How to Apply to Dental School in Canada: What to Know in November 2026

Last verified: November 9, 2026, at 20:04 UTC.

Applying to dental school in Canada starts with comparing individual programs: required university courses, admissions tests, residency categories, and deadlines can differ substantially. For example, the University of Toronto requires the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT), while McGill says the DAT is not required for its 2026–2027 DMD application cycle.

That difference has a practical consequence: before paying for a test or choosing courses, build a school-by-school checklist for the year you intend to apply. Some published application deadlines have already passed as of this update, so confirm whether your chosen intake remains open and what the next cycle requires.

Destaques

• Compare entry requirements and applicant categories before selecting courses or booking tests.
• Most Canadian dental schools require the DAT, but McGill does not require it for its 2026–2027 DMD cycle.
• Minimum grades establish eligibility; admission can be much more competitive.
• Budget for applications, testing, tuition, equipment, living expenses, and eventual licensing.

Where should you start when applying to dental school in Canada?

First, identify the programs and applicant categories that fit your education and circumstances. The Canadian Dental Association’s dental school contacts are a useful starting point. Then go directly to each university’s admissions page and select the requirements for your intended entry year.

Create a spreadsheet with a row for each school and columns for the application deadline, minimum education, prerequisite courses, GPA calculation, tests, language requirements, residency category, documents, and fees. Add separate dates for sending official transcripts and test scores. A university may require supporting documents before or after its main application deadline, so record both.

This guide focuses on entry to a Canadian DDS or DMD program. People who already hold a dental degree from another country should investigate the applicable National Dental Examining Board of Canada pathways, which differ according to the accreditation of their education.

What education and courses do you need?

There is no single prerequisite checklist for every Canadian dental school. The University of Toronto’s DDS program, for example, requires three years of university education and specified coursework in biochemistry, physiology, life sciences, and humanities or social sciences. Its page gives a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale and allows applicants to apply while completing their third year.

McGill’s four-year DMD has a different pathway. Its published requirements describe a bachelor’s degree and basic science prerequisites, with details varying by applicant category. McGill also has a separate Dent-P pathway for eligible immediate graduates of Quebec’s CEGEP system.

Compare course descriptions and credit amounts with each school’s rules before registering. Do not assume that a course accepted at one university satisfies another’s requirement, or that a minimum GPA makes an application competitive. If a rule is unclear, contact the admissions office and keep its response with your planning documents.

How competitive are Canadian dental schools?

Meeting a minimum is the first screening step, not a guarantee of an interview. Toronto reports receiving more than 1,000 applications a year for 96 places. For its 2026 admitted class, the university reports an average cumulative GPA of 3.96; that is an observed class average, not a cutoff or a prediction for a future cycle.

Schools also evaluate more than grades. McGill says it considers transcripts, a CV, Casper, and interviews in its selection process. Review each program’s published criteria so you understand how it evaluates your application and whether it has separate places or rules for particular applicant categories.

Do you need the DAT or Casper?

The Canadian Dental Association says most dental schools require DAT scores, but each school decides how to use them. Toronto accepts specified Canadian or American DAT results and requires applicants to complete its listed Canadian version of Casper. McGill says Casper is mandatory and the DAT is not required for its 2026–2027 DMD application cycle. Check the exact test, score validity period, and delivery rules for every program on your list.

Registering for the DAT does not submit a dental school application. If you need the test, allow time to prepare, find an appointment, receive results, and arrange official score delivery. The CDA’s DAT page provides registration and candidate information. Confirm any accessibility accommodations and associated deadlines with the relevant testing provider well ahead of time.

How do you submit a strong, complete application?

1. Confirm your eligibility. Check your citizenship or residency category, education, course credits, grades, and language requirements against the current admissions instructions.
2. Plan tests and documents. Request transcripts and official test results early. Some schools also ask for a CV, personal statement, references, or proof of status; follow each school’s own instructions.
3. Submit through the specified portal. Pay attention to separate university and application-service requirements, fees, and deadlines.
4. Check your application account. Verify that the school has received the materials it requires, and respond promptly to requests for clarification.
5. Prepare for possible interviews. Reflect on your interest in patient care, communication, ethics, teamwork, and experiences you can discuss honestly. Follow the school’s instructions on interview format and preparation.

Language requirements deserve particular attention. McGill states that intermediate B2 French proficiency is required for its 2026–2027 DMD application cycle, subject to listed exemptions. Check the accepted evidence and deadlines directly rather than assuming that an English-language program has no French requirement.

How much should you budget for dental school?

Use each university’s current fee schedule to estimate the full program cost for your applicant category. Include application and test fees, tuition, mandatory university fees, instruments and supplies, insurance, housing, transportation, and living costs. Ask whether published estimates include equipment and whether expenses change by year. Leave room for costs associated with interviews and licensing after graduation.

Explore scholarships, bursaries, savings, and student loans before committing. The federal government explains that applicants generally seek student aid through their province or territory, with eligibility and amounts depending on individual circumstances. Quebec, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories operate their own student aid programs.

What happens after dental school?

A dental degree is one step toward practice. The NDEB explains that certification for eligible graduates involves its examination process and proof of graduation. A provincial or territorial dental regulatory authority issues the license to practice and may have additional requirements. Check the NDEB’s certification and licensing guidance and the regulator where you hope to work.

For your next step, shortlist a few suitable programs, check whether their current application windows are still open, and map any missing courses and tests onto a realistic schedule. Requirements can change between cycles, so revisit official admissions pages before spending money or submitting an application.

FAQ

Do I need a bachelor’s degree before dental school in Canada?

It depends on the program. Toronto lists three years of university education, while McGill’s four-year DMD normally requires a qualifying bachelor’s degree. Check the rules for your applicant category.

Is the DAT required at every Canadian dental school?

No. Most schools require it, according to the Canadian Dental Association, but McGill says it is not required for its 2026–2027 DMD application cycle. Verify the rule for your intended year and school.

Does graduating from dental school automatically let me practice?

No. Graduates must complete the applicable certification process and obtain a license from the dental regulator in the province or territory where they intend to practice.