Direct entry: Three accelerated paths to oral health careers

For Grade 12 students, fall is a time when questions about life after high school start becoming decisions.

For students considering a career in oral health care, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Dentistry offers three direct-entry programs that can lead from high school to a career in oral health in as little as 10 months.

Applications for the college's Certificate in Dental Assisting, Bachelor of Science in Dental Therapy and Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene programs open Sept. 25 for fall 2027 admission. The application deadline for all three programs is Feb. 15, 2027.

"Students interested in oral health sometimes assume that becoming a dentist is the only career path available to them," said Dr. Walter Siqueira, dean of the College of Dentistry. "There are many rewarding careers within the oral health team, and these three programs give students the opportunity to begin that journey directly from high school."

Unlike the college's Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program, which requires a minimum of three years of university-level study before admission, the three programs are direct entry. Students can apply while completing Grade 12, provided they meet the admission requirements.

For students eager to begin their careers sooner, the programs offer three distinct pathways ranging from 10 months to three years.

Dental Assisting: Career ready in 10 months

The Certificate in Dental Assisting is a 10-month program that prepares students to work as part of the dental team.

Students learn skills in preventive and restorative oral care, radiography and other areas of clinical dental assisting. The program combines classroom learning with hands-on training to prepare graduates to enter the workforce.

 "If you want a career where you can work directly with patients, be part of a health-care team, and get into the workforce without spending many years in school, dental assisting could be an excellent fit," said Terrie Donald, academic director of the Dental Assisting program. "In less than a year, students can develop the skills and experience they need to begin a career in oral health."

Dental Therapy: Expanding access to oral health care

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Therapy is a two-year program that prepares students to provide clinical and preventive oral health services to children and adults in private practice and community-based settings.

The program is delivered at the College of Dentistry in Saskatoon and our satellite locations in La Ronge, Prince Albert and Regina. This creates opportunities for students to pursue their education closer to home and helps prepare oral health professionals in communities across Saskatchewan.

Dental therapists provide examinations, diagnose dental decay and abscesses, take and interpret X-rays, provide fillings and stainless steel crowns for children, and perform tooth extractions for children and adults.

Their work also has a strong preventive focus, including topical fluoride treatments, pit and fissure sealants, oral health education, community health promotion and disease prevention. Dental therapists also identify when patients require additional treatment and refer them for specialist care.

"Dental therapy is an opportunity for students who want to combine excellent clinical care with a commitment to improving access to oral health services," said Walter Yim, assistant director, academic, of the Dental Therapy program. "By delivering the program in communities across Saskatchewan, we are creating opportunities for students to learn and eventually work closer to home while helping build  oral healthcare where it is needed. Graduates have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference for patients, families and communities," he said.

Dental Hygiene: Connecting oral and overall health

The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene is a three-year program that prepares students for a profession that plays an important role in both oral and overall health.

Dental hygiene is a dynamic and rewarding profession. They play a vital role in assessing, preventing, and managing oral diseases, promoting overall health, and empowering patients through education and preventive care.

Career opportunities extend beyond traditional dental practices, with dental hygienists practicing in a variety of settings, including public health programs, community clinics, long-term care facilities, and other interdisciplinary health care environments.

The profession offers diverse career pathways and the ability to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of individuals and communities. "As primary oral health care professionals, dental hygienists contribute significantly to the health and well-being of individuals and communities," said Carla Ofstie, Academic Director of the Dental Hygiene program. "The scope of the profession provides graduates with diverse career opportunities to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities across the lifespan."

Three programs, one oral health team

Students in the three direct-entry programs become part of a broader College of Dentistry learning environment that brings together students from dental assisting, dental therapy, dental hygiene and dentistry.

Siqueira said exposing students to different oral health professions during their education helps prepare them for the collaborative environment they will encounter in their careers.

"Oral health care is a team effort," he said. "Whether a student chooses dental assisting, dental therapy, dental hygiene or eventually dentistry, each profession brings important skills and expertise to patient care. We want young people to understand that there is more than one path to building a rewarding career in oral health."

Applications for fall 2027 admission to the Certificate in Dental Assisting, Bachelor of Science in Dental Therapy and Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene programs opened Sept. 25, 2026, and close Feb. 15, 2027.

The deadline to apply for the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program is November 15, 2026.

Students can explore the programs, admission requirements and application information on the College of Dentistry website. Programs - College of Dentistry | University of Saskatchewan