On This Page You Will Find:
- How dental hygienists and dental therapists can immigrate to Canada in 2025
- Canada’s job outlook for dental professionals
- Express Entry occupation-specific draws for dental hygienists and therapists
- Salary expectations and job demand across provinces
- Steps to qualify for permanent residence
Are you a skilled dental hygienist or dental therapist looking to immigrate to Canada? With increasing demand for professionals in this field, Canada offers excellent immigration opportunities. Submit your credentials today.
Canada’s Demand for Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists in 2025
Canada continues to face a shortage of dental care professionals, making it an ideal time for qualified foreign professionals to apply for immigration.
The IRCC has ongoing efforts to prioritize in-demand professions, which have been a focus since 2023 through occupation-specific Express Entry draws.
Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists Qualify for Occupation-Specific Express Entry Draws
Under National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 32111, dental hygienists and dental therapists are eligible for occupation-specific Express Entry draws. This means candidates with at least six months of continuous work experience in the past three years—either in Canada or abroad—can apply without requiring a job offer.
Eligible roles include:
- dental hygienist
- dental nurse
- dental therapist
- registered dental hygienist
These roles align with other healthcare professions, offering a variety of career pathways for immigrants.
Strong Job Demand and Salary Outlook for Dental Hygienists in Canada
According to Job Bank Canada, the job outlook for dental hygienists and dental therapists is good in provinces like British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Ontario.
The median hourly wage for dental hygienists in Canada is $43.00, with a range from $31.00 to $57.50 per hour. Based on a standard 37.5-hour workweek, annual earnings can reach up to approximately $112,088.
How to Immigrate to Canada as a Dental Hygienist or Dental Therapist in 2025
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
To qualify for Express Entry, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- At least six months of continuous work experience as a dental hygienist or dental therapist in the past three years
- Language proficiency in English or French at the required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level
- Educational credentials (foreign degrees may require an Educational Credential Assessment)
- Proof of settlement funds if applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program
Step 2: Create an Express Entry Profile
Candidates must submit an Express Entry profile and select NOC 32111 as their occupation. If eligible, they may be invited in an occupation-specific draw.
Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Candidates selected in an occupation-specific draw will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Step 4: Submit a Complete Application
Once an ITA is received, candidates must submit all required documents within 60 days, including:
- Proof of work experience
- Language test results
- Educational credential verification
- Medical and police clearance certificates
Express Entry Targeted Draws for Dental Hygienists: What You Need to Know
Canada’s Express Entry system consists of three main immigration pathways:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Program
Occupation-specific draws focus on high-demand professions. These draws select candidates based on their job title rather than just their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, increasing the chances of receiving an ITA.
Benefits of occupation-specific draws:
- No job offer required for eligibility
- Higher selection chances compared to general draws
- Additional immigration options through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Why Choose Canada for Your Dental Career?
- Express Entry occupation-specific draws provide a clear immigration pathway.
- Salaries are competitive, and professionals can access universal healthcare and social benefits.
- Professional licensing bodies and networks support newcomers in developing their careers in Canada.
Start Your Journey to Canada Today
If you are a qualified dental hygienist or dental therapist, now is the time to apply for Express Entry and build your future in Canada.
FAQ
Do I need a job offer to immigrate as a dental hygienist or therapist?
No, a job offer is not required for occupation-specific Express Entry draws. You can qualify with at least six months of continuous work experience in the past three years.
How much do dental hygienists earn in Canada?
The median hourly wage for dental hygienists in Canada is $43.00, with a range from $31.00 to $57.50 per hour. Based on a standard 37.5-hour workweek, annual earnings can reach up to approximately $112,088 depending on the experience and location.
What are the language requirements for Express Entry?
You must meet Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher in English or French, depending on your immigration pathway.
Can I apply if I have experience outside of Canada?
Yes, dental experience from abroad counts if it meets NOC 32111 criteria and includes at least six months of continuous work in the past three years.
Can I apply through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
Yes, many provinces have PNP streams for dental professionals, providing an additional pathway to permanent residency.
