Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Science in Dental Therapy Program

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Therapy [B.Sc.(DT)] program is offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Dentistry in partnership with the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority (NITHA), Saskatchewan Polytechnic, and Northlands College.

Program Overview

• The program is a two-year degree.
• It is a full-time program.
• Students can enter this program directly from high school.
• The program is offered at multiple locations.

What You Will Learn

Dental therapists provide clinical and preventive services to children and adults in private practice and community-based settings. Clinical treatment includes patient examinations, diagnosis of dental decay and abscesses, taking and interpreting x-rays, as well as providing restorative dentistry such as fillings and stainless steel crowns on children. Dental therapists also perform tooth extractions on children and adults. Preventive services include topical fluorides, pit and fissure sealants, oral health education, health promotion, and disease prevention at the individual, group, and community-level settings.

Program Structure

The B.Sc.(DT) program focuses on dental care for all Canadians. It is offered in six consecutive terms over two years, allowing students to enter the workforce after the shortest possible time of study. The program uses cutting-edge technology with haptic dental simulators in four campus locations (Saskatoon, La Ronge, Prince Albert, and Regina).

Term Breakdown

• Term 1: Provides an introduction to health and oral health sciences, focusing on prevention.
• Term 2: Includes more opportunities to explore general health and oral health sciences, with a focus on prevention and minimally invasive restorative approaches.
• Term 3: Focuses on the preclinical development of more complex dental treatment abilities, including fillings, stainless steel crowns, and pulpotomies for children.
• Terms 4 to 6: Include opportunities for clinical work on patients, providing preventive, health promotive, restorative, and surgical procedures within the scope of dental therapy practice.

Sample First Year

The following courses are part of the first year:

• Dental Therapy Sciences I
• Health Sciences I
• Oral Health Sciences I
• Behavioural Sciences I
• General Anatomy & Physiology I
• Dental Therapy Practice I
• Dental Therapy Sciences II
• Health Sciences II
• Oral Health Sciences II
• Behavioural Sciences II
• General Anatomy & Physiology II
• Dental Therapy Practice II

Why Study Here?

The University of Saskatchewan's B.Sc.(DT) program is the only dental therapy training program in Canada. It was purposefully designed with a focus on improving the oral health of Canadians, focusing on Indigenous people and communities.

Careers

Dental therapy graduates can work in various settings, including:

• Tribal authority clinics
• Community health centre clinics
• Local health authorities
• Provincial health centres
• Federal health centres
• Private dental offices

Tuition Estimates

The estimated expenses for students registered in the Dental Therapy program are as follows:

• Annual fees:
  • High school graduates and mature students (2-year training): $42,414.24
  • Dental hygienists (1-year training): $74,862.24
  • Internationally trained dentists (1-year training): $74,862.24

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

• Application Deadline: February 15, 2026, for the Fall 2026 term.
• Documents Due: March 1, 2026.
• Requirements:
  • High school graduates: Completion of specific high school courses with an average of at least 70%.
  • Mature students: Completion of specific high school courses with an average of at least 60%.
  • Dental hygienist applicants: Graduation from a Canadian or US dental hygiene program, current licensure, and at least 1 year of clinical experience.
  • Internationally trained dentist applicants: Completion of a minimal four-year degree in dentistry, completion of the Advanced Dental Admissions Test (ADAT), and proficiency in English.

Selection Criteria

• High school graduates and mature students: Academic average, letter of personal introduction, and letters of support.
• Dental hygienists: Academic average, letter of personal introduction, and letters of support.
• Internationally trained dentists: ADAT score, USask Assessment of Clinical Skills Examination score, and USask panel interview score.

Required Documentation

• Completed online application with payment of the application fee.
• Official transcripts from all high school/post-secondary institutions attended.
• Letter of personal introduction.
• Letters of support.
• Proof of Saskatchewan residency (if applicable).
• Verification of Indigenous membership/citizenship (if applicable).
• Proof of English proficiency (if applicable).

Locations

The B.Sc.(DT) program is offered at four different sites:

• University of Saskatchewan Prince Albert Campus in Prince Albert.
• University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon Campus in Saskatoon (internationally trained dentists only).
• Saskatchewan Polytechnic Dental Clinic in Regina.
• Northlands College Campus in La Ronge.

College Information

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Therapy is offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Dentistry. The College of Dentistry is a dynamic college with a reputation for excellence in both teaching and research.