New Data: Canada Faces Dental Hygienist Shortage, 80% of Clinics Struggle with Recruitment

Source: Government of Canada Job Bank website

DentalGoodNews｜Canada is facing a severe shortage of dental hygienists. According to the latest data from the federal Job Bank, the occupation faces a strong labor shortage risk between 2024 and 2033. A 2025 survey by the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) shows that over a quarter of practitioners plan to leave within five years, primarily due to retirement; currently, 26% of active professionals are over the age of 50.

Source: Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA)

This supply gap contrasts with the surge in demand driven by the government's "Canadian Dental Care Plan" (CDCP): the plan aims to provide basic services to up to 9 million uninsured residents. According to previous reports by DGN, CDCP demand has far exceeded expectations, with the 2026-27 fiscal year budget raised to CAD 3.4 billion, and approximately 6.58 million residents already approved to participate. As eligible patients begin booking routine cleanings in large numbers, the pressure on dental clinics will further cascade to hygienist positions.

Source: Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA)

Currently, Canada has approximately 35,000 registered dental hygienists. Although industry wages are generous—with an average hourly rate of CAD 54.85, and up to CAD 81 in regions like Calgary—recruitment remains challenging.

Statistics Canada data shows that 80% of oral practice institutions face human resource issues; among independent hygienist clinics planning to expand, 80% rank increasing staff as their primary expansion strategy. To address the talent shortage, educational institutions are offering diversified training programs. Domestic training program tuition ranges from CAD 35,000 to CAD 55,000, with program durations from 18 months to 3 years, and most require accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) to obtain licensure.

To date, nearly 29,000 providers have joined the CDCP, and approximately 96% of institutions are still accepting new patients.