USask College of Dentistry achieves seven-year DMD program accreditation

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Dentistry is celebrating a significant milestone following the official confirmation of full accreditation for its Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program through 2032. This marks the strongest accreditation result the college has received in more than three decades, reaffirming its commitment to delivering leading dental education and advancing oral health in Saskatchewan and beyond.

The accreditation process, overseen nationally by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC), ensures that dental programs meet rigorous standards for academic quality, clinical training and graduate preparedness. Canadian DMD programs typically undergo accreditation every seven years.

The accreditation process is extensive, requiring preparation and submission of detailed documentation addressing all required standards. In late April, the college welcomed a CDAC peer review team for an intensive multi-day on-site evaluation. The visit took place while senior students were actively providing patient care, giving reviewers the opportunity to assess clinical education in real time. The assessment included facility tours, detailed interviews with students, faculty and administrators, and a comprehensive review of program operations.

Dean Dr. Walter Siqueira (DDS) praised the achievement, emphasizing the dedication behind the result. “This outcome reflects the exceptional effort, dedication and professionalism of our faculty, students and staff throughout this intensive accreditation process. It is a truly remarkable achievement for our college.”

The College of Dentistry has been a cornerstone of oral health education in Saskatchewan for more than 50 years. Its first graduating class — 10 newly minted dentists — received their DMD degrees at the fall convocation in 1972. Since then, the college has expanded its DMD program to graduate a total of 46 students per year. Alongside this growth, it has strengthened research initiatives and broadened community outreach, all while maintaining its commitment to high-quality education.

The new seven-year accreditation affirms the college’s continued excellence and its leadership in shaping the next generation of dental professionals for Saskatchewan and Canada.  With this approval in place until 2032, USask’s College of Dentistry remains well-positioned to advance its mission of improving oral health through education, research, clinical service and community engagement.