Dentists

Dentists must complete a degree in dentistry to work in this occupation. A Doctor of Dental Medicine degree is most common; however, a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree or Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree is sufficient to work in this occupation.

The Faculty of Dentistry at the University of British Columbia offers the province's only program that leads to a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree (DMD).

Entry into the program requires at least three years of post-secondary studies with some prerequisite courses, a minimum GPA, and a minimum score on the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT). Once accepted, the program takes four years to complete and includes some clinical experience.

For more information on this program visit: www.dentistry.ubc.ca.

Further education beyond a dental medicine degree or dental surgery degree is required in order to become a dental specialist.

To practice in B.C., all dentists must be registered with the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

Continuing education and professional development are required throughout the careers of dentists and dental specialists. This ensures that dentists are providing patients with modern forms of treatment and with proper advice in regard to their dental related problems and inquiries.

Dentists who are certified for that occupation by a regulator elsewhere in Canada can apply for the same certification from the regulator in B.C. Under the terms of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), most applicants who are transferring their credentials from elsewhere in Canada will not be required to complete additional training or testing. However, the B.C. regulator may ask applicants to provide further information such as a letter of good standing, references, or criminal record check.

For those who trained outside of Canada and never received certification from any Canadian jurisdiction, a full assessment is likely needed. Most occupational regulators have a process for assessment and recognize internationally trained applicants.

Contact the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) for details on how to apply for certification in B.C.

For information about labour mobility in Canada, visit www.workersmobility.ca.

View a list of Professional Regulatory Authorities in B.C.

Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.

Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.

The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.

Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.

Health care in B.C. and in Canada, in terms of both the number of practitioners and the amount of funding, has increased considerably over the last decade.

Population growth, an aging population, and technological advancement in diagnosis and treatment, are also increasing the demand for dental services. In addition, many opportunities for dentists will become available due to retirements, which are expected to make up a significant number of new openings.

Industry reports the current supply of new graduates is insufficient to meet demand. In particular, there is currently a shortage of dentists in rural areas of the province. As such, new graduates may find increased employment opportunities in more rural areas of the province, where employers have more difficulty finding qualified dentists.

Advances in biomedical sciences and disease patterns continuously change the delivery of dental care. As well, improvements in many aspects of dental care are enabling dentists to undertake more complex treatments. These improvements may also increase demand.