NOC 31110TEER 1📍 Quebec

Dentists in Quebec

Complete immigration guide for Dentists to Quebec, 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 Quebec as a Dentist (NOC 31110) offers a rewarding career path with high demand and excellent earning potential. Unlike other provinces, Quebec manages its own immigration system, the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP), through its Arrima portal. Success hinges on a unique combination of factors: professional qualifications, work experience, and, most critically, strong French language proficiency. Aspiring dentists must navigate a dual process: securing a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) for immigration and meeting the rigorous licensing requirements of the Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ). The province frequently targets healthcare professionals in its draws, making this an opportune time for qualified dentists with the right language skills to pursue permanent residence in La Belle Province. This path requires careful planning for both the immigration application and the professional licensing journey.

📊 Job Market in Quebec

Demand
High
Salary Range
$120,000 - $250,000/year
Top Cities
Montreal, Quebec City, Gatineau

The job outlook for dentists in Quebec is excellent, driven by an aging population, increased awareness of oral health, and a shortage of practitioners, particularly in regions outside of major urban centres.

Eligible Immigration Programs

🎯
FSW
Federal Skilled Worker — Express Entry
🇨🇦
CEC
Canadian Experience Class — Express Entry
🏛️
PNP
Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)

🎯 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 Quebec

Capital
Quebec City
Province Code
QC
PNP Program
QSWP
Top Industries
AerospaceAI & TechnologyHealthcareCulture

🗺️ Step-by-Step Immigration Guide

1
Credential and Language Assessment
Begin by having your dental degree assessed for equivalency by the Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ). Simultaneously, prove your language skills by taking an approved French test (like TEF or TCF), as proficiency is crucial for both immigration points and professional licensing in Quebec.
2
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Create a profile in Quebec's online Arrima portal. You will provide information about your age, education, work experience, language skills, and other factors. Your profile will be assigned a score based on a points grid, placing you in a pool of candidates for consideration.
3
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
The Quebec government conducts regular draws from the Arrima pool, inviting candidates with the highest scores or those in targeted occupations like dentistry to apply for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). Receiving an ITA is the official green light to submit a full application.
4
Apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)
Upon receiving an ITA, you must submit a complete application for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). This involves providing detailed documentation to verify the claims made in your Arrima profile. If approved, you will be issued a CSQ, confirming Quebec has selected you for immigration.
5
Federal Permanent Residence Application
With your CSQ in hand, you must apply to the federal government (IRCC) for permanent residence. This final stage involves medical examinations, police background checks, and final verification. Once approved, you will receive your permanent resident status and can officially move to Quebec.

🏛️ Quebec PNP Tips

For Quebec's Skilled Worker Program, maximizing your Arrima score is key. Focus intensely on achieving advanced French proficiency (B2/C1 level), as this yields the most points. A validated job offer, especially from an employer outside the Montreal Metropolitan Community, provides a significant advantage and can fast-track your invitation. Ensure your spouse also takes a French test, as their language skills contribute to your total score. Tailor your profile to highlight any experience in high-demand dental specialties recognized in Quebec to increase your chances in targeted draws for healthcare professionals.

📋 Licensing & Certification

Yes, dentistry is a regulated profession in Quebec. To practice, you must be licensed by the Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ). For internationally trained dentists, this involves a multi-step process: having your credentials evaluated by the ODQ, successfully completing the written and clinical examinations administered by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB), and often completing a two-year qualifying program at a Quebec university (Université de Montréal or Université Laval). Demonstrating proficiency in the French language is also a mandatory requirement for licensure.

💡 Practical Tips

  • Initiate the credential recognition process with the Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ) as early as possible, as it is a complex and time-consuming prerequisite.
  • Enroll in advanced French language courses to reach at least a B2 level (CLB 7) on the TEF or TCF exams, as this is critical for both immigration points and professional licensing.
  • Network with dental clinics and healthcare recruiters in Quebec, particularly in regions like Capitale-Nationale, Estrie, and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, where demand is often higher than in Montreal.
  • Prepare a comprehensive financial plan to cover immigration fees, licensing exam costs, potential tuition for a qualifying program, and living expenses for at least the first year.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Canadian Express Entry profile to immigrate to Quebec?
No, you cannot. Quebec operates its own distinct immigration system, the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP), managed through the Arrima portal. An Express Entry profile is used for federal programs and immigration to all other Canadian provinces and territories. You must create a separate Expression of Interest in Arrima to be considered for immigration to Quebec.
What is the biggest challenge for a foreign-trained dentist seeking to practice in Quebec?
The primary challenge is the rigorous licensing process mandated by the Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ). This is separate from immigration and requires passing the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) exams and often completing a two-year qualifying or degree-completion program at a Quebec university. This process can be lengthy and costly, requiring significant preparation.
How essential is French for working as a dentist in Quebec?
French is absolutely essential and a legal requirement. Under Quebec's Charter of the French Language, you must demonstrate adequate proficiency to the ODQ to obtain your license to practice. Professionally, you need to communicate effectively with patients, staff, and colleagues, the vast majority of whom will be francophone. Strong French skills are non-negotiable for a successful career.
Does a job offer from a Quebec dental clinic improve my immigration chances?
Yes, immensely. A validated job offer from a Quebec employer provides a substantial number of points in the Arrima system. This significantly increases your ranking in the pool and dramatically improves your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), especially if the job is located outside of Montreal.
Are there specific immigration draws for dentists in Quebec?
Yes, Quebec frequently conducts targeted Arrima draws for candidates in specific high-demand occupations, and healthcare roles like Dentists (NOC 31110) are often prioritized. These draws may have lower point thresholds than general draws, making it a strategic advantage to have your profile in the Arrima pool if you are a qualified dentist.

🗺️ Dentists in Other Provinces

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