Careers in Dentistry
Dentistry is a rewarding career in which practitioners combine knowledge of science and technology with helping patients enhance and maintain their oral health. Today’s dentist serves the public in many ways by providing an essential community health service, by educating the public and by doing useful research.
Dentists are oral health specialists. They are on the front line when it comes to detecting and providing appropriate treatment for many diseases affecting the teeth, tongue, gums, lips and jaws. Dental specialists are involved in restorations, cosmetic enhancements and a wide range of clinical preventative activities.
Over the years, dentists have also been active in the promotion of a variety of community-based preventative programs, such as community water fluoridation and oral cancer screenings. Advancements in oral health over the last 40 years mean that a growing number of older adults are keeping their teeth longer. Dentistry continues to evolve to meet the needs of a changing population and provide new treatments.
The graduates of Canadian dental schools are more representative of the national population than ever before. Women represent approximately 50 percent of the students entering dental faculties, and the cultural and ethnic diversity of Canada is well represented.
Practitioners
The majority of Ontario’s more than 8,000 licensed dentists are general practitioners. The others are dental specialists who limit their practice to one of 10 recognized specialties in Ontario:
Dental Anesthesiology
Public Health Dentistry
Endodontics
Oral Medicine / Oral Pathology
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Orthodontics
Pediatric Dentistry
Periodontics
Oral Radiology
Prosthodontics
Career Options
The majority of dentists are self-employed, providing graduates with an opportunity to be their own boss and own a dental practice.
Other dentists may work in public health dentistry, including community agencies and those serving northern and aboriginal communities.
Professional Affiliations
Ontario Dental Association is the voluntary professional organization that represents the dentists of Ontario, supports its members, and is dedicated to the provision of exemplary oral health care and promotes the attainment of optimal health for the people of Ontario.
4 New Street
Toronto, ON M5R 1P6
(416) 922-3900
1-800-387-1393
Canadian Dental Association is the national voice for dentistry, dedicated to the advancement and leadership of a unified profession and to the promotion of optimal oral health, an essential component of general health.
1815 Alta Vista Drive
Ottawa, ON K1G 3Y6
(613) 523-1770
1-800-267-6354
Canadian Dental Specialties Association is the authoritative national voice of the collective of the Canadian National Dental Specialty Organizations. It is dedicated to the representation and advancement of the Canadian Dental Specialties, the profession of dentistry nationally and internationally, the achievement of optimal oral health, general health and quality of life of Canadians, and the support of the profession of dentistry in the advancement of optimal oral health.
1815 Alta Vista Drive, Suite 201
Ottawa, ON K1G 3Y6