The Best Dental Hygienist Salary in Canada

A dental hygienist is a preventive health care worker who works independently or alongside a dentist to examine patients for signs of oral diseases such as dental caries and gingivitis and provide educational, clinical, and therapeutic services to them to prevent deterioration of their oral health. We explore the dental hygienist salary levels in various provinces such as Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia in Canada. We will also highlight how one can become a dental hygienist in Canada.

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How to become a dental hygienist in Canada

To become a dental hygienist in Canada, you have to complete a 2 to 3-year college dental hygiene program approved by the governing board of your province of residence. The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association has a long list of approved dental hygiene schools and programs. The approval for the requirements of all dental hygiene programs at private institutions, colleges, and universities is done by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC).

The following are the degree and degree completion institutions for new aspiring dental hygiene students and diploma holders who would like to advance their learning according to province:

Alberta: University of Alberta School of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene

British Columbia: University of British Columbia Faculty of Dentistry, Dental Hygiene degree program.  

Manitoba: University of Manitoba, School of Dental Hygiene.

Nova Scotia: Dalhousie University Faculty of Dentistry

Ontario: George Brown College, Center for Health Sciences, Waterfront Campus

For a diploma in Dental hygiene, there are many options in all the provinces of Canada. A few diploma college options include Camosun College in British Columbia, University of Manitoba in Manitoba, Oulton College in New Brunswick, Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology in Ontario, Cegep de Chicoutimi in Quebec, and Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Saskatchewan.

Dental Hygiene is a good career in Canada since it pays fairly well and is easier to learn with shorter college training compared to many other medical courses,

Dental Hygienist salaries in various Canadian Provinces

The average dental hygienist salary in Canadian provinces and various cities is $47.50 per hour. The salary is averaged from the feedback from employees in major companies employing dental hygienists in Canada. The companies include Monarch Dentistry, and Nursing & Homemakers Inc. The data about dental hygienist salaries was also obtained from employees working in the highest-paying Canadian cities such as Calgary, Oshawa, Vancouver, Mississauga, and Peterborough among others.

The data was also compared with salaries documented at Glassdoor.com to improve accuracy.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Alberta

There are about 5,300 dental hygienists employed in Alberta with an average salary of $83,356 per year and an average wage of $56. The certification of dental hygienists in Alberta is provincially regulated and the minimum education required for employment varies from one institution to another.

In the City of Calgary, Alberta, the average dental hygienist salary is $70.70 per hour (the best salary in Canada) slightly higher than working in other areas in the province. Calgary is also the highest-paying city for dental hygienists in Canada followed by Vancouver ($54 per hour) and Chilliwack ($51 per hour). Many of the best hospitals in Calgary also provide more employment opportunities for dental Hygienists from across Canada and pay them comparatively well.

Dental hygienist salary in Ontario

A dental hygienist is paid $45.40 per hour on average in Ontario Province. Some regions in Ontario pay as low as $30 per hour while others go as high as $47.00 per hour. In the populous city of Toronto in Ontario, the average salary of a dental hygienist is $46 per hour.

The yearly salaries in the city of Toronto can go as high as $100,140, a better salary compared to working at a similar job in other countries.

A senior dental Hygienist in Toronto with an experience of about 8 years and above earns as much as $119,760 while a new entrant into the profession starts with a salary of about $70,000 per year.

Due to the high population in Toronto and Ontario at large, most dental hygienist jobs are found here. There are many amenities such as schools and hospitals in Toronto which are avenues for dental hygiene jobs.

Dental Hygienist Salary in British Columbia (BC)

A dental hygienist makes $53.90 per hour on average in British Columbia with Vancouver as the highest-paying city in Canada. From more than 2000 salaries reported across the province, the following is a list of some well-paying cities for dental hygienists in British Columbia and their average salaries.

Burnaby, British Columbia (BC)- Average salary is $55.20 per hour.

Abbotsford, BC – average salary is $54.50 per hour.

North Vancouver, BC – The average dental hygienist’s salary is $55.80 per hour.

Victoria, BC– The average salary of a dental hygienist is $54.30 per hour

Surrey, BC – $54.50 per hour.

Chilliwak, BC – $51.90 per hour

Langley, British Columbia – $53.40 per hour

Richmond, BC – $53.90 per hour

How to become a dental hygienist in British Columbia (BC), Ontario, and Alberta

Becoming a dental hygienist in British Columbia involves formal education, clinical training, and licensing before one is employed to start practicing. The following is a step-by-step guide that one can follow to become a successful dental hygienist in British Columbia:

1. Educational Requirements

Obtain a high school diploma and ensure you have the necessary qualifications in the required subjects (Mathematics, biology, chemistry, and English). The subjects are often necessary for admission to dental hygiene diploma and degree programs in all provinces in Canada.

2. Enroll in an Accredited Dental Hygiene Program

Choose a recognized dental hygiene program at a reputable educational institution in British Columbia such as those mentioned above and ensure the program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC). The dental hygiene programs typically last 2 to 3 years and offer a diploma or a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene.

3. Complete the Dental Hygiene Program

Complete all the required coursework, clinical rotations, and dental hygiene internship. This involves learning about dental anatomy, and radiography to diagnose dental conditions, oral health procedures, dental patient care, and oral disease prevention in the population.

4. Pass the National Dental Hygiene Certification Exam

After graduating from an accredited dental hygiene college or university, you need to pass the National Dental Hygiene Certification Exam (NDHCE). This exam assesses the adequacy of your knowledge and skills in dental hygiene and is administered by the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board (NDHCB).

5. Apply for Licensure

If you are a resident of British Columbia, apply to the College of Dental Hygienists of British Columbia (CDHBC) for licensure. You are required to submit the necessary documents, which include your Certification exam results, college or University academic transcripts, and identification documents. The process in other Canadian Provinces is similar.

6. Complete a Jurisprudence Exam

You will also take and Complete the CDHBC jurisprudence exam, which tests your understanding of the laws, regulations, and ethical standards that govern dental hygiene practice in British Columbia.

7. Maintain Licensure and Professional Development

Finally, once licensed, keep your credentials valid by fulfilling the CDHBC’s continuing education requirements. Stay updated with the latest developments in dental hygiene through ongoing education, workshops, and professional development opportunities that arise to ensure you provide high-quality oral care to your patients.

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