How to become a denturist in Canada

Canada's growing and aging population has led to an increase in demand for oral health professionals, including denturists. According to Job Bank Canada, the employment outlook for denturists is fair to good across several provinces, with growing opportunities in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. As more Canadians seek accessible, cost-effective dental care, denturists are becoming a crucial part of the healthcare system.

As of 2023, there were more than 2,000 registered denturists in Canada, with employment expected to grow in line with healthcare expansion and the rollout of federally supported dental coverage, including the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Demand is particularly high in underserved rural areas and urban centres with aging populations.

For internationally trained dental professionals, becoming a licensed denturist in Canada provides a direct, patient-facing path into regulated healthcare practice. This guide outlines how to get certified, what training is required, and what to expect in terms of salary and job outlook.

What is a denturist?

Denturists are licensed oral health care professionals who assess, design, construct and fit complete and partial dentures directly to patients. Unlike dentists, they do not perform surgical procedures or restorative dental work, but they are specialists in removable dental prosthetics. Denturists often work independently in their own practices or collaboratively with dental teams in clinics. A denturist in Canada typically holds a protected title and must be registered with a provincial regulatory authority.

Educational and certification pathway for internationally trained professionals

If you are an internationally trained dental professional looking to become a denturist in Canada, there is a defined process that involves academic recognition, national examinations and provincial licensure.

Here is a step-by-step overview:

• Credential assessment: You must submit your dental education transcripts, degree certificates, and clinical training history for review by your province's regulatory body. In Ontario, this process is overseen by the College of Denturists of Ontario (CDO). The purpose is to determine if your international education is substantially equivalent to Canadian denturism standards.
  
• Language proficiency: If your education was not conducted in English or French, you will need to demonstrate proficiency through tests such as IELTS, TOEFL or TEF, depending on the province.
  
• Qualifying Examination (QE): If your credentials are deemed equivalent, you may be invited to write the Qualifying Examination, which consists of two components:
  
  - Written exam: Evaluates your theoretical knowledge of denturism, including clinical practice, ethics, jurisprudence and patient care.
  
  - Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE): A hands-on exam that simulates clinical situations to assess your practical skills, communication and patient management abilities.
  

• Bridging or additional education (if required): If your international credentials are not equivalent, you may be required to complete a Canadian denturism program, typically offered at colleges such as George Brown College in Ontario or NAIT in Alberta. These programs generally take 2 to 3 years to complete and include both classroom instruction and clinical placements.
  
• Registration: Once you pass the QE and meet all other requirements, you can apply for registration with the provincial college to become a fully licensed denturist in Canada. You will then be eligible to practise independently or within a dental team setting.

Denturist salary in Canada

According to available labour market data, denturists in Canada earn between $54,000 and $122,000 per year, depending on experience, province and whether they operate their own clinic. A denturist in Canada who runs an independent practice may have the potential for even greater income based on patient volume and clinic operations.

How Windmill Microlending can support your journey

At Windmill Microlending, we support internationally trained dental and healthcare professionals in relaunching their careers in Canada. Our low-interest loans of up to $15,000 can help cover the cost of credential assessments, exam fees, language testing and additional coursework.

We also offer personalized career coaching, mentorship and planning resources so you can confidently pursue as a denturist in Canada and build a sustainable career.

Check your eligibility today.