Dental therapist NOC code
NOC 2021 code, TEER level and Express Entry status for dental therapist.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
The NOC code for dental therapist is 32111 (Dental hygienists and dental therapists), a TEER 2 occupation — it counts as skilled work for Express Entry. It's a high-wage occupation (Level 2): +40 CRS for 12+ months of Canadian work, or 70 for a job offer. It's eligible for Healthcare category draws.
NOC code
32111
TEER 2 · skilled
High-wage
Level 2
+40 work · 70 job offer
Category draws
Healthcare
IRCC 2026 lists
What NOC 32111 covers
Dental hygienists provide dental hygiene treatment and services related to oral health promotion and disease and mouth injury prevention. They are employed in a variety of settings including dentists' offices, hospitals, private clinics, educational institutions, public health agencies or they may be self-employed. Dental therapists provide limited restorative dental treatment in addition to dental hygiene services. They are employed by the federal government and the provincial governments to provide services in rural and remote communities.
| Unit group | 32111 — Dental hygienists and dental therapists |
|---|---|
| TEER | TEER 2 — usually requires a college diploma or apprenticeship of 2+ years, or supervisory roles |
| Broad category | Health occupations |
Main duties to compare with yours
- Dental hygienists
- Conduct patient screening and oral health assessments, including taking vital signs and documenting patient medical and health history
- Take dental impressions
- Take and develop X-rays
- Perform preventative dental procedures such as teeth cleaning, scaling, gum stimulation and fluoride and sealant applications
- Provide oral care instructions such as oral hygiene procedures, strategies to maintain and improve oral health and on the impact of nutrition on oral health
To use NOC 32111 on an Express Entry profile or reference letter, your duties should match the lead statement and most of the main duties. See every duty and the full Express Entry breakdown for NOC 32111 →
Other job titles under NOC 32111
Similar titles in other NOC codes
If your duties don't match NOC 32111, one of these may fit better:
- Art therapist — NOC 41301 (Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies, TEER 1)
- Athletic therapist — NOC 31204 (Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment, TEER 1)
- Case manager occupational therapist — NOC 31203 (Occupational therapists, TEER 1)
- Certified dental assistant — NOC 33100 (Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants, TEER 3)
- Certified intra-oral dental assistant — NOC 33100 (Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants, TEER 3)
- Clinical occupational therapist — NOC 31203 (Occupational therapists, TEER 1)
- Community occupational therapist — NOC 31203 (Occupational therapists, TEER 1)
- Dental assistant — NOC 33100 (Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants, TEER 3)
Calculate your CRS score → · All job titles A–Z · High-wage list
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0 (example titles and duties); IRCC high-wage occupations and category-based selection lists. Check the official NOC site before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NOC code for dental therapist?+
In NOC 2021, "dental therapist" is an example title in unit group 32111 — Dental hygienists and dental therapists. It is a TEER 2 occupation in the "Health occupations" broad category.
Is dental therapist eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 32111 is TEER 2, which IRCC counts as skilled work experience for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class — provided your actual duties match the NOC description and you meet every other program requirement.
Does dental therapist get extra CRS points?+
Yes. NOC 32111 is on IRCC's high-wage list at Level 2. From November 3, 2026, 12+ months of qualifying Canadian work adds 40 CRS points, or a valid job offer is worth 70 (whichever is higher).
Can a dental therapist get a category-based Express Entry invitation?+
Yes — NOC 32111 is on IRCC's list for Healthcare and Social Services Occupations, 2026-Version 3. You generally need have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 12 months of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time experience) — this experience does not need to be continuous.
What if my job title says dental therapist but my duties are different?+
IRCC assesses your duties, not your job title. Compare what you actually do with the lead statement and main duties of NOC 32111. If most of them don't match, look at the related occupations below or search the official NOC site.