Education · 1 of 5

The path

You become a dentist first. There is no shortcut.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Biology, chemistry, physics, math and English with top marks.

2. 2

   University, then the DAT (dental aptitude test)

   2 to 4 years

   2 to 4 years of science courses, then the dental admission test.

3. 3

   Dental school

   4 years

   4 years for a DDS (doctor of dental surgery) or DMD (doctor of dental medicine). You graduate as a general dentist.

4. 4

   Pediatric dentistry residency

   2 to 3 years, plus any practice years

   2 to 3 years at a dental school or children's hospital, often with a master's degree attached. Behaviour management, sedation, treating kids with special needs, and operating room dentistry. Only a few seats per program.

5. 5

   Specialty exam and licence

   A few months

   Pass the NDSE (National Dental Specialty Examination), then register as a specialist with your provincial dental college.