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Doctor
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
In general, dentists:
With further training, dentists may specialize in:
Dentists usually work regular weekday hours but may work some weekends and evenings. They must sometimes respond to emergencies after hours. In most cases, dentists themselves determine and establish the working hours for their clinics.
Dentists use delicate hand tools and power-driven precision instruments. They work in a very confined region of anatomy and must be able to treat patients safely and carefully. They must wear safety glasses, masks, and gloves. They must use proper techniques to prevent and control infection. When taking X-rays and using some materials, they must follow safety guidelines.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in co-ordinating information gathered from examining patients' teeth, gums and surrounding tissue to design bridgework, fit dentures and provide appliances to correct abnormal positioning of the teeth and jaws
Interest in precision working with dental and surgical instruments
Interest in mentoring patients by instructing them on oral hygiene to prevent dental problems
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Dentists need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 47 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 26, 2021 and Jun 02, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Certificates, Licences, Memberships, and Courses : National Dental Examining Board of Canada Certification | 21 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Restore, extract and replace diseased and decayed teeth | 18 |
| Tasks: Examine patients' teeth, gums and surrounding tissue | 18 |
| Certificates, Licences, Memberships, and Courses : Licensure by provincial or territorial authorities | 18 |
| Tasks: Perform oral surgery, periodontal surgery and other treatments | 17 |
| Tasks: Diagnose disease, injury and decay and plan appropriate treatment | 15 |
| Tasks: Write fabrication instructions or prescriptions for use by denturists and dental technicians | 15 |
| Work Setting: Private practice | 15 |
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 14 |
| Tasks: Design bridgework, fit dentures and provide appliances | 14 |
The minimum educational requirement is 2 years of university level pre-professional study and then an undergraduate Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine program. Many dental programs require additional preparation such as specific admissions tests (dental aptitude test, situational judgement tests). They may also require volunteer / leadership experience as well as specific prerequisite university courses and grade point averages.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Dentists evaluate, diagnose, and treat (surgically or non-surgically) diseases, disorders, and conditions of the mouth. This includes the teeth, gums, and other supporting structures, the maxillofacial area (upper and lower jaws and joints) and the adjacent and associated structures of the head and neck. Dentists help to maintain and improve a person’s physical, psychological, and social health.
Under Alberta’s Health Professions Act [pdf], Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation [pdf], and Dentists Profession Regulation [pdf], registration with the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA) is mandatory. Only registered members may provide restricted activities specified in the Regulations. This includes those who:
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Dentist.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Dentists may begin private (solo) practice right after they graduate. Partnerships with established dentists and group practices are becoming more popular. Some dentists work for government health services or the Canadian Armed Forces.
Career options outside of dental practice include working as dental educators, researchers, or administrators.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Dentists
2016 NOC: 3113
98.3% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $47.95 | $164.84 | $77.04 | $65.93 |
| Overall | $65.93 | $230.77 | $142.79 | $102.13 |
| Top | $73.85 | $400.00 | $169.85 | $122.38 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $228,233 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $228,233 |
Alberta Dental Association website: www.albertadentalassociation.ca
Association of Prosthodontists of Canada (APC) website: www.prosthodontics.ca
Canadian Academy of Endodontics (ACE) website: www.caendo.ca
Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (CAPD) website: www.capd-acdp.org
Canadian Academy of Periodontology (CAP) website: www.cap-acp.ca
Canadian Academy of Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics (CARDP) website: cardp.ca
Canadian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (CAOMS) website: www.caoms.com
Canadian Association of Public Health Dentistry (CAPHD) website: www.caphd.ca
Canadian Dental Association (CDA) website: www.cda-adc.ca
Canadian Association of Orthodontists (CAO) website: www.cao-aco.org
College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA) website: www.cdsab.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
