically need for the job.

  • Completion of a two- to three-year college dental hygiene program, approved by the governing board within the province or territory of residence, is usually required for dental hygienists.
  • Dental therapists are required to complete a two- to three- year college diploma from an approved dental institution program.
  • Licensing by the appropriate provincial or territorial regulatory body is required for dental hygienists.
  • Licensure is required for dental therapists in Saskatchewan, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Source National Occupational Classification

Professional certification and licensing

You might need to get a certification from a regulatory authority before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated and contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification process.

Alberta

Job title Dental Hygienists

British Columbia

Job title Dental Therapist
Regulated
Job title Dental Hygienist
Regulated

Manitoba

Job title Dental Hygienist
Regulated

New Brunswick

Job title Dental Hygienist

Nova Scotia

Job title Dental Hygienist
Regulated

Nunavut

Job title Dental Therapists
Job title Dental Hygienists

Ontario

Job title Dental Hygienist
Regulated

Prince Edward Island

Job title Dental Hygienist
Regulated

Québec

Job title Dental Hygienist
Regulated

Saskatchewan

Job title Dental Hygienist
Regulated
Job title Dental Therapist
Regulated

Yukon

Job title Dental Therapist
Job title Dental Hygienist

Source Foreign Credential Recognition Program - ESDC

Do you want to work in another province or territory?

If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.

Labour Market Information Survey
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