NOC 31110TEER 1📍 Saskatchewan

Dentists in Saskatchewan

Complete immigration guide for Dentists to Saskatchewan, Canada. Requirements, programs & pathways to PR.

NOC Code

31110

TEER Level

TEER 1

University Degree

Median Wage

$75/hr

~$156,000/yr

Min CLB

CLB 7

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📖 Expert Overview

Immigrating to Saskatchewan as a Dentist (NOC 31110) offers a direct path to a rewarding career in a province with high demand for healthcare professionals. With a median wage of approximately $156,000 annually, this TEER 1 occupation provides excellent earning potential. Key immigration routes include the federal Express Entry system (FSW, CEC) and the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). As a high-priority healthcare occupation, dentists benefit from targeted category-based draws at both federal and provincial levels. The process requires foreign-trained dentists to first obtain certification from the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) and then licensure from the College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan. A successful application combines professional certification with a strong immigration profile, leading to permanent residence in a province known for its quality of life and growing communities. This pathway is ideal for qualified dentists seeking a stable and prosperous future in Canada.

📊 Job Market in Saskatchewan

Demand

High

Salary Range

$130,000 - $220,000/year

Top Cities

Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert

The outlook for dentists in Saskatchewan is excellent, with strong and sustained demand driven by population growth, an aging demographic, and a need for dental services in rural and northern communities. Opportunities for both associate positions and practice ownership are robust.

✅ Eligible Immigration Programs

🎯

FSW

Federal Skilled Worker — Express Entry

🇨🇦

CEC

Canadian Experience Class — Express Entry

🏛️

PNP

Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

🎯 Category-Based Express Entry Draws

Dentists qualifies for the following category-based draws, which typically have lower CRS cutoffs than general draws.

🏥Healthcare

💼 Related Job Titles

DentistOrthodontistOral surgeon

📚 Education & Language Requirements

Education Required

University degree (bachelor's or higher)

Minimum Language

CLB 7 — IELTS ~6.0+

📍 About Saskatchewan

Capital

Regina

Province Code

PNP Program

SK PNP

Top Industries

AgricultureMiningOil & GasTechnology

🗺️ Step-by-Step Immigration Guide

Credential Evaluation & NDEB Process

Begin by having your dental degree assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). Concurrently, start the mandatory National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) Equivalency Process. This involves multiple exams to prove your skills are equivalent to a Canadian-trained dentist and is the longest part of the process.

Obtain NDEB Certification

Successfully complete all components of the NDEB Equivalency Process, including the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge, Assessment of Clinical Judgement, and the NDEB Dental Clinical Skills Assessment. Passing these leads to the issuance of an NDEB certificate, which is essential for licensure in any Canadian province.

Saskatchewan Provincial Licensing

With your NDEB certificate, apply for registration and licensure with the College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CDSS). This involves submitting your credentials, passing a jurisprudence exam, and meeting all other provincial requirements. You cannot practice in Saskatchewan without CDSS licensure.

Submit Immigration Profiles

Create a profile in the federal Express Entry pool. Simultaneously, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), specifically under the International Skilled Worker: Occupation In-Demand or Express Entry sub-categories. Ensure your profile reflects your qualifications and work experience accurately.

Receive Invitation and Apply for PR

Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from either a federal Express Entry draw (often category-based for healthcare) or an SINP draw. Once invited, you will have a limited time to submit a complete application for permanent residence, including all supporting documents, medical exams, and police certificates.

🏛️ Saskatchewan PNP Tips

For dentists targeting the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), focus on the International Skilled Worker streams. Create an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile as soon as you meet the minimum criteria. Your NOC 31110 is frequently targeted in healthcare-specific draws, so monitor these closely. Maximize your EOI score by achieving high language test results (CLB 8+). While a job offer is not mandatory for the Occupation In-Demand sub-category, securing one provides a significant points boost and strengthens your application immensely. A connection to Saskatchewan, such as a close relative, also increases your score.

📋 Licensing & Certification

Yes, dentistry is a regulated profession in Canada. To practice in Saskatchewan, you must first obtain certification from the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) by completing their equivalency and examination process. After receiving your NDEB certificate, you must then apply for registration and licensure with the College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CDSS). This provincial license is mandatory to legally practice as a dentist in the province.

💡 Practical Tips

✓Start the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) equivalency process immediately, as it is the most time-consuming prerequisite.
✓Prepare a detailed financial plan to cover the substantial costs of NDEB exams, provincial licensing fees, and immigration processing.
✓Network with dental professionals and clinics in Saskatchewan through platforms like LinkedIn to explore potential job opportunities and gain insights into the local market.
✓Focus on achieving the highest possible score on your English or French language tests (e.g., IELTS or CELPIP) to maximize your points in both the Express Entry and SINP systems.

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Complete our smart assessment form to check your eligibility for over 80+ Canadian immigration programs.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a job offer to immigrate to Saskatchewan as a dentist?

Not necessarily. The SINP's 'Occupation In-Demand' sub-category does not require a job offer. However, having a valid, full-time job offer from a Saskatchewan employer will significantly increase your points in the Expression of Interest grid, greatly improving your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for a provincial nomination. It is a mandatory requirement for other SINP streams.

What is the biggest challenge for foreign-trained dentists applying to the SINP?

The most significant hurdle is completing the mandatory licensing process. You must be certified by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) and licensed by the College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CDSS) to be eligible for SINP streams requiring licensure. This process can be lengthy (1-2+ years) and expensive, so it must be started well in advance of your immigration application.

Can I open my own dental practice in Saskatchewan as a newcomer?

Yes, once you are a permanent resident and fully licensed to practice dentistry by the CDSS, you can open your own practice. Many immigrant dentists start as associates in established clinics to gain local experience before venturing into practice ownership. Saskatchewan's growing communities, particularly outside major cities, present significant opportunities for new practices.

Are there specific incentives for dentists to work in rural Saskatchewan?

Yes, Saskatchewan often has programs and incentives to attract healthcare professionals, including dentists, to rural and remote areas. These can include return-of-service bursaries, recruitment grants, and a lower cost of living. Working in an underserved area can also provide a faster path to building a large and loyal patient base for your practice.

How does the SINP points system value my dental experience?

The SINP awards points for skilled work experience gained in the last ten years. As a dentist (NOC 31110), your experience is considered highly skilled (TEER 1). You receive maximum points for five or more years of experience directly related to your intended occupation. Experience must be verifiable through letters of reference and other documentation.