About

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

Quick facts
  • Two-year degree
  • Full-time program
  • You can enter this program directly from high school
  • This program is offered at multiple locations

Dental therapists provide operative, pediatric, endodontic, periodontic and oral surgery clinical care, along with preventive treatment and health education. Dental therapists work at different levels including: individual patients when providing dental care, classroom groups when providing health education, and with entire communities when organizing community wellness events.

The BSc(DT) program focuses on dental care for all Canadians. It is offered in six consecutive terms over two years instead of the usual three years of study, 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).


What you will learn

Term 1 provides an introduction to health and oral health sciences, taking into consideration that these sciences are augmented during several terms to support a gradual depth of knowledge. This term has a focus on prevention, given its importance to oral health.

Term 2 includes more opportunities to explore general health and oral health sciences. The focus is on prevention and minimally invasive restorative (filling) approaches. Restorative procedures are introduced to support both dental assisting and dental therapy scopes of practice. Learners will perform cavity preparations and placing fillings on manikins. Students will gain competencies related to scheduling, accounts receivable, inventory control, equipment maintenance procedures, and sterilization and infection control management.

Term 3 focuses on the preclinical (mannikins and simulators) development of more complex dental treatment abilities including fillings, crowns, and root canals. Students learn to deliver local anesthesia (freezing).

Terms 4 to 6 include opportunities for clinical work on patients by providing preventive, health promotive, restorative, and surgical procedures within the scope of dental therapy practice. The students will continue with weekly work in the community to provide continuity of services for community members. In Term 6, students will have a one-month practicum placement in a community dental clinic.

Course Description

Fall Term
Dental Therapy Sciences I This course is designed to support the understanding of health professions and what it means to be a professional. It will introduce students to the dental therapy care model that includes a problem-solving approach of Assessment, Decision-making, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation (ADPIE). You will gain knowledge and abilities related to providing clinical care.
Health Sciences I This course provides students with the background to understand the complex relationship between oral and general health. You will learn about the anatomy and physiology of the head and neck area including an understanding of the human dentition. Students will begin an exploration of infection prevention and control in oral health settings.
Oral Health Sciences I Students learn about epidemiology—the study of health-related status in various populations—with a particular focus on children and Indigenous populations. This course provides the opportunity to explore evidence supporting a variety of oral health approaches with emphasis on preventive and minimally invasive oral health therapies.
Behavioural Sciences I Behavioural and social sciences support better understanding of individuals and the choices they make. These sciences have a significant impact on health throughout the life span. You will explore theories of behavioural change to assist people in making healthy choices and developing healthy habits to promote their general and oral health. You will be introduced to reflective journaling that will enhance your professional decision-making.
General Anatomy & Physiology I This course will provide the background to support understanding of the human body and how it functions to maintain health. You will explore the interactions between the structures of the body’s cells, tissue, organs, and organ system so you can better understand the many variables that impact health.
Dental Therapy Practice I These practice hours provide opportunities to develop your abilities in oral health prevention. Students will be introduced to the clinical environment and have the opportunity to assess the oral health status of individuals, thus strengthening your ability to advise people on basic but important oral health issues. Initially you will work in simulation settings with fellow students. Near the end of the term, you will have an opportunity to share your knowledge and abilities with people from the community.

Winter Term
Dental Therapy Sciences II This course provides an opportunity to advance your abilities in preventive dentistry, as well as operative abilities that benefit those who have experienced irreversible dental lesions. You will learn about what underpins these therapies.
Health Sciences II This course continues to support understanding of oral health within the context of general health. Students learn about embryology and histology while gaining a deeper understanding of microbiology to better understand the balance between health and disease.
Oral Health Sciences II You will continue exploration of epidemiology and statistics to better understand the oral health status of Canadians with a particular focus on Indigenous people. You will learn more about dental anatomy, pharmacology and the biomaterials used to help people attain a healthy dentition. This knowledge supports the development of your clinical abilities.
Behavioural Sciences II This course continues exploration of the behavioural sciences and the impact of behaviours on general and oral health. Students will continue to build their skills through community work in order to better support people in maintaining and achieving health with a particular focus on oral health.
General Anatomy & Physiology II This course will build on knowledge of the human body gained in Term 1. You will continue exploring the diverse systems of the human body and how they function collectively to support health. Course work will focus on developing the ability to apply this knowledge to dental therapy practice.
Dental Therapy Practice II Practice hours allow students to continue their development of preventive abilities and develop new abilities related to restorative services. Students will first work in simulation settings and/or with fellow student before shifting to provide the services with community members.

The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.

USask's BSc(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. Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous applicants are welcome to the program. Student selection criteria will focus on Indigenous students and provide them with a culturally-appropriate learning environment and supports. In addition to the traditional USask student support, our program will have a dedicated elder-in-residence available to support the wellness and social needs of the 56 program students.

The program uses an executive-style approach to allow students to complete the entire BSc(DT) program in only two years, allowing them to enter the workforce as a health professional in a very short period. This short period of study is made possible through the use of cutting-edge technology, such as haptic dental simulators, that allow the student's first fillings to be completed in a 100% virtual reality environment.

The program's multi-campus model allows students to learn in a community environment most similar to their home community, with options in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, and La Ronge.

Careers

There are many career options open where dental therapy graduates can work and apply the full scope of their skills. These include:

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

Tuition estimates

Annual fees High school graduates and mature students (2 year training) Dental hygienists
(1 year training)
Internationally trained dentists
(1 year training)
Tuition $30,000 $60,000 $60,000
Equipment rental fee $3,000 $3,000 $3,000
Student fees $1,089 $1,089 $1,089
Total $34,089 $64,089 $64,089

As a guideline, above are the estimated expenses for students registered in the Dental Therapy program. Please note these are estimates only (2023-2024 rates) and subject to change from year to year.

Admission requirements and deadlines

Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous applicants are welcome to the BSc(DT) degree program. Student selection criteria will focus on Indigenous students. All seats are open to both agency-sponsored and non-agency-sponsored applicants. Priority will be given to Indigenous, agency-sponsored applicants who meet the program's admission requirements.

Deadlines

Start term Application deadline
Fall 2024 April 15, 2024
Documents due: May 1, 2024

Requirements and categories of applicants

1. Required high school classes

Completion of the following courses or equivalents with an average of at least 70%:
  • Biology 30
  • Foundations of Mathematics 30 or Pre-Calculus 30
  • English Language Arts A30 and B30 or English Language Arts A30 and Francais Immersion 30 or English Language Arts B30 and Francais Immersion 30 or Literature 30 and Composition 30
  • One additional Grade 12 course in a Social Science/Humanities

2. English proficiency

If your first language is not English, you may have to prove proficiency in English before admission.

3. Letter of personal introduction (intent letter)

Please provide a one-page essay that will give us a clear picture of who you are and, most importantly, why you want to pursue a career in dental therapy (minimum 500 words, maximum 1000 words).

4. Letters of support

Please provide two letters of support. Letters may provide information such as your suitability for and commitment to study, past education experience, personal qualities, etc. Possible sources for letters of support may include but are not limited to: past instructor/teacher, employer, community or spiritual leader, or other suitable personal reference.

Mature students who have been out of school for at least one year are eligible for admission. The minimum high school average for mature students is 60%. Applicants having completed a high school equivalency program (i.e., GED) may be considered on an individual basis.

1. Required high school classes

Completion of the following courses or equivalents with an average of at least 60%:

  • Biology 30
  • Foundations of Mathematics 30 or Pre-Calculus 30
  • English Language Arts A30 and B30 or English Language Arts A30 and Francais Immersion 30 or English Language Arts B30 and Francais Immersion 30 or Literature 30 and Composition 30
  • One additional Grade 12 course in a Social Science/Humanities

2. English proficiency

If your first language is not English, you may have to prove proficiency in English before admission.

3. Letter of personal introduction (intent letter)

Please provide a one-page essay that will give us a clear picture of who you are and, most importantly, why you want to pursue a career in dental therapy (minimum 500 words, maximum 1000 words).

4. Letters of support

Please provide two letters of support. Letters may provide information such as your suitability for and commitment to study, past education experience, personal qualities, etc. Possible sources for letters of support may include but are not limited to: past instructor/teacher, employer, community or spiritual leader, or other suitable personal reference.

Applicants will be eligible for admission if they:

  • have graduated from a Canadian or US dental hygiene program.
  • are currently licensed to practice dental hygiene in any Canadian province or territory.
  • have at least 1 year of clinical dental hygiene experience in public or private practice.
  • provide a letter of good standing from their licensing regulator(s).
  • provide a letter of personal introduction (intent letter).
  • provide letters of support (two (2) letters).
  • are Canadian citizens or permanent residents or landed immigrants.

The dental therapy program allows dental hygienists to complete the BSc(DT) program in one year.

Applicants will be eligible for admission if they:

  • have completed a minimal four-year degree in dentistry (e.g., DDS, DMD or BDS) from a dental program from an academic institution not recognized by the Commission on Dental Education of Canada (CDAC).
  • have completed the Advanced Dental Admissions Test (ADAT) of the American Dental Association. Acceptable dates are March 1, 2021 – April 1, 2024.
  • IDDP or DT USask Assessment of Clinical Skills Examination and interview score (acceptable dates 2020-2024).
  • are proficient in English as per the University of Saskatchewan acceptable levels of academic English.
  • are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, or landed immigrants in Canada.
Dental Therapy USask Assessment of Clinical Skills Examination and interview

Applicants may be selected to participate in the Dental Therapy USask Assessment of Clinical Skills Examination and interview. Selection of applicants will be based on ADAT score. Applicants will be assessed on clinical skills as well as communication skills in a clinical setting. The interview will be conducted as a traditional panel interview.

The assessment and interview will be conducted at the University of Saskatchewan College of Dentistry in Saskatoon over a 1-day period.

For Indigenous applicants applying to any categories above:

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and proud to support academic opportunities for Indigenous students. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous students provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous membership/citizenship at USask is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy.

This program has seats designated for Indigenous candidates and verification of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation is required if you wish to be considered for one of these seats.

Please visit the Indigenous Membership/Citizenship Verification channel in PAWS and proceed through the verification system.

You can learn more about learn more about deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin at indigenous.usask.ca. If you have any questions or require additional information about deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin please contact: indigenoustruthpolicy@usask.ca.

Agency sponsorship

To address national dental therapy workforce needs, the program will make seats available to enable agencies from Saskatchewan and across the country to recruit and sponsor students to study and then undertake return of service agreements with the agencies upon graduation. This is a key pathway to filling unfilled dental therapy positions across Canada.

The University of Saskatchewan and the dental therapy program will not be directly involved in agency recruitment of potential sponsorship students or the terms of any agency-student return of service agreements but will provide support to sponsors and potential sponsored students.

All sponsored students must meet the program's admission requirements and once admitted, must maintain the academic standing requirements for promotion and graduation.

Submission of a sponsorship application does not guarantee acceptance by the University of Saskatchewan and the program. Sponsorship priority will be given to Indigenous students in accordance with the admission priorities of the program.

The number of available sponsorship seats will follow the program's admission policy to balance provincial and national dental therapy workforce needs. Up to 17 seats per year are open to out-of-province residents and can be sponsored by non-Saskatchewan agencies. The remaining 11 seats are for Saskatchewan residents and are eligible for sponsorship by Saskatchewan agencies.

If in any given year there are not enough qualified Saskatchewan applicants, these seats will be opened to out-of-province applicants, including agency-sponsored students.

If in any given year there are not enough qualified out-of-province applicants, these seats will be opened to Saskatchewan applicants, including agency-sponsored students.

Sponsorship students may indicate their preference for which campus they want to study, but not all requests are guaranteed to be accommodated.

Eligible agencies include:

  • First Nations and Inuit communities and Indigenous governments
  • Federal, provincial, and territorial governments
  • Regional health authorities

Selection criteria

A total maximum of 40 points will be awarded to applicants in the following areas:

  • Academic average - 20 points
  • Letter of personal introduction (intent letter) - 10 points
  • Letter of support (2 of them - 5 points each) - 10 points

Dental hygienist applicants will be ranked via several selection factors. A total maximum of 25 points will be awarded to applicants in the following areas:

  • Academic average (dental hygiene program) - 5 points
  • Letter of personal introduction (intent letter) - 10 points
  • Letter of support (2 of them - 5 points each) - 10 points

Internationally trained dentist applicants will be ranked using three selection factors. A total maximum of 25 points will be awarded to applicants in the following areas:

  • Advanced Dental Admissions Test (ADAT) score - 10 points
  • USask Assessment of Clinical Skills Examination score - 10 points
  • USask panel interview score - 5 points

Required documentation

Applications are not complete until all required documents are received. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all required documentation is received. Applicants can check the status of their application online by logging in to their application. Please ensure that the Admissions Office, College of Dentistry has a current address, telephone number, and email address.

  • Letter of personal introduction (intent letter)
  • Two letters of support
  • Official transcripts
  • Other applicable documentation
  • Official transcripts (dental hygiene program only)
  • Letter of good standing from licensing regulator(s)
  • Other applicable documentation
  • Advanced Dental Admissions Test (ADAT)
  • USask Assessment of Clinical Skills Examination and interview score (acceptable dates 2019-2023)
  • Other applicable documentation

All of the following required documentation must be received no later than May 1, 2024 for Fall 2024 applications:

  1. Completed online application with payment of $90 CAD application fee
  2. One set of official transcripts from all high school/post-secondary institutions attended other than the University of Saskatchewan (including distance education classes) forwarded directly from the appropriate institution(s) to:

    Admissions
    105 Wiggins Rd
    College of Dentistry
    University of Saskatchewan
    Saskatoon, SK  S7N 5E4

  3. The following supporting documents (if applicable):
    • Saskatchewan residency proof
    • Verification of Indigenous membership/citizenship in accordance with the processes developed to enact the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapewin: Indigenous Truth policy
    • Proof of permanent residence
    • Proof of English proficiency
    • Notarized transcripts (IDDP applicants)
    • Letter of personal introduction
    • Letters of support
    • Agency sponsorship letter
    • Letter of good standing from licensing regulator (dental hygiene applicants)

Applying

Deadline - The College of Dentistry accepts online applications only. The fall 2024 admission cycle application is available February 15 to April 15, 2024 only.

Application fee

A non-refundable application fee in the amount of $90 CAD is required and must be paid online via credit card at the time the application is submitted. The application fee may be paid by Visa or MasterCard.

Important dates

Date Activity
Feb. 15, 2024 Online application opens
April 15, 2024 Online application closes and application fee due
May 1, 2024

Supporting documents due (where applicable):

  • Official transcripts
  • Letter of personal introduction
  • Letters of support
  • Proof of SK residency
  • Proof of permanent residency
  • Verification of Indigenous membership/citizenship in accordance with the processes developed to enact the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapewin: Indigenous Truth policy
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Agency sponsorship letter
  • Letter of good standing from licensing regulator (dental hygiene applicants)
  • Notarized transcripts (IDDP applicants)
Aug. 1, 2024 If an Offer of Admission is sent, Final Official High School transcripts (including upgraded courses) for courses taken during the 2023-2024 are due.
Aug. 26, 2024 If an Offer of Admission is sent and accepted, Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Screening (dated after offer letter) due and immunization records.

After applying

Applicants will be informed of their application status by mid-June 2024. To accept an offer of admission, applicants must pay a non-refundable deposit of 15% of tuition by the deadline stated in the offer letter. The deposit will be applied towards tuition fees at the time of registration. Applicants who withdraw their admission acceptance after paying the fee forfeit the deposit.

If full program enrolment is not reached during a particular academic year, the college may choose to reduce the number of learning sites where the dental therapy program is offered.

College info

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. Established in 1965, the College of Dentistry was the first institution in the province of Saskatchewan to offer a Doctor of Dental Medicine dental program. The college strives to serve as a leader in innovative scholarly pursuits, research, interdisciplinary collaboration, community outreach, and engagement.

Explore related programs

If you are looking for graduate level (Master or Ph.D.) programs please consult our graduate students' website.

Questions?

Email: dentaltherapy.admissions@usask.ca

Admissions, College of Dentistry
University of Saskatchewan
105 Wiggins Road
Saskatoon, SK  S7N 5E4