Dentistry in Canada vs. the USA... is the sky falling?

[dent1010]

Firstly, what are the major differences in practicing dentistry in Canada vs. the US? Can people weigh in on that a little bit, because from what I have read many dentists from the USA are telling students not to do dental because the corporate is taking over. However, I have yet to meet a dentist (GP or specialist) in Canada who is making less than $200k/year. Obviously I know there are dentists in Canada making less than that (semi-retired, brand new grad, etc.) but they seem less common than what I have seen in the US. One dentist I shadowed was 3-4 years out making $300k+ working 4 days a week. So are there major difference in billing/insurance between Canada and the US? Everyone from the US complains about insurance and corporate, but I haven't head much of that talk in Canada...

I understand that the landscape of dentistry could change over the next 5 years, but I was just hoping to hear from some Canadian dentists (or others) on what they see as the future of dentistry in Canada?

I just got accepted and have been reading many posts saying "the sky is falling" in dentistry and to "turn back now while I still have the chance" which is making me nervous. So I need some reassuring words.

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[PerioDont]

Are you planning to practice in the US or Canada? How much is your education going to cost you and how are you planning to fund it?

There are plenty of dentists making 300 K plus in the US and Canada. There are also some making 100-150k, especially newer grad associated and some even less.

 

[dent1010]

Are you planning to practice in the US or Canada? How much is your education going to cost you and how are you planning to fund it?

There are plenty of dentists making 300 K plus in the US and Canada. There are also some making 100-150k, especially newer grad associated and some even less.

I’m definitely planning on practicing in Canada regardless of where I go to school. If I stay in Canada tuition would be about $150-200k, but if I only get in to school in the states tuition will likely be $400-500k. Obviously if I get into Canada I will go there, but if I don’t is it worth going and making money faster or waiting for cheaper tuition.

Those making $100-150k is that because of location, lack of confidence, slow speed, lack of clinical skills from school? Like I know there are various factors, but from those I’ve talked to in Canada making $180-200k is pretty attainable as a new grad which is why I wonder why people say only expect to make $120k as a new grad in the US. I’m wondering what the major differences are that cause the disparity.

 

[PerioDont]

I’m definitely planning on practicing in Canada regardless of where I go to school. If I stay in Canada tuition would be about $150-200k, but if I only get in to school in the states tuition will likely be $400-500k. Obviously if I get into Canada I will go there, but if I don’t is it worth going and making money faster or waiting for cheaper tuition.

Those making $100-150k is that because of location, lack of confidence, slow speed, lack of clinical skills from school? Like I know there are various factors, but from those I’ve talked to in Canada making $180-200k is pretty attainable as a new grad which is why I wonder why people say only expect to make $120k as a new grad in the US. I’m wondering what the major differences are that cause the disparity.

Where have you been accepted?

It’s a combination of all of those things

 

[Araiguma]

New grad (graduated from Canadian school) and working rural right now. You may already know that the typical is around 40% (larger cities maybe 35% and rural regions up to 45%) collection. Depending on what's important to you, I have classmates working in larger cities and some in rural. Obviously rural you do more and make more. But it can be somewhat a sacrifice depending on if you enjoy the lifestyle of a small town or not. Money wise, I make about 1.5-2x compare to my classmates working in the city. There will always be opportunities in rural. I do feel Canadian schools are accepting more dental students (including increasing foreign trained dentists going into dental school seats), so in the long run the competition will probably be greater. I think the career is still rewarding, if you enjoy dentistry.

 

[dent1010]

Where have you been accepted?

It’s a combination of all of those things

I’ve been accepted to Midwestern and waitlisted at UDM. But I am still interviewing in Canada.

 

[dent1010]

New grad (graduated from Canadian school) and working rural right now. You may already know that the typical is around 40% (larger cities maybe 35% and rural regions up to 45%) collection. Depending on what's important to you, I have classmates working in larger cities and some in rural. Obviously rural you do more and make more. But it can be somewhat a sacrifice depending on if you enjoy the lifestyle of a small town or not. Money wise, I make about 1.5-2x compare to my classmates working in the city. There will always be opportunities in rural. I do feel Canadian schools are accepting more dental students (including increasing foreign trained dentists going into dental school seats), so in the long run the competition will probably be greater. I think the career is still rewarding, if you enjoy dentistry.

Thanks for the response. I have heard rural is great because of the exposure to more procedures and greater collection percentages.

How rural are you working? Like 30 mins from major city or like 3 hours. Also, do you mind sharing starting salary estimates for you and your classmates?

I am happy to message you personally to answer those questions if you’d prefer that.

 

[Araiguma]

In a way yes, but depending on how rural you are, for example, my office is 2 hours from a major city, the office isn't as high end as some of the city ones. So in a way what I can provide is also limited. There's a trade off also for rural, mentorship v.s production. If you are someone thinking to do dentistry long term, having some rural experience to improve your skill and efficiency is worth while. Long term, you probably want to be somewhere where you get to learn from experienced dentists who's willing to teach you and in a setting where they have more high end equipment to expand your horizon. Salary is greatly variable I would say, very much depends on which province (diff fee guide for diff province), location (rural vs city), how many dentists in your office, the hours you are working (day time v.s evening), if your office provides discounts etc, all those factors can greatly affect your production.