Dentist Salary in Canada 2025 – What to Expect & How to Boost Earnings

Dentist salary in Canada is one of the most discussed topics for students and professionals who wish to pursue a career in Dentistry in Canada. With Dentistry being one of the high-paying healthcare professions in Canada, individuals working in this sector earn a stable and rewarding income. 

The average Dentist salary in Canada is around CAD 131,027 per year or CAD 67.19 per hour. Entry-level Dentists in Canada start at CAD 125,000 per year, while experienced Dentists can earn up to CAD 335,044 per year.

What affects these numbers? Location, years of experience, specialization, clinic ownership, and public vs private sector all play a role.

Check this article for complete information on Dentist income in Canada, average salary, hourly pay, top provinces with high salaries, and which factors influence the salary of Dentists in Canada.

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Why is Dentist Salary in Canada High?

There are a few reasons why the Dentist salary in Canada is considered high. Dentistry is a professional degree in the healthcare field and comes under highly skilled professions. Secondly, it has a strong return on investment (ROI) in terms of education cost vs salary. Some of the key reasons are listed below:

• Dentists in Canada are in high demand due to ageing population and growing oral health needs.
• The career falls under the regulated professions, which adds to job security and structured pay.
• Canada faces regional shortages of Dentists in rural and northern areas, hence offering higher pay.
• Dentistry is a part of medical sciences, hence has better pay compared to non-medical jobs.

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Dentist Salary Canada Highlights 2025

Check the latest salaries for dentists in Canada for 2025:

Category	Salary (CAD)
Average Salary	CAD 131,027
Hourly Pay	CAD 67.19
Entry-Level Salary	CAD 125,000
Experienced Dentist Salary	CAD 335,044
Median Salary	CAD 120,000
Salary Range	CAD 100,000 – CAD 335,000

(Source: Talent.com, Job Bank Canada, Indeed 2025)

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Average Dentist Salary in Canada by Province

The Dentist salary in Canada varies from one province to another. Some provinces pay more due to demand, population size, and number of dental professionals. Check the province-wise average salary of Dentists in Canada below:

Province/Territory	Average Dentist Salary (CAD)
Alberta	CAD 200,000 – 280,000
British Columbia	CAD 180,000 – 250,000
Ontario	CAD 170,000 – 240,000
Quebec	CAD 160,000 – 220,000
Saskatchewan	CAD 180,000 – 260,000
Manitoba	CAD 170,000 – 230,000
Nova Scotia	CAD 140,000 – 200,000
Newfoundland & Labrador	CAD 150,000 – 210,000
Yukon/Northwest Territories	CAD 200,000 – 300,000

Dentists in rural and remote areas are often paid more due to workforce shortages.

Highest paying cities for Dentists near Canada

City	Average Salary (CAD/year)	Average Salary (INR/year)
Ottawa	$330,114	INR 20,136,954
Winnipeg	$263,144	INR 16,051,784
Edmonton	$233,850	INR 14,265,850
Calgary	$220,943	INR 13,477,523
Toronto	$209,199	INR 12,761,139
Brampton	$169,366	INR 10,336,326
Vaughan	$167,506	INR 10,218,866
Vancouver	$160,557	INR 9,794,977
Mississauga	$145,998	INR 8,895,878

Dentist Salary in Canada Based on Experience

Experience plays a major role in deciding the Dentist salary in Canada. Fresh graduates earn lesser compared to those who have been in practice for many years. Salary increases as the dentist gains clinical experience and builds a strong patient base.

Experience Level	Average Salary Range (CAD)
0–2 Years (Entry-Level)	CAD 100,000 – 150,000
3–5 Years	CAD 150,000 – 200,000
6–10 Years	CAD 200,000 – 270,000
10+ Years (Senior-Level)	CAD 250,000 – 335,000

Entry-Level Dentist Salary in Canada: What to Expect in the First Few Years

If you're just starting out in dentistry, either as a fresh graduate or a newly licensed professional, here's what the entry-level dentist salary in Canada looks like in 2025.

Most dentists begin their careers working as associates in clinics rather than owning practices. Salaries can vary depending on hours, location, and whether you're on commission or a fixed salary.

Entry-Level Dentist Salary in Canada

Experience	Base Salary Range (CAD)	Avg. Base Pay (CAD)
0–1 Year	CAD 86,000 – CAD 171,000	CAD 121,000 (INR 7,441,500)
1–3 Years	CAD 79,000 – CAD 161,000	CAD 113,000 (INR 6,949,500)

Associate vs Hourly Pay Models

• Associates in private clinics are usually paid a percentage of the fees they generate—typically 35–45% of billings.
• Hourly rates are more common in hospitals or community health centers—averaging CAD 40–60/hour (INR 2,460–INR 3,690), depending on the region.

This means a motivated associate with a busy patient flow can sometimes earn more than a salaried counterpart.

Note for Internationally Trained Dentists

International dentists must complete the NDEB equivalency process before becoming fully licensed in Canada. Until then, they may work in non-clinical roles or as dental assistants, with lower pay scales. The licensing process usually takes 12 to 18 months, depending on exam performance.

Not sure how dentist pay compares to other roles? This breakdown of the Average Salary in Canada gives more context by profession.

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Mid-Level and Senior Dentist Salary in Canada

Once dentists move past the early years, earnings often see a steady rise. Between 4–9 years of experience, many begin managing their own patient load, taking on more procedures, or even mentoring junior associates. The dentist salary in Canada at this stage also reflects the growing clinical confidence and patient base.

Mid-Level and Senior Dentist Salary

Experience	Base Salary Range (CAD)	Avg. Base Pay (CAD)
4–6 Years	CAD 79,000 – CAD 161,000	CAD 113,000 (INR 6,949,500)
7–9 Years	CAD 79,000 – CAD 161,000	CAD 113,000 (INR 6,949,500)

By the 10+ year mark, many dentists either open their own clinics or move into specialized fields like orthodontics, prosthodontics, or oral surgery—roles that often cross the CAD 250,000+ range annually.

Ownership vs Associate Earnings

Dentists who own private practices often take home significantly more—between CAD 200,000 to CAD 350,000 (INR 1.23Cr to INR 2.15Cr), depending on patient volume, services offered, and location.

Clinic owners not only earn from their personal billings but also benefit from:

• Profit margins on hygiene and associate work
• Equipment investments
• Equity growth (as clinics can later be sold)

Bonus & Commission Structures

In both mid and senior roles, bonuses based on production or monthly billings are common—especially in high-traffic clinics. Some roles also include profit-sharing arrangements.

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Dentist Specialisations and Their Salaries in Canada

Dentist specialisations in Canada can earn more than general Dentists. Below is a list of top-paying dental specialisations in Canada and their estimated salaries:

Dental Specialisation	Average Annual Salary (CAD)
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon	CAD 300,000 – 500,000
Orthodontist	CAD 280,000 – 450,000
Endodontist	CAD 250,000 – 400,000
Prosthodontist	CAD 230,000 – 350,000
Periodontist	CAD 220,000 – 340,000
Pediatric Dentist	CAD 180,000 – 300,000
Dental Anesthesiologist	CAD 250,000 – 400,000
Oral Pathologist	CAD 190,000 – 280,000

Thus, these specialisations show that the highest paying Dentist jobs in Canada are in oral surgery and orthodontics.

Dentist Salary in Canada by Job Role

Your job title matters just as much as your degree. Dentist salary in Canada changes with every career stage—from associate to clinic owner.

Here's a clear look at what you can earn as your role evolves.

Job Role	Avg. Salary (CAD/year)	Avg. Salary (INR/year)
Dental Associate	CAD 215,454	INR 1.31 Cr
Lead Dentist	CAD 189,401	INR 1.15 Cr
Clinic Owner	CAD 185,320	INR 1.13 Cr
Dental Specialist	CAD 64,396	INR 39.28 Lakh
Dental Educator	CAD 63,438	INR 38.70 Lakh

Many dentists start as associates, then move to lead roles or open a clinic. Those with a strong patient base or additional skills in management tend to grow faster.

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Private Practice vs Public Healthcare Dentist Salary in Canada

Dentist salary in Canada also depends on whether you work in private clinics or public healthcare settings. Each offers a different structure in terms of pay, benefits, and flexibility.

Here’s how they compare:

Aspect	Private Practice	Public Sector (e.g., hospitals, community clinics)
Base Salary	Variable – CAD 150K–197K+ (₹92.3L–₹1.22 Cr)	CAD 75K–161K (₹50L–₹90L)
Income Source	Per procedure (fee-for-service or commission on billings)	Fixed monthly salary
Workload	Often higher, depending on patient base	Predictable hours, fewer patients
Job Security	Tied to clinic performance and patient retention	Stable, government-backed
Autonomy	High – control over schedule, services, pricing	Lower – must follow institutional policies
Benefits	Self-managed or clinic-specific	Pension, paid leave, healthcare

Private clinics reward volume and specialization—great for those who want to build a personal brand or grow fast.

Public roles are ideal for those who prefer work-life balance, structured hours, and long-term job security.

Still unsure where you’d fit best? Think about your long-term goals—whether you want clinical independence, faster growth, or a predictable routine.

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Tips to Increase Your Dentist Salary in Canada

Looking to grow your income as a dental professional? These practical tips can help at every stage of your journey:

• Choose cities with higher earning potential
  Dentist salary in Canada is highest in cities like Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Edmonton. Smaller cities with fewer dentists often offer better patient flow and higher billing rates.
• Focus on procedures that bring higher returns
  Prioritise services like dental implants, cosmetic veneers, or orthodontic care. These treatments drive more revenue per appointment than general cleaning or basic fillings.
• Upgrade your skills regularly
  Certifications in sedation dentistry, clear aligner therapy, or digital scanning boost your value in private practice or specialist clinics.
• Negotiate better commission structures
  Associates are usually paid 35–45% of billings. Top performers often secure higher percentages or bonuses with consistent patient retention.

These steps will consistently push your dentist salary in Canada higher over time.

Factors Influencing Dentist Salary in Canada

There are several factors that affect how much a Dentist earns in Canada. These include:

• Type of practice – private clinic owners earn more than associate dentists.
• Location – Dentists in cities may earn more from volume, but rural Dentists get higher per-patient pay.
• Experience – as mentioned above, salary goes up with years in practice.
• Specialisation – specialists always earn more than general Dentists.
• Working hours – full-time vs part-time Dentists have different earning levels.
• Billing method – associate Dentists usually earn 35–45% of billings.

Education Requirements to Become a Dentist in Canada

To practice as a licensed Dentist in Canada, students must:

• Complete a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from an accredited Canadian university.
• Clear the National Dental Examining Board (NDEB) written and clinical exams.
• Apply for provincial licensing under a regulatory body (e.g., RCDSO in Ontario).

Internationally trained Dentists must complete NDEB equivalency process or enroll in a Canadian dental program to be eligible.

How to Become a Dentist in Canada?

Thinking of building a dental career in Canada? Here's what the process looks like step by step:

Once you're fully licensed, your career path opens up to clinical roles, teaching, or private practice, and with it, a higher dentist salary in Canada.

You can also explore available Canada Scholarships for Indian Students to reduce study costs.

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Is the Dentist Salary Canada Worth It in 2025?

The career path offers a solid mix of financial stability, growth potential, and independence. Most dentists build fulfilling careers whether they start as associates, pursue specialization, or open private clinics. For professionals who value long-term career security and patient-focused work, dentistry continues to stand out. With steady demand across provinces, the dentist salary Canada supports a well-rounded, respected lifestyle.

Conclusion

Overall, the Dentist salary in Canada is attractive for both local and international dental graduates. Whether working as a general Dentist or a specialist, the earning potential is high and grows with experience. In 2025, with increasing demand for oral health professionals, the salary levels are expected to grow further.

With top-paying provinces like Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario, Canada continues to be a preferred country for pursuing a career in Dentistry.

Want to study or practice dentistry in Canada? Our counselors can help you with eligibility, colleges, and licensing—just book your free counseling session.