A Denturist is defined as a ‘dental’ health care professional who provides denture care directly to the public. A Denturist is an independent, self-regulated professional who works with other oral healthcare providers, including Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Technicians, Dental Assistants, and Oral Surgeons, as part of the Oral Healthcare Team to provide the best denture care and service to their patients.  In Canada, Denturist services span a wide spectrum, encompassing oral examinations, medical and dental history reviews, impressions, denture design and fabrication, insertion, as well as repairs, relines, adjustments, and the supervision of auxiliary personnel. This collaborative and patient-centered approach ensures a comprehensive and well-rounded provision of denture care.
The historical evolution of Denturism in Canada traces its roots back to the early 1900s when it emerged as a specialized field distinct from traditional dentistry. Initially labelled as dental mechanics or denture therapists, Denturists underwent several nomenclature changes before adopting the title "Denturist" today (The DAC, 2020a). The trajectory of Denturism in Canada during the 1960s witnessed tensions with the dentist-dental laboratory alliance. Despite the initial conflict, these tensions led to foundational partnerships, marking a pivotal moment in the profession's development. Legislative changes in 1961 allowed dental mechanics to provide complete dentures directly to the public. Over the years, the scope of Denturists expanded to include services like dentures over implants, fostering even closer collaboration within the broader oral health team.
The educational journey of a Denturist spans a comprehensive two to three-year program, focusing on honing both clinical and laboratory skills essential for crafting removable oral prostheses. Aligned with the Canadian Denturist Baseline Competency Profile, the curriculum is diverse, covering subjects ranging from clinical prosthetics to radiographic interpretation (The DAC, 2020c). A notable The DAC-commissioned review in 2014 shed light on the expansive nature of Denturism education. It emphasized the need for a profound knowledge base in biomedical sciences, encompassing areas such as oral anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and more. This foundational knowledge serves as the bedrock for removable prosthodontic theory, laboratory work, and clinical courses.
Currently, there are five schools of Denturism in Canada. These institutions provide two or three-year programs of study in both clinical and laboratory aspects of the profession. Depending on the school and the duration of the program, students may be required to complete an additional year of internship under the supervision of a licensed Denturist. Importantly, all graduates must successfully complete provincial licensing examinations. These schools may undergo a rigorous accreditation process to ensure a consistent standard of education across Canada, further enhancing the competency and expertise of Denturists in the field.
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Edmonton, Alberta
George Brown College of Applied Arts, Toronto, Ontario
Collège Edouard-Montpetit
Oxford College
Georgian College
Moreover, every province in Canada has its own Denturist regulatory body with jurisdiction over the licensing and discipline of Denturists. Additionally, all provinces host an association of Denturists to support their members in continuing education, fee negotiation, and other professional matters. 
The Denturist Association of Canada, founded in 1971 as an "association of Canadian associations," originally served to facilitate communication and networking among provincial Denturist societies. Today, it has evolved into the voice of Canadian Denturism, representing Denturists on national and international levels. Simultaneously, The Denturist Association of Canada is a proud member of the International Federation of Denturists, providing a platform for communication among both established and emerging countries in the field of Denturism. This international affiliation underscores the global importance and impact of Denturists in the field of oral healthcare.
Original Provincial Legislation

Alberta

1961

New Brunswick

1976

British Columbia

1962

Saskatchewan 

1977

Manitoba

1970

Newfoundland

1984

Ontario

 1972

Yukon Territories

1984

Nova Scotia

1973

Prince Edward Island

2003

Québec

1973

    
       
Note: Denturists servicing patients in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut are governed by the legislation in their home province but must be registered in those territories.