[2022] Best Dental Schools in Canada

What are the best dental schools in Canada and how can we determine that? The dental school rankings below are derived from an analysis of the most reputable university ranking sources available. The exact methodology used to rank the top dental schools in Canada is detailed at the end of this post.

There are only 10 dental schools in Canada, as such, each one appears here in the top ten, listed below from lowest to highest ranked.

#10. University of Saskatchewan College of Dentistry

The University of Saskatchewan College of Dentistry’s small class size of 34 ensures you have individualized attention from your professors. In the early years of the program, you will undergo pre-clinical teaching in a state-of-the-art clinic simulation facility. This will be followed by the clinical stage of the program where students will be able to provide patient care. A graduate of the program will be accredited by the Canadian Dental Association and recognized by the American Dental Association and will be eligible to take all North American board exams. Click here for the requirements for admission to the University of Saskatchewan College of Dentistry.

#9. University of Manitoba Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry

University of Manitoba Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry offers a progressive learning environment in state-of-the-art clinics, research laboratories, and lecture rooms. They prepare their students with the knowledge to practice and the ability to adapt quickly while providing quality service to allow their patients to live healthier and happier lives. They also stress the importance of creating well-rounded learners ready to face the challenges of the dental field. Click here for the requirements for admission to the University of Manitoba Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry

#8. Université de Montréal Faculté de Médecine Dentaire

The University of Montreal’s dental program is a unique program that is 5-years in length and accepts applicants directly out of high school. The goal of the program is to train dentists to be competent and versatile through its intense 9 am – 6 pm classes of laboratories, clinical practices, and courses. Students will first learn in a simulation laboratory on a mannequin and later move to practice in a clinic with patients with the aim of developing skills in an efficient and competent manner. Students will be given the chance to offer a full range of dental services to every age group while receiving feedback on their work, attitude, and behaviour. Click here for the requirements for admission to the Université de Montréal Faculté de Médecine Dentaire.

#7. Université Laval Faculté de Médecine Dentaire

The aim of the Université Laval Faculté de Médecine Dentaire is to train its students to develop their knowledge of physiology, diagnosis, screening, prevention and treatment of deficiencies and abnormalities of the mouth, teeth, jawbones, and surrounding tissues. With an entering class size of 48 students, this program offers a learning environment that allows its students to benefit from personalized training and supervision from its teachers. Like the other dental universities, students will first learn to practice in laboratories and on mannequins before moving on to the student clinic to take charge of patients and put into practice their knowledge and develop their interpersonal skills. Click here for the requirements for admission to the Université Laval Faculté de Médecine Dentaire.

#6. University of Alberta School of Dentistry

The University of Alberta School of Dentistry is split into two distinct portions. In their first two years of study, students will learn in an integrated curriculum, studying anatomical, physiologic, and health systems. In their third and fourth year of study, students will participate in lectures, seminars, laboratories, and clinical practices. This will include clinical practice at the University of Alberta Dental Clinic, the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, the University of Alberta Hospital, and many satellite dental clinics in and around Northern Alberta. Click here for the requirements for admission to the University of Alberta School of Dentistry.

#5. Dalhousie University Faculty of Dentistry

Since its founding in 1908, Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Dentistry has been dedicated to providing students with an outstanding education in preventing, diagnosing, and treating patients. The courses will cover a range of topics, including the biological, medical, and dental sciences. Dalhousie places a strong emphasis on clinical patient treatment activities, even in first year, in comparison to some other programs. Students will be given the chance to treat dental patients in Dalhousie’s dental clinic and at local hospitals as early as second year. Click here for the requirements for admission to the Dalhousie University Faculty of Dentistry.

#4. Western University Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry

The Western University Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry is committed to ensuring that their students become lifelong learners who are socially responsible, compassionate, ethical, and passionate in their role as oral healthcare providers within their communities. They look for students who are passionate, with the drive, commitment, and maturity to provide health care to patients. The program places a large emphasis on collaboration as students gain the knowledge and skills to become outstanding healthcare professionals and future leaders. Click here for the requirements for admission to the Western University Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.

#3. McGill University Faculty of Dentistry

McGill University offers an innovative and constantly evolving curriculum dedicated to training the future leaders of oral healthcare and advancing the field of dentistry as a whole. The curriculum teaches the management of oral health problems in a cutting-edge approach by building a strong relationship between oral health and overall health throughout the curriculum. Click here for the requirements for admission to the McGill University Faculty of Dentistry.

#2. University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry

As one of the oldest dental schools in Canada, the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry prides itself in being at the forefront of innovation and excellence within the quickly evolving field of dentistry. Offering all 10 dental specialties, the program is the largest and most comprehensive dental school in Canada. The University of Toronto takes pride in the strength of its faculty, staff, and students who continue to break boundaries in research to further improve the dental profession and provide amazing dental care for their patients. With an emphasis on leadership, innovation, and excellence, students will learn the fundamentals of dentistry and diagnosis as well as its applications in one of fourteen dental clinics throughout their four years of study. Click here for the requirements for admission to the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry.

UofT dentistry has been ranked the top dental school in Canada for decades, however, in the past couple of years the top spot has gone to:

#1. University of British Columbia Faculty of Dentistry

According to the most prominent dental school ranking lists, UBC dentistry is the best dental school in Canada.

The Faculty of Dentistry at the University of British Columbia is very unique in its methodology of teaching. They use an inquiry-based learning approach that incorporates small-group, self-directed, problem-based learning. Students will develop a strong background in biological sciences, clinical skills, and understanding of the role of a dentist as a health professional and leader in their community. They will apply this knowledge to case-based activities and clinical experiences all while being assessed on their knowledge and skills as well as their professional behaviour with classmates, staff, and teachers, irrespective of age, sex, sexual orientation, race, political beliefs, or ethnicity. Click here for the requirements for admission to the University of British Columbia Faculty of Dentistry.

Methodology for Determining Dental School Rankings in Canada

The methodology used in the above list to determine the best dental schools in Canada is as follows:

1. Determine the top university ranking websites
2. Document what ranking each ranking system assigned to each dental school in Canada
3. Calculate the overall ranking by averaging the four rankings

This process of determining the dental school rankings can be summarized in the table below:

University	Maclean’s	QS Top Universities	Shanghai Ranking	Times Higher Education	Overall Ranking
University of Toronto	2	2	2	3	2
University of Western Ontario	5	7	5	2	4
University of Alberta	4	3	9	9	6
University of Manitoba	9	5	7	10	9
University of British Columbia	3	1	1	1	1
McGill University	1	4	3	7	3
Dalhousie University	6	9	4	5	5
University of Saskatchewan	10	10	10	6	10
Université de Montréal	7	6	8	8	8
Université Laval	8	8	6	4	7

Dental school rankings should only be one aspect of determining which school you apply to. The other two key factors in determining which dental school you want to apply are tuition, admission statistics, and prerequisites and dental school requirements.