31110

Dentists

TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Health

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Definition

Dentists diagnose, treat, prevent and control disorders of the teeth and mouth. They work in private practice or may be employed in hospitals, clinics, public health facilities or universities.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Dentists
Examine patients' teeth, gums and surrounding tissue to diagnose disease, injury and decay and plan appropriate preventative or corrective treatment
Provide general dental care such as cleaning teeth, filling cavities, performing root canals, applying veneers, and fitting crowns, bridges and dentures
Restore, extract and replace diseased and decayed teeth
Instruct patients on oral hygiene and preventive dental care
Monitor patient progress to identify changes or the progression of dental disease
Prescribe antibiotics or other medication as required
Bleach, clean, or polish teeth to restore natural color
Supervise dental hygienists, dental assistants and other staff
Refer patients to dental specialists as needed for recommended procedures
May provide basic orthodontic treatments with additional training.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
Collaborate with other professionals, such as restorative dentists and orthodontists, to plan treatment
Administer general and local anesthetics
Perform surgery to prepare the mouth for dental implants or to aid in the regeneration of deficient bone and gum tissues
Remove impacted, damaged, and non-restorable teeth, as well as tumors and other abnormal growths of the oral and facial regions
Perform surgery on the mouth and jaws to treat conditions, such as cleft lip, palate, and jaw growth problems
Provide emergency treatment of facial injuries including facial lacerations, intra-oral lacerations, and fractured facial bones
Treat infections of the oral cavity, salivary glands, jaws, and neck.
Orthodontists
Examine patients' teeth, gums and surrounding tissue to assess abnormalities of jaw development, tooth position, and other dental-facial structures
Diagnose teeth and jaw or other dental-facial abnormalities
Propose treatment plan for conditions such as underbites, overbites, crowding and others
Design and fabricate appliances, such as space maintainers, retainers, and labial and lingual arch wires
Fit dental appliances in patients' mouths to alter the position and relationship of teeth and jaws or to realign teeth
Coordinate orthodontic services with other dental and medical professionals
Educate patients about improving and maintaining orthodontic care, and promoting routine dental health care.
Prosthodontists
Examine patient's teeth, gums and jaws to diagnose disease, injury and decay, and plan appropriate treatment to enhance patients' dental and facial aesthetics, or correct orofacial problems
Replace missing teeth and associated oral structures with permanent fixtures, such as implant-supported prostheses, crowns and bridges, or removable fixtures, such as dentures
Restore function and improve aesthetics for traumatic injury victims, or individuals with diseases or birth defects
Design and fabricate dental prostheses, or supervise dental technicians who construct the devices
Fit prostheses to patients, making any necessary adjustments and modifications
Restore damaged teeth with materials such as fillings, veneers and crowns
Collaborate with general dentists, dental specialists, and other health professionals to develop solutions to dental and oral health concerns.

Example job titles

•dentist
•endodontist
•oral and maxillofacial surgeon
•oral pathologist
•oral radiologist
•orthodontist
•pediatric dentist
•periodontist

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, Dentists are classified under NOC code 31110 within TEER Category 1. This highly skilled occupation includes professionals who diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases, injuries, and malformations of the teeth and mouth. Qualified foreign-trained dentists can leverage this classification to apply for Canadian permanent residency through federal pathways like the Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Category-Based Selection draws for healthcare occupations, or various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

To successfully immigrate and practice as a dentist in Canada, applicants must satisfy strict regulatory and educational standards. Candidates must hold a university degree from a recognized dental program (such as a DDS or DMD) and successfully complete the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) equivalency process and examinations. Following NDEB certification, candidates must obtain licensing from the provincial or territorial dental regulatory authority in their destination province before they can legally practice.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. Please consult an authorized Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) representative or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) for official, personalized guidance.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.