College of Dentistry Climbs in Shanghai Global Rankings

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Dentistry has once again risen in the Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, moving into the 101–150 category worldwide in Dentistry and Oral Sciences, an improvement from last year’s 150–200 ranking. Among peer Canadian institutions, the college now sits in fourth.

This marks another milestone in a rapid upward trend for the college, which first entered an international ranking system in 2023, debuting in the 150-200 category and tied for sixth in Canada. The upward trend is also reflected in the college’s precise global placement. Last year it was ranked 182nd, and this year it moved to 115th, a climb of 67 positions in a single cycle.

The Shanghai Ranking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, commonly known as the Shanghai Subject Ranking, is one of the most respected tools used to evaluate academic performance across universities worldwide. Focused heavily on research excellence, the ranking assesses institutions based on research output, citation impact, international collaboration, and major awards earned by faculty and alumni. In the field of Dentistry and Oral Sciences, it evaluates the top 300 dental schools globally.

For the College of Dentistry, the latest results reflect a transformative shift in its academic and research trajectory. “Just three years ago, our college was never ranked in any international system,” said Dr. Walter Siqueira, the college’s dean. “Today, we have reached a solid global position, showing a clear and steady rise in our academic and research profile. This is the result of our collective effort, including all faculty and staff.”

A Strategic Emphasis on Research

College leadership attributes this continued rise to the implementation of a comprehensive research strategic plan introduced several years ago. The goal: strengthen both teaching and research equally to elevate the college’s global impact.

That plan included targeted recruitment of dental clinician-scientists, expanded mentorship and financial support and new internal and external initiatives to grow the college’s research portfolio. The college established a robust research seminar series, incentives to support interdisciplinary and international collaboration, funding for faculty to attend global conferences, and a publication incentive program. It also created new research distinctions, including Impact Awards and Influencer Awards for faculty, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students and an internationally focused Ambassador Award for faculty.

Siqueira says the latest international recognition reaffirms that the College’s strategic direction is working. “This recognition on the global stage reinforces that our increased focus on research has and will continue to pay off for both the College of Dentistry and USask,” he said.

Impact on Education, Recruitment, and Patient Care

The rise in global standing is already shaping the College’s future. A stronger reputation helps draw talented faculty, researchers, and students who are seeking institutions with a clear commitment to innovation.

Siqueira says the benefits extend well beyond the USask campus. “This improved ranking will influence the future of dental education in Saskatchewan,” he said. “It strengthens the way we prepare students for modern practice and supports our ability to provide patient care rooted in the most current dentistry knowledge. As we build our research capacity, we continue to uphold a very high standard for clinical training, which is essential for serving the oral health needs of people in this province.”

With its global ranking steadily improving and its research initiatives gaining traction, the College of Dentistry continues to establish itself as a rising leader in dental education and oral health research.

For more information on the 2025 Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects in Dentistry and Oral Sciences, visit Shanghai Ranking’s website. ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects