Dental Schools in Canada · 15 min read

Requirements for Dental Schools in Canada (2027 Entry)

Canada has 10 dental schools, and together they admit only about 540 students a year. Each sets its own rules: some want the US DAT or only the PAT, some have dropped the DAT completely, some use Casper, and most keep the large majority of seats for people from their own province. This guide puts every requirement side by side, using each school’s own pages and statistics, so you can see where you are competitive before you pay any application fees.

10dental schools in Canada
~540first-year seats a year
2schools no longer require the DAT (McGill, Montréal)
Oct 1earliest deadline (Dalhousie)

Compare all 10 Canadian dental schools

Scroll sideways to see every column →

U of TToronto, ON9633.96 (2026)Canadian or USAA 25, PAT 23 (2026)YesTwo-faculty interviewNov 1
WesternLondon, ON5633.98 (2026)Canadian or US (with Reading)RC 23, PAT 21 (2026)YesVirtual panel of 3Nov 1
UBCVancouver, BC64387.76% (2026)Canadian or US25.70 overall (2026)NoIn personOct 10
AlbertaEdmonton, AB322Not rankedCanadian onlyRC 23.9, PAT 22.6, NS 23.3 (2026)YesMMI + written statementNov 1
USaskSaskatoon, SK36393.54% (2026)Canadian onlyAA 23.03, PAT 22.03, RC 23.28 (2026)NoMMINov 15
ManitobaWinnipeg, MB292Not published (lowest 3.942/4.5, 2023)Canadian English onlyNot published (PAT 14+)NoCDA structured interviewJan 15 (last cycle)
McGillMontreal, QC39Degree3.90 (2026)Not required (2026-27)Not usedYesVirtual MMI (Kira)Nov 1
UdeMMontreal, QC90DEC or degreeR 37.604 avg (2026)Not required (from 2027)Not usedNo (from 2027)Only if calledNov 1 / Mar 1 (CEGEP)
LavalQuebec City, QC48DEC or 45 creditsNot published (R 34.956 lowest interviewed, 2025)Canadian (PAT only)Pass/fail onlyYes (French)Structured interviewMar 1
DalhousieHalifax, NS462 (60 credit hours)4.1/4.3 (2025)Canadian (US for international)20 each (2025)NoIn-person panelOct 1

Every figure comes from the school’s own admissions pages and statistics, checked on November 4, 2026; each school page lists its sources. Averages are for the latest class each school has published. Tap a column title to sort.

How admission to dental school in Canada works

The details differ, but every Canadian dental school follows roughly the same steps:

  1. Eligibility. Enough university study (two years at Alberta, Manitoba and Dalhousie, three at most others, a degree at McGill), the required courses, a minimum GPA, and the DAT where it is required.
  2. Pre-interview ranking. Your grades and DAT, and at some schools Casper or a written piece, decide who is invited to interview.
  3. Interview. MMIs at Alberta, Saskatchewan and McGill; panel or one-on-two interviews at Toronto, Western, UBC, Manitoba, Laval and Dalhousie.
  4. Offers. From late February (Western) to July (Alberta). Waitlists often move until classes start.

Two things matter more than people expect: where you live, because most schools reserve most seats for their own province, and the DAT, which several schools weigh heavily and a few have dropped.

First-year seats at each Canadian dental school

About 540 students start dental school in Canada each year.

First-year seats at each Canadian dental school
U of T96
UdeM90
UBC64
Western56
Laval48
Dalhousie46
McGill39
USask36
Alberta32
Manitoba29

Sources: each school’s admissions page (see the school pages). Montréal: 40 CEGEP + 50 university places. Dalhousie includes 14 international seats.

Prerequisite courses for dental school in Canada

SchoolBiologyGeneral chem.Organic chem.PhysicsBiochem.PhysiologyMicrobiologyEnglish / writingHumanities / social sci.Other
Toronto2 (life sciences)–––11––1–
Western2–––0.51–0.5––
UBC111–1––1––
Alberta0.50.50.5–0.510.51–Statistics 0.5
Saskatchewan10.50.50.5110.5–1Nutrition 0.5
Manitoba11111––11Electives 3
McGill110.51––––––
MontréalCCCC–––––Calculus (C)
LavalCCCC–––––Calculus (C)
Dalhousie11110.510.512Electives 1

Numbers are full-year courses, as on our old table: 0.5 = one half-year course (3 credits), 1 = a full year (6 credits). “C” means the course is covered by a Quebec science DEC or must be taken at CEGEP level. Labs are required at UBC, McGill, Manitoba and Dalhousie for the science courses. See each school page for the details and its sources.

Biology and chemistry show up almost everywhere, but the lists differ a lot. Toronto and Western want biochemistry and physiology and no chemistry at all, while Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Dalhousie want long lists that include physics. Quebec schools expect the CEGEP science courses. If you are early in your degree, plan your courses around the schools you are most likely to apply to.

Undergraduate and GPA requirements

SchoolYears of universityMinimum to applyHow the GPA is countedAverage admitted
Toronto33.00Cumulative (OMSAS scale)3.96 (2026)
Western33.0Cumulative (OUAC scale)3.98 (2026)
UBC370% (2.8)All courses; worst year dropped with 4+ years87.76% (2026)
Alberta23.3Overall GPA, eligibility only (not ranked)Not ranked
Saskatchewan375%Best two years (65% of the ranking)93.54% (2026)
Manitoba2Set each yearAdjusted GPA on 4.5 (one third of the ranking)Not published
McGillDegreeNot publishedCumulative GPA of your degree3.90 (2026)
MontréalDEC or degreeNot publishedR score (CEGEP) or university record, 40%R 37.604 (2026)
LavalDEC or 45 creditsNot publishedR score or cote Laval, 60%Not published
Dalhousie2 (60 credit hours)3.7 / 4.3 (A-)Last 60 credit hours + higher sciences4.1 / 4.3 (2025)

Averages are from each school’s latest published class (sources on each school page). Montréal and Laval rank CEGEP applicants by R score.

Published minimums (3.0 at Toronto and Western, 70% at UBC, 75% at Saskatchewan) only get your file read. The students who get in average about 3.9–4.0 on a 4.0 scale, or 88–94%. How the GPA is counted makes a big difference:

  • Worst year dropped: UBC drops your worst year if you have four or more, and Alberta drops your lowest full-time year in some cases.
  • Best years only: Saskatchewan ranks your two best years; Manitoba triple-weights your best year; Dalhousie looks at your last 60 credit hours.
  • Every course counts: Toronto, Western and McGill use a cumulative GPA.
  • GPA not ranked: Alberta only checks for a 3.3 and then ranks you on everything else.
  • Quebec: Montréal and Laval rank CEGEP applicants by R score.

Looking to lift your grades? Read our study habits guide.

DAT and Casper requirements

SchoolDAT requiredUS DAT acceptedSections usedAverage admittedCasper
Toronto✓✓AA and PATAA 25, PAT 23 (2026)✓
Western✓ (with Reading)✓All but Manual Dexterity; cut-offs publishedRC 23, PAT 21 (2026)✓
UBC✓✓Best overall score25.70 overall (2026)–
Alberta✓–RC, PAT, NS (15+ each)RC 23.9, PAT 22.6, NS 23.3 (2026)✓
Saskatchewan✓–AA, PAT, RC (15% of the ranking)AA 23.03, PAT 22.03, RC 23.28 (2026)–
Manitoba✓ (English)–RC, Biology, Chemistry, PAT (PAT 14+)Not published–
McGillNot required (2026-27)–––✓
MontréalNot required (from 2027)–––– (from 2027)
LavalPAT only–PAT 15+, pass mark only–✓ (French)
Dalhousie✓International onlyPAT, RC, NS (17+ each, one sitting)20 each (2025)–

Canadian DAT sections are scored out of 30. AA = Academic Average, PAT = Perceptual Ability, RC = Reading Comprehension, NS = Survey of Natural Sciences.

The DAT is still required at eight of the ten schools, but how it is used varies a lot. Toronto only looks at the Academic Average and PAT, Manitoba averages Reading, Biology, Chemistry and PAT, Laval only checks for a PAT of 15, and Saskatchewan makes it 15% of your ranking. McGill (for the 2026-2027 cycle) and Montréal (from Fall 2027) no longer require it.

  • US DAT: accepted at Toronto, Western and UBC, and from international applicants at Dalhousie. Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba take the Canadian DAT only.
  • French DAT: it has no Reading section, so Western won’t accept it.
  • Multiple attempts: most schools use your best score; Western and Laval use your most recent.

Learn what is on the test in our Canadian DAT guide and US DAT guide.

Practise with our free DAT practice tests and the PAT breakdown. If you want a full prep course, try DentPrep.

Casper is required at Toronto, Western, Alberta, McGill and Laval (in French at Laval). UBC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Dalhousie don’t use it, and Montréal dropped it from Fall 2027. See what the Casper test is and try our free Casper practice tests.

Interview and written application

SchoolWritten applicationInterview
TorontoPersonal statement (2 pages) + greatest-accomplishment essay (1 page)Two faculty members, 20 minutes, in person
WesternWestern ABS on Kira Talent: written + videoPanel of three, virtual
UBCPersonal statement (AADSAS); no referencesIn person, dentists and faculty
AlbertaPersonal Experiences forms with verifiersMMI + written statement on the day
SaskatchewanNone scoredMMI (20% of the ranking)
ManitobaAutobiographical sketch for Indigenous and Individual categories onlyCDA structured interview, two-person panel
McGillCV + verifiers (10%)Virtual asynchronous MMI (Kira Talent)
MontréalMotivation questionnaire (60%)Only if called, in French
LavalNone scoredStructured interview (20%)
DalhousieCV, personal statement, 2 references (contacts)In person, panel of two to four

Every school except Montréal interviews its applicants (Montréal only calls some). Toronto, Western, UBC, Manitoba and Dalhousie use panel-style interviews, while Alberta, Saskatchewan and McGill use multiple mini interviews; Laval uses a structured interview. Practise with our sample MMI questions, panel interview guide and interview questions.

Final admission decisions: published weights

Most schools don’t publish how they combine the pieces, but five do:

SchoolHow the final decision is weighted
SaskatchewanBest two years 65%, interview 20%, DAT 15%
ManitobaAdjusted GPA, DAT and interview, one third each
LavalAcademic record 60%, Casper 20%, interview 20%
MontréalMotivation questionnaire 60%, academic record 40%
McGillTo get an interview: GPA 60%, Casper 20%, academic context 10%, CV 10%; then mainly the MMI

Toronto, Western, UBC, Alberta and Dalhousie look at the whole file without publishing weights. The school pages explain what each one says it values.

Deadlines for 2027 entry

  1. October 1, 2026Dalhousie
  2. October 10, 2026UBC (AADSAS)
  3. November 1, 2026Toronto, Western, Alberta, McGill, and university applicants to Montréal
  4. November 15, 2026Saskatchewan
  5. January 15Manitoba (date from the last cycle)
  6. March 1, 2027Laval, and CEGEP applicants to Montréal

Most schools also need your DAT written months earlier: by August 31 for UBC and Dalhousie, in time for scores to reach Toronto and Western by November 1, by November 30 for Saskatchewan and by December 1 for Manitoba. Check each school page for the exact dates.

Very, and getting more so. Applications at the schools that publish yearly numbers have jumped since 2023: Alberta went from 320 to 866 applicants, Saskatchewan from 333 to 511 and Western from 600 to 1,093, with no new seats. On average there are now about 7 to 27 applicants for every seat, depending on the school.

Dental school applications are climbing

Applicants by entering year, at schools that publish every year.

Dental school applications are climbing
Entering yearAlbertaUSaskWesternUdeM (CEGEP)Source
2016350228––[1] [2]
2017337280––[1] [2]
2018339–––[1]
2019298–450322[1] [3] [4]
2020361–485–[1] [3]
2021424255536–[1] [2] [3]
2022307254––[1] [2]
2023320333600–[1] [2] [3]
2024430274727367[1] [2] [3] [4]
2025631387846446[1] [2] [3] [4]
20268665111,093548[1] [2] [3] [4]

Western’s count is applications received; Montréal counts CEGEP applicants only.

Applicants per seat

Latest published applicants divided by seats. Hover a bar for the numbers behind it.

Applicants per seat
Alberta27.1
Western19.5
Laval15.7
USask14.2
UdeM13.7
McGill11.7
Dalhousie10.9
Manitoba10.6
U of T10.4
UBC6.9

Years differ by school, and some counts are approximate (Toronto, Dalhousie) or only cover part of the pool (UBC: applications meeting requirements; Montréal: CEGEP applicants).

For more on your odds, see our guides to dental school acceptance rates, the best dental schools in Canada and dental school costs. Thinking about the US too? Compare with the US dental school requirements.

Requirements for each dental school in Canada

Ontario

British Columbia

Alberta

Saskatchewan

Manitoba

Quebec

Nova Scotia

Considering medicine as well? See our requirements for medical schools in Canada and our comparison of the MCAT and DAT.

The 10 dental schools in Canada: quick facts and profiles

Canada has ten dental schools: two in Ontario and eight in other provinces. Two of them, Université de Montréal and Université Laval, teach only in French. Current first-year seats for each school are in the chart and comparison table above.

Quick facts

UniversityProgram Length (Years)Year OpenedAre Combined Degrees Offered?
University of Toronto41875PhD,  MSc
University of Western Ontario41965PhD
University of Alberta41917PhD, MBA, MPH, MS, BA/BS, others
University of Manitoba41958BA/BS
University of British Columbia41964None
McGill University41821None
Dalhousie University41908MS
University of Saskatchewan41965BSc. Dentistry
Université de Montréal51904None
Université Laval41971MS

All the dental schools in Canada are public. There are no private dental schools in Canada.

All Canadian dental schools are located in an urban setting. All offer on-campus housing except for the University of Manitoba. The dental programs start either in August or September, depending on the school. 

All dental schools in Canada offer either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. These degrees are the same, there are no educational or legal differences. 

Dental Schools in Ontario

University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry

The Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto (founded in 1875) is the only dental school in Canada to offer clinical training in all 10 dental specialty disciplines: dental anesthesia, dental public health, endodontics, oral pathology, oral radiology, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, pediatric dentistry, periodontology, and prosthodontics. The program is designed to concurrently teach professional and scientific development throughout all four years of the program. It involves intensive clinical studies of each dental discipline and clinical experience in the later years of the program. Click here for the requirements for admission to the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry.

Admissions Information: 

Western University Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry

At the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry Western (founded in 1965) students will be educated through scholarly inquiry, innovation, and research. This four-year dental program will teach students about the basic medical/dental sciences and include clinically focused hospital electives and rotations. This will help create dental students who are able to work in diverse communities with a comprehensive knowledge of the application of dental care to patients in a clinical setting. Click here for the requirements for admission to the Western University Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.

Admissions Information: 

Dental Schools in Canada: Outside of Ontario

University of Alberta School of Dentistry

The University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry (founded 1917) offers a four-year DDS program, a two-year advanced placement program for dentistry graduates of nonaccredited dental programs, and a two-year master of science in orthodontics. The dental school’s first and second year of the curriculum will be taught in combination with the UofA medical program. The program you will be taught in various blocks that cover infection, immunity and inflammation, endocrine system, cardiovascular system, pulmonary and renal system, gastroenterology and nutrition, musculoskeletal system, neuroscience, and oncology. Students will also be given the opportunity to work in the UofA dental clinic and hospitals throughout their education. Click here for the requirements for admission to the University of Alberta School of Dentistry.

Admissions Information: 

University of Manitoba Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry

The College of Dentistry Doctor of Dental Medicine program at the University of Manitoba (founded in 1958) is a four-year degree that includes extensive clinical experiences. Over the course of the curriculum, the program shifts towards independent guided performance in simulated settings working with dental hygiene student partners. Students will learn knowledge of basic biomedical, behavioural, and clinical sciences as well as cognitive and behavioural skills and professional and ethical values. Click here for the requirements for admission to the University of Manitoba Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry

Admissions Information: 

University of British Columbia Faculty of Dentistry

The University of British Columbia Faculty of Dentistry (founded 1964) embodies the core values of collaboration and partnership, mindfulness, and shared responsibilities. Students will learn the fundamentals and principles of basic biological sciences that underlie the practice of dentistry and also learn about the ethics, social, and professional responsibilities to the communities they practice in. Students will learn through clinical instructions and participate in integrated group practices managed by faculty members. Click here for the requirements for admission to the University of British Columbia Faculty of Dentistry.

Admissions Information: 

McGill University Faculty of Dentistry

The McGill University Faculty of Dentistry (founded 1821) is committed to maintaining a leadership role in oral health education, scientific research, and the promotion of oral health and quality of life in patients with an emphasis on the needs of the under-served communities and individuals. The first 16 months of the program include learning the fundamentals of medicine and dentistry in conjunction with the faculty of medicine. This is followed by 7 months of pre-clinical training followed by 2 years of clinical training rotating through various hospital departments including oral and maxillofacial, surgery, and pediatric dentistry. Click here for the requirements for admission to the McGill University Faculty of Dentistry.

Admissions Information: 

Dalhousie University Faculty of Dentistry

Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Dentistry (founded 1908) is dedicated to creating ethical, compassionate, caring, and knowledgeable dental practitioners. Clinical experiences begin in the first year of the program and integrate biological, behavioural, and dental sciences with the introduction to patient treatment right away. Clinical treatment will continue to receive greater emphasis in second year with total patient care philosophy being covered in third and fourth year. Click here for the requirements for admission to the Dalhousie University Faculty of Dentistry.

Admissions Information: 

University of Saskatchewan College of Dentistry

The University of Saskatchewan College of Dentistry (founded 1965) is a dynamic college that provides students with a well-balanced education involving preclinical and scholarly endeavours. Students will learn the basic sciences in early years, followed by dental sciences at the end of second year, and procedures in clinical settings in later years. Click here for the requirements for admission to the University of Saskatchewan College of Dentistry.

Admissions Information: 

Université de Montréal Faculté de Médecine Dentaire

The Faculté de médecine dentaire (founded 1904) is one of two French-speaking dental schools in Canada. Being the longest of all dental programs it boasts a one-year multidisciplinary residency program and joint postgraduate program in biomedical sciences with the Faculté de Médicine. Learning of the basic sciences will be focused on in the first year of the program with clinical training starting in the second. In addition to clinical training in the later years of the program including, implantology, periodontics/endodontics, and constructive dentistry, this program also offers student exchange programs in international cooperation humanitarian projects. Click here for the requirements for admission to the Université de Montréal Faculté de Médecine Dentaire.

 Admissions Information: 

Université Laval Faculté de Médecine Dentaire

The Faculté de Médecine Dentaire at L’Université Laval ( founded 1971) is one of the two French-speaking dental schools in Canada and offers advanced dental education programs such as a master’s degree in dental sciences, oral and maxillofacial surgery, periodontics, endodontics, and geriatric dentistry. Similar to most dental schools Laval’s program is split into two portions where the first two years are devoted to the basic and preclinical sciences while the last two years are devoted almost entirely to clinical work. Click here for the requirements for admission to the Université Laval Faculté de Médecine Dentaire.

 Admissions Information: 

  • Website: fmd.ulaval.ca
  • Email: laurie.st-pierre@fmd.ulaval.ca
  • Phone: 418-656-2131, ext. 407624

Closing Thoughts on Dental Schools in Canada:

All dental school programs in Canada offer unique and highly qualified learning opportunities in dentistry. Depending on your location and values all programs are good options that you should consider as they all give you the tools needed to practice throughout Canada. If you’re thinking of applying to any of these programs definitely consider checking out some of our other pages on dental school requirements, tuition costs, and rankings as well as tips and tricks to succeed on the dental aptitude test.  

FAQ

How many dental schools are there in Canada?

Ten: Toronto, Western, UBC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, McGill, Montréal, Laval and Dalhousie.

Which Canadian dental schools don’t require the DAT?

McGill (for the 2026-2027 cycle) and Université de Montréal (from Fall 2027). Laval only checks that your Perceptual Ability score is at least 15.

Which Canadian dental schools accept the US DAT?

Toronto, Western and UBC accept it from all applicants, and Dalhousie accepts it from international applicants.

Which Canadian dental schools require Casper?

Toronto, Western, Alberta, McGill and Laval. UBC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Dalhousie and (from Fall 2027) Montréal don’t.

What GPA do you need for dental school in Canada?

Minimums range from 3.0 to 3.3 (70–80%), but admitted students usually average 3.9 or higher, or about 88–94%.

Can you get into dental school in Canada after two years?

Yes, at Alberta, Manitoba and Dalhousie, which need two years (60 credits) of university. Most other schools want three years, and McGill wants a degree.

Sources

  1. University of Alberta School of Dentistry: DDS admission statistics
  2. University of Saskatchewan: DMD admission statistics (PDF)
  3. Western Schulich Dentistry: admission statistics
  4. Université de Montréal: admission statistics (PDF)

Figures were checked against these sources on November 4, 2026. Dental schools change their rules every cycle, so confirm on the official site before you apply.

About the Author

Hi, my name is Jack Rzepka, founder of Masterstudent.ca. I graduated from McMaster University’s Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) program in 2021, and I was fortunate to be accepted to multiple Canadian dental and medical schools, including the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry and the University of Western Ontario Schulich School of Medicine.

I know firsthand how stressful applying to graduate and professional programs can be. I was juggling multiple applications, trying to figure out where to find accurate information, and worrying about how expensive DAT and MCAT prep could really be. I created Masterstudent.ca because I remember how overwhelming it felt to piece together guidance from scattered sources. My goal is to give students a clear, reliable, and student-focused resource, so you can make informed decisions without feeling lost or alone. We have practice tests, guides to applications, and articles on studying tips and the like all made free during my spare time (and it will always be free).

Navigating applications is challenging, but I don’t want you to have to do it by yourself. That’s why I’m here to share what I’ve learned and help you make the process a little less stressful.

More about me and how we check our figures →

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3 comments

  1. when you are talking about GPA requirements in university – are you talking about all 4 yrs of uni or final 2?

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