As a Dental Advisor with the Department of National Defence, you provide clinical dental support and professional guidance to enhance oral health services across the Canadian Armed Forces and DND civilian employees. You work collaboratively with dental professionals, military leadership, and health care teams to develop dental health policies, procedures, and best practices that meet the needs of our diverse workforce. Your expertise directly impacts the readiness and well-being of personnel across Canada and internationally.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include assessing dental health needs, providing clinical recommendations, developing dental health education programs, and advising on dental service delivery models. You may conduct dental screenings, support preventive health initiatives, and contribute to the planning of dental facilities and equipment. You'll also mentor junior dental staff, participate in continuous professional development, and stay current with advances in dental care and military health standards.
You work in a dynamic health care environment within military and civilian settings. Your workplace may be a dental clinic, headquarters office, or field location, depending on your posting. This role offers the opportunity to serve Canada while making a real difference in the oral health and quality of life for military personnel and their families.
Key Responsibilities
Provide dentistry services to clients and patients, Assess needs and develop treatment or service plans, Maintain accurate clinical and case records, Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver care
Required Skills
Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To qualify as a Dental Advisor with DND, you typically need a diploma or degree in dental hygiene, dental therapy, or equivalent credential recognized by a Canadian provincial regulatory body. Current registration or licensure with your provincial dental regulatory college is required to practice clinically.
Professional certifications relevant to this role may include credentials in expanded duty dental hygiene, dental therapy, or specialty areas such as restorative dental therapy or orthodontic assisting. Many positions value additional training in public health dentistry, health promotion, or dental informatics.
Once hired, the Government of Canada provides ongoing professional development opportunities, including access to courses in military health systems, leadership development, and specialized dental topics. You'll have opportunities to maintain your professional credentials through continuing education programs and may pursue additional certifications in areas such as infection prevention or dental administration.
Entry Plans
Entry into this career with DND typically occurs through competitive recruitment processes advertised on the Government of Canada's Job Bank and the DND Civilian Careers website. Most positions are open competitions where you apply directly and compete against other qualified candidates.
You may also enter through the Post-Secondary Recruitment (PSR) program if you are a recent graduate from an accredited dental hygiene or dental therapy program. Some positions may be filled through internal mobility processes if you are already a Government of Canada employee looking to transfer.
The hiring process usually includes a written assessment of your dental knowledge and clinical judgment, a structured interview, and reference checks. You may be asked to provide evidence of your provincial registration, current CPR certification, and relevant clinical experience. Once selected, you'll complete standard government onboarding and security screening processes.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are often available for Dental Advisor positions, though availability depends on operational needs and the specific posting. Some positions offer flexible scheduling, particularly in administrative or advisory roles that don't require full-time clinical coverage.
Remote work options may be available for portions of the role involving policy development, health promotion planning, or administrative duties, though clinical assessment and direct patient care typically require in-person attendance at a health facility.
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting work-life balance. When you join DND as a Dental Advisor, you can discuss flexible work arrangements with your manager during onboarding. Options may include part-time hours, flexible scheduling, job sharing, or hybrid remote work depending on the requirements of your specific position and operational needs.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
