A career as a dental specialist is full of excitement and satisfaction for people who are keen on oral health and want to help others. In contrast to general dentists, the specialists go deeper into one or more areas such as orthodontics, periodontics, or oral surgery. Specialisation brings not only an update of the skills as well as the knowledge.
But also the opening of new possibilities for the treatment of severe problems and development on a professional level. In this blog, we will provide comprehensive guidance on the steps you will need to follow if you want to become a specialist dentist, which includes the education, necessary training, commitment and hard work expected to perform well.
Pave the Future of Healthcare through Inquiry
We not only treat but also tell the patient how to do this kind of treatment which, in turn, promotes. A healthy lifestyle may prevent the disease as well as the one that should be followed. Furthermore, we use the most recent research to identify who is at risk of getting sick. So those people can be vaccinated. To be a part of our specialist training program you will be mentored by top-rated dentists and scientists. You will also be able to work at our practice which sees above 90,000 patients annually, each with a diverse combination of dental problems.
In addition to these, you may also want to gain practical experience when you get the chance to practice working at some of the best teaching hospitals in the country. Such as the hospital for sick children and Mount Sinai Hospital. We believe that besides you being a polished dental professional, your engagement in original research will be a recurring activity which will stimulate discovering new methods and bringing forth your area amongst the top institutions.
The application procedure is common to all our programs but this is not a hundred percent guarantee that there will be no changes in the opening or closing dates or in some minor details. Hence, it would be wise if you visit the link of the course needed and get the program-specific instructions for that program.
How to obtain a License as a Dental Specialist
There are two ways of becoming a licensed Dental Specialist in Canada. The way you select is determined by whether you got your specialty training from an international non-accredited program or if your specialty program is approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC).
Pathway for graduates of international non-accredent specialty programs
If the education is from a non-accredited institution in Canada, then you will be required to take a Dental Specialty Assessment and Training Program (DSATP) from one of the Faculties of Dentistry in Canada to start with. Not every Faculty in Canada has such dental specialty programs.
This pathway is for you if:
You have a master’s degree in a dental specialty from the university, which has the authorization from the government to issue such degrees.
Your dental specialty is recognized in Canada, and
Your degree is not recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC).
Pathway for graduates in Canadian and US specialty programs
For your education from a CDAC-accredited program based in either Canada or the United States, it shall be mandatory to commence your National Dental Specialty Examination (NDSE) for the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (RCDC).
This pathway is for you if you meet the following two conditions:
You graduate in a recognized specialist field in Canada, and
You get a dental specialty degree at a university dental school that is accredited by an accreditation body representing CDAC.
Which to Choose: MSc or PhD?
Both ways have their own benefits, so the final decision will come from your specific career, interests, and the time you are ready to commit to it. This blog is dedicated to the presentation of various possibilities to help students decide which one to take.
Master of Science (MSc)
The MSc can be two, three or four years, depending on the requirements of your specialty – check your specialty (linked above) for exact timings.
You will follow a timetable of study and research.
Thesis option: An MSc degree at SEDET (PhD pathway approved) includes coursework and hands-on patient care. This will provide you with in-depth knowledge of clinical and scientific aspects.
Coursework option: The path to becoming a specialist dentist starts with a coursework option. Being a dentist is not restricted to operating just with your hands; it is a much more complicated and holistic practice that involves your cognitive, auditory, and visual senses and emotions. You will write a thesis to show that you have gained the skills to become a good dentist.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The PhD can be five to seven years depending on the requirements of your specialty – check your specialty (linked above) for exact timings. Though the goal is that you will have to cover some required classes anyway, the main focus of a PhD is independent study and research and the schedule is designed around you.
Standard Application Process
We are putting forth a second application deadline of March 1, 2025 for the Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology program. The admission procedure at our faculty is common for both the School of Graduate Studies and the postdoctoral programs.
Eligibility
The MSc programs of clinical specialty training are typically not supported except for oral medicine and pathology, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. If you get transferred from the MSc with clinical specialty training to the PhD with clinical specialty training. Or if you get direct admission into the MSc with clinical specialty training your PI and you should meet the Graduate Office to discuss the funding budget.
You should have received authorization as a licensed dentist from the College of Dental Surgeons of Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) before the beginning of your program or obtained a graduate and/or provisional license. Early applications before obtaining your license or permit will also be accepted.
You need to have a degree in Dentistry (DDS, DMD, or an equivalent) from a recognized institution. And also must be qualified to practice dental surgery in Ontario before registration. For MSc, the lowest requirement would be a final-year average of B+ in your Dentistry program (3.30 on a scale of 4.00 GPA).
For a Ph.D. the minimum score is A- which means 3.70 on a scale of 4.00 GPA. You will get more information if you go to the International Degree Equivalencies site in the School of Graduate Studies website which helps you to decide if your international degree fulfills the criteria.
Conclusion
My point of view is that to be a dentist, you should have a long-lasting commitment, you must work very hard and also have the desire for it. The first step is to graduate with a dental degree and at the same time take part in internships or practice to earn practical knowledge and enter hands-on experience.
Additionally, it is important to be aware of the current dental technology and methods which can be achieved by participation in workshops, conferences, and seminars. Another key building block is strong communication that needs to be always reached alongside a patient-first mindset.
FAQs
What is a dental specialist?
A dental specialist is a dentist who has specialized in a particular area, such as orthodontics, periodontics, or oral surgery. They get additional education after dental school to become experts in their chosen field.
What are the types of dental specialties?
Some common dental specialties include:
Orthodontics: Aligning the teeth and correcting the jaw.
Periodontics: Treating gum diseases and supporting tissues.
Endodontics: Making root canals and treating issues inside the tooth.
Oral Surgery: Treating complicated dental problems like wisdom tooth extractions and jaw deviations applying surgical methods.
Pediatric Dentistry: Concentration on child dental care.
Prosthodontics: Constructing artificial dental pieces like jaws and crowns.
Oral Pathology: Identifying diseases in the mouth.
Are you ready to elevate your career in dentistry? When you hire dental specialists or become one yourself, you open the door to endless opportunities and gain the ability to make a lasting impact on patients. Explore study programs, connect with career counselors, and map out your journey as a dental expert. Your future as a specialist begins today!
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