Dental School in Canada vs the US: Cost, DAT, and Admissions Compared

Same degree, scarce Canadian seats

Both Canadian and US dental schools grant the DDS or DMD and produce licensed dentists. The starkest difference is supply: Canada has only about ten dental schools, while the US has more than seventy. With so few Canadian seats — and in-province preferences at several schools — admission north of the border is intensely competitive.

Two different DATs

The Dental Admission Test is not identical across the border. The Canadian DAT has historically included a manual dexterity carving component and differs structurally from the US DAT, which has its own perceptual ability section. Applicants aiming at both systems should confirm each exam's current format and budget time to prepare for — and possibly sit — both.

See where your DAT and GPA make you competitive.

AdmitBase compares your numbers against admitted-student data at Canadian and US dental schools.

Get Started Free →

Cost and in-province preference

In-province tuition at Canadian public schools such as the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry, UBC, and McGill is often lower than at comparable US private programs like Harvard School of Dental Medicine or the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Several Canadian schools also favor in-province applicants, so your residency can move your odds substantially.

Practice where you train

Cross-border licensing requires meeting the destination country's accreditation and exam requirements, which adds friction. Unless you have a specific reason to cross over, attend dental school in the country where you plan to practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many dental schools are in Canada?

Canada has roughly ten dental schools, a small number that — combined with in-province preferences at several — makes admission highly competitive. The US, by contrast, has more than seventy dental programs, giving applicants far more total options across the selectivity and cost spectrum.

Is the Canadian DAT different from the US DAT?

Yes. The Canadian DAT has historically included a manual dexterity component (soap carving) and differs in structure from the US DAT, which has its own sections including a perceptual ability test. Applicants targeting both countries should confirm each exam's current format and may need to take both versions.

Is dental school cheaper in Canada or the US?

It varies, but in-province tuition at Canadian public dental schools is often lower than at comparable US private programs. US tuition ranges widely. As with all professional schools, weigh tuition against expected income and debt in the market where you plan to practice.

Do Canadian dental schools prefer in-province applicants?

Several do. Because seats are so limited, some Canadian dental schools give preference to applicants from their own province, which means your residency can significantly affect your odds — similar to the pattern seen in Canadian medical admissions.

Can I practice in the other country after graduating?

Cross-border practice is possible but requires meeting the destination country's accreditation and licensing requirements, which can include additional exams. Because of this friction, it is generally best to attend dental school in the country where you intend to practice.