A dental assistant’s salary in Canada ranges from around $40,000 per annum at entry-level to approximately $70,000 in 2023. Mid-range salaries are in the region of $52,000 per annum.
What Is A Dental Assistant’s Salary In Canada By Province?
The best government statistics for comparing wages by province are presented as hourly pay rates. This applies to all occupations, including those where pay is based on an annual salary.
Low and high wage rates are provided along with the average median wage; the median is the middle point of the data range when all wages are listed in numerical order.
| Dental Assistant's Hourly Wages By Province (NOC 33100) | |||
| Province | Low ($ Hr) | Median ($ Hr) | High ($ Hr) |
| Canada | 19.00 | 24.73 | 33.00 |
| Alberta | 22.50 | 30.00 | 36.00 |
| British Columbia | 18.00 | 26.00 | 34.07 |
| Manitoba | 20.00 | 24.00 | 29.64 |
| New Brunswick | 18.75 | 23.00 | 26.00 |
| Newfoundland | 15.00 | 22.00 | 35.00 |
| Northwest Territories | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Nova Scotia | 18.00 | 22.00 | 36.00 |
| Nunavut | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ontario | 19.00 | 23.50 | 27.00 |
| Prince Edward Island | 17.00 | 21.50 | 25.00 |
| Quebec | 18.00 | 23.00 | 30.71 |
| Saskatchewan | 20.00 | 28.00 | 33.50 |
| Yukon Territory | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| This information has been compiled from several sources, including data from Statistics Canada and the Labour Force Survey. As of May 2023 this is the most recent published data, gathered from prior years surveys. | |||
Which Province Has The Highest Dental Assistant’s Salary In Canada?
The highest mid-range dental assistant’s salary in Canada is found in Alberta, where salaries are more than 20% above the national average.
Salaries in Alberta are typically higher than in other provinces in Canada. This applies across all job sectors, but the most significant differences are seen in occupations related to the oil and gas industry.
At the other end of the scale, the lowest dental assistant’s salary in Canada is found in the maritime provinces, where mid-range salaries are 5-15% lower than national averages.
However, the cost of living in the Maritimes is lower than in many regions of Canada, so salaries should be viewed in this context.
Are Dental Assistants In Demand In Canada?
According to government projections, the three-year prospects for dental assistants range from “moderate” to “good,” depending on the province. The best prospects are Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan.
This job market is pretty balanced, and this is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. For example, government projections (carried out by EDC) for 2022 to 2031 showed projected job openings for dental assistants as 14,200, compared to 17,000 new job seekers who will fill these posts.
A dental assistant’s salary in Canada in 2023 is expected to be around 4% higher than a dental assistant’s salary in Canada in 2022.
What Is An NOC Code In Canada?
National Occupational Classification Codes (or NOC Codes) are numbers used to categorize jobs in Canada. All occupations are numbered based on the training, education, experience and responsibilities required to perform the job. In 2022 a new system of numbers was introduced whereby the previous 4-digit NOC codes were replaced with new 5-digit codes.
What Is The NOC Code For A Dental Assistant In Canada?
The current NOC code for dental assistants in Canada is 33100 (note that under the old system, the NOC code was 3411). This NOC code covers all jobs with the following names:
- Certified dental assistant
- Certified intra-oral dental assistant
- Dental assistant
- Dental laboratory assistant
- Dental technician assistant
- Registered dental assistant
- Dental aide
This NOC doesn’t cover other dental occupations such as dental hygienist (NOC code 32111) and dentist (NOC code 31110).
Can Immigrant Dental Assistants Work In Canada?
If you qualified as a dental assistant overseas, you might be able to work in Canada without further training. However, you will probably need to pass an exam to gain your license.
The individual provinces regulate dental assistants and have different certification requirements. Therefore, your first step should be to contact the regulatory authority of the province you plan to move to.
For many provinces, you will be required to apply to the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NADEB) to assess your skills and qualifications. NADEB will assess your qualifications; if they meet equivalency standards, you will be invited for written and practical assessments.
The NDAEB certificate is presently required for anyone seeking a license in the provinces of:
- British Columbia
- Alberta
- Saskatchewan
- Ontario
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Prince Edward Island
- Nova Scotia
- Newfoundland and Labrador
The good news is that the NOC code for this job sector appears on the Government of Canada’s list of target occupations for immigration. This means that you could be eligible for the Federal Skilled Workers Program, which provides express entry to Canada.
Where Can I Find More Information About Dental Assistants Jobs In Canada?
If you would like more specific information for a particular job or location, the online “Job Bank” is a great resource.
The “Trends Analysis” section allows you to search for a job type in any location. It will then provide information including:
- Average wages levels
- Marketplace trends
- Qualification requirements
- Geographic comparisons
- Currently available jobs
What Is A Dental Assistant’s Salary In Ontario?
A dental assistant’s salary in Ontario ranges from $39,900 to $56,700 annually. The mid-range salary is $49,350, which is slightly lower than the national mid-range salary of $51,933.
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What Is A Dental Assistant’s Starting Salary In Ontario?
The starting salary for a dental assistant in Ontario is $39,900. This is in line with the average starting salary for dental assistants across Canada.
What Is A Dental Assistant’s Salary In Toronto?
A dental assistant’s salary in Toronto is around $48,300 in the mid-range. It’s important to note that Toronto has a high cost of living, with some of the highest real estate costs in Canada. Therefore, dental assistants may enjoy a higher standard of living outside of Toronto.
What Is A Dental Assistant’s Salary In Ottawa?
A dental assistant’s salary in Ottawa is approximately $52,500 in the mid-range. Given that property costs in Ottawa are lower than in Toronto, dental assistants may find their salary goes further in Ottawa than in Toronto.
Are Dental Assistants In Demand In Ontario?
The employment outlook for dental assistants in Ontario from 2022 to 2024 is moderate. Factors influencing demand include dental insurance coverage rates, population growth, household incomes, and public awareness of oral hygiene. Certifications from the Ontario Dental Assistants Association can improve job prospects.
What Is A Dental Assistant’s Salary In Alberta?
A dental assistant’s salary in Alberta ranges from $47,250 to $75,600. The mid-range salary is $63,000, which is significantly higher than the national mid-range salary of $51,933.
What Is A Dental Assistant’s Starting Salary In Alberta?
The starting salary for a dental assistant in Alberta is $47,250. This is higher than the starting salary for dental assistants across Canada, which is $39,900.
What Is A Dental Assistant’s Salary In Calgary?
A dental assistant’s salary in Calgary is around $63,000 in the mid-range. It’s worth noting that the cost of living in Calgary is lower than most other major cities in Canada, which could make this salary stretch further.
What Is A Dental Assistant’s Salary In Edmonton?
A dental assistant’s salary in Edmonton is approximately $63,000 in the mid-range. Edmonton is known for its relatively low cost of living, especially when it comes to property prices, which means that dental assistants in Edmonton are likely to enjoy a higher standard of living than in many other cities in Canada.
Are Dental Assistants In Demand In Alberta?
Canada is experiencing a shortage of dental assistants, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors contributing to the shortage include low compensation and lack of benefits. With plans to expand dental coverage, there is an increased need for dental assistants.
What Is A Dental Assistant’s Salary In BC?
A dental assistant’s salary in BC ranges from $37,800 to $71,547. The mid-range salary is $54,600, which is slightly higher than the national mid-range salary of $51,933.
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What Is A Dental Assistant’s Starting Salary In BC?
The starting salary for a dental assistant in BC is $37,800. This is slightly lower than the starting salary for dental assistants across Canada, which is $39,900.
What Is A Dental Assistant’s Salary In Vancouver?
A dental assistant’s salary in Vancouver is around $58,800 in the mid-range. However, Vancouver has a high cost of living, with some of the highest real estate costs in Canada. Therefore, dental assistants may enjoy a higher standard of living outside of Vancouver.
What Is A Dental Assistant’s Salary In Victoria?
A dental assistant’s salary in Victoria is approximately $57,624 in the mid-range. Given that property costs in Victoria are lower than in Vancouver, dental assistants may find their salary goes further in Victoria than in Vancouver.
Are Dental Assistants In Demand In BC?
While specific data for BC is not available, the general shortage of dental assistants in Canada suggests that demand is likely high. Factors such as low compensation, lack of benefits, and plans to expand dental coverage contribute to the increased need for dental assistants.
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