Canada Immigration for Dentists and Hygienists. Here is Your 2026 Guide to Express Entry and Licensing

Rajan Jain
Jan 11
4 min read

If you have been following the Canadian immigration trends lately, you might have heard the buzz around "Category Based Draws." It sounds technical, but trust me, it is one of the best things to happen for professionals like you who are looking to make Canada their new home.

At Visa Vlogs, we always strive to simplify these complex immigration updates for you. So, grab a coffee, and let’s break down exactly what this means for Dentists and Dental Hygienists living outside Canada.

What Are Category Based Draws?

Think of Category Based Selection as Canada’s way of handpicking the professionals it needs most, rather than just looking at high test scores. Instead of competing against every applicant in the general pool, you are selected in targeted rounds for your specific category. For professionals like Dentists and Hygienists, this is a huge advantage; it means you can often be invited based on the demand for your skills, even if your CRS score is lower than the general cutoff.

Current Categories for 2026 include:

Healthcare and social services occupations (This is where you come in!)
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) professions
Trade occupations
Education Occupations
Agriculture and agri-food occupations
French-language proficiency
Physicians with Canadian work experience

Real Numbers: 2025 Healthcare Draw Results

I know what you are thinking "Do I really have a chance?" Let’s look at the data. While there are no exclusive draws just for Dentists, both Dentists (NOC 31110) and Dental Hygienists (NOC 32111) are included in the Healthcare category. This means every time Canada holds a "Healthcare" draw, you are eligible to be picked.

Here is a look at the actual draws that happened in 2025. Notice how the CRS score dropped significantly toward the end of the year:

Draw Date	Category	Invitations Issued	CRS Cut-off Score
Dec 11, 2025	Healthcare Occupations	1,000	476
Nov 14, 2025	Healthcare Occupations	3,500	462 (Lowest!)
Oct 15, 2025	Healthcare Occupations	2,500	472
Aug 19, 2025	Healthcare Occupations	2,500	470

What this tells us:

While general draws often require scores of 500+, Healthcare draws have been dipping into the 460s and 470s. This is a massive advantage for dental professionals.

Schedule a Consultation to know more

Spotlight:

Dentists (NOC 31110) and Dental Hygienists (NOC 32111)

Already Graduated: If you are a Dentist or a Dental Hygienist, Canada is actively looking for you. The demand is real, and the lifestyle benefits are incredible. Let’s dive into the details.

1. Dentists (NOC 31110)

As a dentist in Canada, your role is similar to what you are used to—diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders of the teeth and mouth. You can work in private practice, hospitals, or public health facilities.

Median Wage: Dentists are among the highest earners in Canada. While income varies based on how much you work (many are self-employed), the median net income often exceeds $110,000 CAD per year, with experienced practitioners earning significantly more (often $200k+).
Prospects: The job outlook is Good across most provinces, especially in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. Rural areas are practically begging for dentists, often offering incentives to move there.

2. Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists (NOC 32111)

Dental Hygienists here are highly respected and autonomous. You focus on preventative care, cleaning, and patient education.

Median Wage: You can expect to earn between $40 to $55 CAD per hour.
- Alberta: ~$58/hr
- British Columbia: ~$53/hr
- Ontario: ~$44/hr
Prospects: With an aging population, the demand for dental care is skyrocketing. Job security in this field is fantastic.

The Million Dollar Question: How Do You Qualify to Work?

This is the most important part. Healthcare is a regulated profession in Canada. You cannot just land here and start drilling teeth the next day. You need a license.

For Dentists (NOC 31110)

If you graduated from a non-accredited dental program (most countries outside USA/Canada/Australia/Ireland/NZ), you generally go through the NDEB Equivalency Process. It is rigorous, but it is the direct path to licensure.

The Accrediting Agency: The National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB).

The Process:

Application & Document Verification: You create an online profile.
Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK): A written exam testing your biomedical science and applied clinical science knowledge.
Assessment of Clinical Judgement (ACJ): A case-based written exam.
National Dental Examination of Clinical Competence (NDECC): This is the big practical exam where you demonstrate your skills on mannequins/patients in a clinical setting.

For Dental Hygienists (NOC 32111)

The process for hygienists is generally faster and less expensive than for dentists.

The Accrediting Agency: Federation of Dental Hygiene Regulators of Canada (FDHRC).

The Process & Costs:

Equivalency Assessment: You must submit your education credentials to the FDHRC to see if your degree matches Canadian standards.
National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination (NDHCE): This is a written, multiple-choice exam.
Provincial Registration: Once you pass the NDHCE, you apply to the college in the specific province where you want to live (e.g., CDHO in Ontario). There may be a small clinical competency assessment depending on the province.

How We Can Help

The path to Canadian Permanent Residence is exciting, but the paperwork can be overwhelming. You don’t have to do it alone.

At Visa Vlogs - Rajan Jain Immigration Consulting, we believe your Canadian dream deserves more than just an application, it needs a winning strategy. We don’t just file forms, we partner with you to build a personalized roadmap for your success. By analyzing your unique profile, we create a tailored plan to optimize your ranking for Category Based Draws, ensuring every step you take brings you closer to your goal of practicing in Canada.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules and exam fees can change. Always consult with a licensed professional. For exact information, please visit corresponding regulator or official website. Below is not an exhaustive list of resources.

Resources

For Dentists (NOC 31110)