General Information

Return to: Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry  

The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Alberta was established in 1913 and until 1922 conducted a three-year undergraduate medical program in the basic medical sciences.

In 1923, a full program of clinical instruction began, and the first Doctor of Medicine (MD) degrees were awarded in 1925.

Dental education was instituted at the University of Alberta in 1917 in the School of Dentistry under the Faculty of Medicine. The first full degree program was offered in 1923, and the first class graduated in 1927. The School became the Faculty of Dentistry in 1944. Dental Auxiliary training was instituted in 1961. In 1962, the School of Dental Hygiene came into being. A program of graduate studies was formally approved in 1962.

In 1996, the Faculty of Dentistry was merged with the Faculty of Medicine to become the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry.

Universal Precautions

All students attending the University of Alberta shall use Universal Precautions for blood, body fluids, and tissues at all times within the educational setting to lessen their risk of acquiring or transmitting bloodborne infection from/to another person. These precautions entail the avoidance of direct contact with the blood, blood products, tissues and other body fluids of another person. The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry conducts the following programs:

Medical Programs

1. A fully accredited four-year program leading to the degree of Doctor of Medicine. At least two pre-medical years at university are required before admission to this program.
2. A program whereby students in the MD program who fulfil specified requirements in research may receive the degree of Doctor of Medicine “with Special Training in Research.”
3. A four-year program leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science, which may be entered after a preprofessional year.
4. A program whereby students in Medical Laboratory Science who fulfil specified requirements in research may receive the degree of Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science “with Honors in Research.”
5. A program whereby students in the MD Program who fulfil specified requirements may be awarded the Bachelor of Medical Science degree at the conclusion of their second year in the MD program.
6. A program whereby students in the Radiation Therapy Program who fulfil specified requirements may receive the degree of Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy.
7. At the graduate level, programs leading to the degree of Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy. Also programs leading to the degree of Master of Public Health (formerly, Master of Health Service Administration) or the Diploma in Health Service Administration.
8. Programs leading to accreditation by the College of Family Physicians of Canada.
9. Programs leading to eligibility for specialist qualification, in all clinical specialties, by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada are offered in cooperation with affiliated hospitals.
10. An extensive program of continuing medical education for physicians practising in northern Alberta.
11. A program whereby students obtain both the MD degree and PhD degree to prepare them for a career as a clinician-scientist.
    See Programs of Study  for details of programs of study.
12. A program of combined study which permits highly qualified students to earn both the MD and MBA degrees within five years.

Dental and Dental Hygiene Programs

1. An accredited four-year program leading to the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). At least two pre-dental years at university are required before admission to this program.
2. A Bachelor of Medical Science degree that students registered in the DDS program may apply for after successfully completing the first two years of the DDS program.
3. A two-year Advanced Placement program leading to a degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). Applicants must posses a dental degree from a dental program recognized by the World Health Organization.
4. An accredited two-year program leading to the Diploma in Dental Hygiene. One pre-dental hygiene year at the postsecondary level is required before admission to this program.
5. A BSc (Dental Hygiene Specialization) degree which is direct entry upon successful completion of the University of Alberta Dental Hygiene Diploma Program.
6. A BSc (Dental Hygiene Specialization) post-diploma degree completion program. Primary requirements are completion of ★30 postsecondary courses and successful completion of an accredited Canadian or international dental hygiene diploma program.
7. MSc and PhD degrees in Medical Sciences (Oral Biology, Dentistry and Dental Hygiene).
8. MSc and PhD degrees and certificate in Medical Sciences (Orthodontics).
9. The Department of Dentistry sponsors a wide variety of continuing dental education opportunities throughout the year through the Continuing Dental Education program. Didactic, clinical and laboratory courses are offered both on campus and occasionally at other sites within the province. Local and visiting speakers of national and international reputation provide continuing education of a high quality.
   See Programs of Study  for details of programs of study.

Department of Dentistry Objectives

1. To provide an academic and intellectual milieu in a university setting that facilitates all aspects of education and research in dentistry and allied health and scientific fields by
   1. Attracting, selecting, and motivating the most qualified academic and non-academic staff; and
   2. Creating a university environment that emphasizes the quality of life for staff and students.
2. To contribute to and incorporate the advancement of knowledge in dentistry and allied fields by doing research, publishing research papers, and communicating and interacting with
   1. Other health sciences and other disciplines of the University to promote comprehensive health care;
   2. The dental profession, dental auxiliaries, auxiliary-training programs, and the community to promote oral health; and
   3. Basic and clinical science organizations and granting agencies to promote disciplinary and interdisciplinary research.
3. To deliver undergraduate, postgraduate and graduate oral health education to prepare students to meet the challenges of rapid knowledge and technology advancements, changing demographics, shifting oral health priorities and globalization.
   1. Attract, select, and then motivate the most suitable and well-qualified students who have the ability to acquire the education and training for a professional and/or academic career;
   2. Maintain a dentistry and dental hygiene curriculum that integrates basic medical and dental sciences, behavior and social sciences, dental clinical sciences, community and preventive dentistry, hospital dentistry, and practice management;
   3. Incorporate recent concepts, materials, techniques, advances, and research in all areas; and reflect the existing and projected provincial, national, and international oral health needs;
   4. Maintain an education program that allows for the smooth transition from graduation to practice and ensures that students are competent to practise efficiently and responsibly; and
   5. Graduate students who are competent to assume roles of leadership and service in their professions and communities.
4. To provide the opportunity and stimulus for continued learning through postgraduate, graduate, research, and continuing education programs.
5. To serve as a partner with the private-practice community, community health centres and hospital clinics to address the problem of some groups having less access to care - including those with specific health care needs, low-income groups, under-represented minorities and those who live in underserviced rural and urban communities.

Affiliated Hospitals and Institutions

Affiliated Hospitals

The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, conducts its undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing clinical education activities through affiliation agreements and/or special arrangements with Alberta Health Services. The Faculty is located in the Walter C Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre (which includes the University of Alberta Hospitals), the Heritage Medical Research Centre, the Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, and Edmonton Clinic Health Academy buildings, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Research Innovation, the Katz Group - Rexall Centre for Pharmacy and Research, the Zeidler Ledcor Centre and the Cross Cancer Institute and the Kaye Edmonton Clinic.

Family Medicine Rural Teaching Sites

The Department of Family Medicine engages over 33 rural communities in undergraduate and postgraduate education initiatives.

Northern Health Services Program

Through an affiliation with the Inuvik Health Board, a regular rotation of clinical faculty, residents, and elective students to Inuvik areas (Mackenzie Area Ambulatory Program) is maintained.

University of Alberta Family Medicine Centres

Ambulatory care facilities, specifically designed for undergraduate and postgraduate education in family practice, are located at the Grey Nuns and Misericordia Community Hospitals, the Northeast Community Health Centre and the Royal Alexandra Hospital. These “Family Medicine Centres” allow medical and other health science students to participate in providing comprehensive and continuing health care to a representative section of the community under the supervision of academic family physicians.

University of Alberta Surgical-Medical Research Institute

The University of Alberta Surgical-Medical Research Institute (SMRI) is a multi-user facility that provides laboratory space and equipment for research activities of research investigators and fellows in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry in the field of experimental surgery and medicine. Facilities include rooms suitable for operating on large and small animals, a biochemistry and histology laboratory, and the Medicine/Dentistry Electron Microscopy Unit, located in the Institute. In addition to research activities, the SMRI provides major teaching facilities for surgical residents in training and for core training (surgical skills) for postgraduate Year 1, postgraduate Year 2, graduate, and summer students. The surgical facilities are also used for running continuing medical education courses for medical and paramedical practitioners to study the latest innovations in medicine.

University of Alberta Satellite Dental Clinics

The Satellite Clinics in northern Alberta provide an educational experience for senior Dentistry and Dental Hygiene students while delivering care to patients in remote areas. This program is supported by Alberta Health Services.

Cross Cancer Institute

The Cross Cancer Institute is a tertiary cancer facility operated by Alberta Health Services (AHS) (the provincial health authority for cancer) that provides cancer services for northern Alberta and houses the Department of Oncology. The AHS and the University of Alberta conducts its cancer research and training programs through an affiliation agreement.

Tom Baker Cancer Centre

The Tom Baker Cancer Centre is a tertiary cancer facility operated by Alberta Health Services (AHS) (the provincial health authority for cancer) in Calgary that provides cancer services for southern Alberta and houses the Department of Oncology. The AHS and the University of Calgary conducts its cancer research and training programs through an affiliation agreement.

Registration and Licensing

DDS Degree

The Department of Dentistry of the University is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.

Regulations regarding the practice of dentistry in any other province in Canada may be obtained by writing to the dental registrar of that province. Contact information is available from the Canadian Dental Association (www.cda-adc.ca).

Senior students of dental programs approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada must write the National Dental Examining Board examinations during their final year. Successful completion of these examinations is required for licensure.

Graduates are also eligible to write licencing examinations in most of the states in the United States and the examinations of the National Board of Dental Examiners of the American Dental Association.

The Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree and the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree (granted by some Canadian and United States universities) are equivalent degrees.

Dental Hygiene Diploma/Bachelor of Science (Dental Hygiene Specialization)

A diploma/Bachelor of Science (Dental Hygiene Specialization) degree does not, in itself, confer the right to practise. A dental hygienist desiring to practise dental hygiene in Canada should consult the appropriate provincial licencing body. Contact information is available from the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (www.cdha.ca).

Registration to Practise

The Registrar of the Alberta Dental Association and College may refuse to issue a license and/or registration certificate to practise dentistry to any applicant with a criminal record. Likewise, the College of Registered Dental Hygienists of Alberta (CRDHA) may refuse to issue a license and/or registration certificate to practise dental hygiene to any applicant with a criminal record.

BSc in Radiation Therapy

The Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) is the organization that provides the national certification examination and competency profile. Students are eligible to access the CAMRT examination upon completion of all program requirements. Under the Alberta Health Professions Act, radiation therapists must be licensed by the regulatory college, Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists (ACMDTT) to practice in Alberta. The ACMDTT endorses the CAMRT national examination as the certifying examination.

After successful completion of the CAMRT national certification examination, graduates are eligible to access the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists’ (ARRT) certification examination.

Finance

DDS Degree

Tuition fees for the program can be found in Fees Payment Guide .

Note: The figures are approximate for 2016-2017 and do not include GST; figures are subject to change without notice.

Dental Hygiene Diploma

Tuition fees for the program can be found in Fees Payment Guide .
Note: The figures are approximate for 2016-2017 and do not include GST; figures are subject to change without notice.

Field Experiences: Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field experiences scheduled in the Edmonton area.

Bachelor of Science (Dental Hygiene Specialization)

Tuition fees for the program can be found in Fees Payment Guide .
Note: The figures are approximate for 2016-2017 and do not include GST; figures are subject to change without notice.

Bachelor of Science (Dental Hygiene Specialization) Post Diploma Degree Completion Program

Advanced Placement Program (DDS)

Tuition fees for the program can be found in Fees Payment Guide .
Note: The figures are approximate for 2016-2017 and do not include GST; figures are subject to change without notice.

MD Degree

Information on fees charged to students in the MD and MSc programs is given in Registration and Fees . In addition, medical students spend approximately $2,000 each year for books, supplies and instruments. Fourth-year medical students pay an examination fee of approximately $700 to the Medical Council of Canada in January of their final year.

All medical students are encouraged to take the following courses: First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, and Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Students are responsible for the corresponding fees.

Some remuneration is presently given to final year MD students by Alberta Health, Government of Alberta.

Details of scholarships and other financial assistance for medical students are available in the Awards section of this Calendar or by contacting the MD Program Office, Admissions and Undergraduate Medical Education, 1-002 Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research; phone (780) 492-6350.

BSc in Radiation Therapy

Tuition fees for the program can be found in Fees Payment Guide . Figures are subject to change without notice.

National Certification Examination fees are payable to the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists at www.camrt.ca/certification/international/. It is mandatory that all students are student members of the Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists (ACMDTT) and must pay the student membership fee at www.acmdtt.com/Registration/StudentApplicants.aspx.

Medical and Dental Society Memberships

The Medical Students’ Association (MSA) is the officially recognized organization of medical students. It provides social, informative, and cultural activities for medical students, and sponsors several important community projects. It is authorized to collect a membership fee from each student. The Association provides the following annual awards: the Outstanding Teacher Awards presented to one teacher for excellence as an educator in each year of the program; the Shaner Award presented to a graduating student for exceptional contributions to the work of the Association; the Mackenzie Award presented to a graduating student judged most proficient in clinical skills; and the Fried Award presented to the student intern who has demonstrated exceptional clinical aptitudes in Paediatrics. Some projects sponsored by the MSA and run by medical students are the University of Alberta branch of Shinerama, a program dedicated to raising money for Cystic Fibrosis research; a medical student choir; and IATROS, a student medical journal dedicated to publishing student articles and increasing communication between current students and alumni. Many social activities and sports events are also planned through the year.

The Medical Alumni Association is an organization of all graduates in Medicine from the University of Alberta. The Association takes an active interest in the Faculty and provides a limited loan fund for undergraduate and graduate students. In addition, the Association participates in a number of awards to students and, from time to time, finances specific projects in the Faculty. The Association meets annually in conjunction with the Alberta Medical Association meeting.

The Dental Students’ Association (DSA) is registered with the Students’ Union Student Groups. The DSA represents all Dentistry and Dental Hygiene students at the University. It is the DSA’s responsibility to organize and communicate involvement in a number of activities by students in the Department of Dentistry. Involvement in activities of a social and professional nature include participation in activities with the greater student body on campus, inter/intra-departmental activities, and community involvement. The DSA fosters professional relations with the greater community through involvement in fund raising for a number of charitable organizations, and by providing resources and information to the community. Annual involvement in health awareness initiatives allows students to provide information and dental products to various groups, including students on campus during Health Awareness Week.

The DSA coordinates a number of formal events welcoming students to their respective professions and encouraging involvement in their professional associations. A number of less formal social events and sporting activities, including the annual curling bonspiel, are also scheduled throughout the year. The DSA works with the Faculty to present concerns and facilitate change, and together, provide students the ability to make contributions to create an enjoyable and successful program.

The Dental Alumni Association is an organization of all graduates in Dentistry from the University of Alberta. The Association takes an active interest in the Department of Dentistry of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and participates in a number of awards to dental students. In addition, the Association provides limited funds to finance specific projects in the Department and honors convocating students and graduates of the silver anniversary class.