Education · 1 of 5

The path

University first, then a four-year professional degree, then national exams.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Biology, chemistry, physics, math and English. Marks matter a lot.

2. 2

   University science courses

   2 to 4 years

   Dental schools want at least 2 to 3 years of university. Most people who get in have finished a full degree.

3. 3

   DAT (dental aptitude test)

   One day

   A half-day test of science, reading and perceptual ability. Written in your second or third year of university.

4. 4

   Dental school

   4 years

   Four years for a DDS (doctor of dental surgery) or DMD (doctor of dental medicine) at one of 10 Canadian schools. Two years of science and lab work, then two years treating real patients under supervision.

5. 5

   NDEB (National Dental Examining Board) exam and provincial licence

   A few months

   Pass the national certification exam, then register with your provincial dental college. Then you can work.