Earn a high-school diploma with concentration in English, algebra and at least two courses from among biology, chemistry, calculus, physics or computer science. This means that you must graduate from an accredited secondary learning institution prepared to gain a postsecondary degree in a science-oriented field.
Gain a degree in dental hygiene or a bachelor of science with specialization in dental hygiene. As an example, in Edmonton, you can gain a degree in dental hygiene at the University of Alberta, where the department of dentistry offers a diploma in dental hygiene and a bachelor of science with dental hygiene specialization. In general, the dental hygiene program will take you three years to complete and the bachelor of science with dental hygiene specialization will take you four years to complete.
Complete the National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination (Canadian), which you will need to pass in order to work in Canada. If you finish with great success in the dental hygiene program, you will also be eligible to write the National Board Dental Hygiene Examinations of the American Dental Association.
Register with the College of Registered Dental Hygienists of Alberta. Under the Alberta's Health Professions Act and Dental Hygienists Profession Regulation, you have to be a registered member. Failure to register bars you from providing professional service to the public, supervising registered dental hygienists or teaching dental hygiene to students.