DENTAL ASSISTING
PROGRAM OUTLINE
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
This diploma program is both comprehensive and intensive.
Dental assistants prepare treatment rooms and patients for
treatment and assist dentists during treatment. This includes
preparing and manipulating dental materials and performing
infection control procedures. Dental assistants may also have
office clerical duties. These include maintaining patient
records, scheduling patient appointments, collecting patient
and insurance accounts, and ordering dental office supplies.
Certified Dental Assistants may expose, process, and mount
dental radiographs. They may polish teeth and apply topical
fluoride and topical anesthetic. They may also take
impressions of the teeth, apply fissure sealants and apply and
remove dental dams. They also instruct patients on oral care
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
After successfully completing the Dental Assisting Program,
the graduate may seek employment in a variety of dental
offices such as one of a General Dentist, Endodontist,
Periodontist, Orthodontist, Pedodontist, Prosthodontist, and
Oral-Maxillofacial Surgeon. Other career opportunities may be
found as a dental sales representative for a dental distribution/
manufacturing company. Positions are also available in the
dental department of a hospital, dental laboratory or with the
public health department.
CERTIFICATION
Certified Dental Assistants are qualified, licensed, oral health
care professionals who provide essential support and patient
care services under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
Certified Dental Assistants are regulated under the CDSBC and
must be registered and licensed by the College of Dental
Surgeons of BC. Graduates who successfully complete this
program are eligible to apply to sit the mandatory written
National Dental Assisting Examination Board (NDAEB)
Certification Exam. This program is accredited by the
Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Students must meet all of the pre-requisites listed below, meet
their financial obligations with the college, and acknowledge
their understanding of the college’s policies and procedures
provided in the student handbook, prior to starting classes.
Academic requirements for admission:
 High school graduation or equivalent
OR
Mature student status *
* (19 years of age upon starting classes)
AND
 Pass College’s English Admissions Test
Administrative requirements for admission
• Successful interview with Program Coordinator *
* Demonstrate appropriate level of English language
proficiency
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Clinic requirements:
 Criminal record check (in accordance with the Criminal Records
Review Act)
 Proof of Negative TB test. (In case of positive TB skin test, a
negative chest x-ray report is required).
WORK EXPERIENCE PLACEMENT
REQUIREMENTS
(Practicum, Clinical Placement or Preceptorship)
 Up-to-date immunization report (form provided by college)
Note: Please refer to Student Handbook for more information.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
A student must obtain an overall average of at least 75% in
order to graduate and receive a diploma. Students must
achieve a minimum grade of 75% on all courses unless
otherwise specified. This includes the practical
clinical/laboratory exam and the comprehensive theoretical
exam. Also, a total of 175 hours of outside practical work must
be completed (75 hours during the Phase I component of the
program and 100 hours during the Phase II component). Once
the practical work hours have been completed, an Evaluation
Form (completed by the dentist with whom the work hours
were done) must be received by the school. Students are
required to demonstrate their regulated clinical skills on
patients.
PROGRAM DURATION
Total program hours 1375 hours
Total program length: full-time 55 weeks
SCHEDULE
The campus determines the start date for this program and
how frequently the program is delivered will depend on
enrolments. Students may only enter the program at the
beginning, as the program is cohort-based.
On campus courses are scheduled Monday to Friday, with
students expected to attend all sessions, which are typically
five hours in length. Specific class hours and schedule will be
provided by the campus at the time of enrolment.
Work experience components may be full-time hours; however,
these schedules may vary depending upon the needs and
requirements of the host placement sites. Any hours missed
during the work experience components must be ‘made up’ in
order to meet the attendance requirements for each practice
education component.
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 DENTAL ASSISTING
PROGRAM OUTLINE

PROGRAM FACTS BC-CDCA Communication, Diversity and 25

Cultural Awareness
The on-campus courses are instructor-led five hours per day, TERM 3
typically Monday to Friday.
BC-IODPT Intra-Oral Dental Assisting 75
Principles and Theory
Students should be flexible to be available for guest speakers
BC-IODAP Intra-Oral Dental Assisting Practice 260
and field trips which may vary from the normal day-to-day class
schedules; students will be provided adequate notice of these BC-IODAPR Mandatory Outside Practical (II) 100
events. Industry certification courses (e.g. first aid) are BC-COMPX Program Comprehensive Exam 5
frequently delivered by external trainers where the hours and PROGRAM TOTAL 55 weeks 1375
location may vary for those sessions.
Detailed course descriptions follow. Please note that
The practice education components are generally ‘full time’ course content may be changed or upgraded to meet the
hours, depending on type of practice and host availability, so demands of industry; and the courses may not be listed in
students need to be flexible in their schedule and have the order taught.
transportation to and from the work experience locations.

Term 1
CERTIFICATIONS RECEIVED Core Dental Studies Course Descriptions
 Dental Assisting diploma
 Emergency First Aid / CPR-C BC-DAPEJ: Dental Assisting Practice, Ethics and
Jurisprudence (25 hours)
 Psychological First Aid
 WHMIS/GHS Education for Employees This course provides an overview and realistic introduction to
the Dental Assisting profession and program specific
COURSE BREAKDOWN expectations and requirements will be provided.
Ethical and legal issues related to the practice of dentistry and
Course # Course Name Hours dental assisting are discussed. Case situations are evaluated to
TERM 1 determine appropriate management in accordance with the
BC-DAPEJ Dental Assisting Practice, Ethics 25 principles of dental ethics and jurisprudence.
and Jurisprudence The professionalism and legalities of all members of the dental
BC-DASFT Dental Assisting Science 60 team will be discussed in detail, it will enable the student to
Foundation understand the expectations of the profession and the
BC-DEMGP Dental Emergency Procedures 30 workplace. Students will consider their role in the dental team,
DOA130 Charting and Records 40 identify other members of the team, develop an appreciation for
Management being affiliated with a profession and learn how to use a
BC-OMICS Oral Microbiology, Infection Control 25 problem-solving approach to deal with conflicts that may arise
and Safety within the dental team. An overview of the history of dentistry
BC-DMLPT Dental Materials and Laboratory 25 will be provided at this time.
Procedures The course introduces the students to the learning
BC-RD1E Dental Radiography Theory 35 environment of the CDI campus and is intended to provide all
BC-DACP1 Dental Assisting Clinical Practice 1 70 students with a common place to begin the dental assisting
BC-MDTE Mid-Term Exam 5 program. Defined and published policies and procedures
TERM 2 unique to the CDI Dental Assisting Program will be discussed.
BC-DPHPC Dental Pharmacology and Pain 15  Overview of the Dental Assisting Program
Management  History of Dentistry
BC-RD2E Dental Radiography Practical 55  Members of the Dental Team
BC-ODENT Operative Dentistry 30  Responsibilities of the Dental Team Members
BC-PDNE Preventive Dentistry and Nutrition 15  Professional Organization
BC-PMGNT Practice Management 75  Dental Ethics
BC-DSPLS Dental Specialties 70  Dentistry and the Law
BC-DACP2 Dental Assisting Clinical Practice 2 110  Dental Terminology
BC-FTEE Final Theory Examination 5
BC-FTPE Final Clinical Practical / Laboratory 5 BC-DAFST: Dental Assisting Foundation Science (60
Exam hours)
BC-DAPRC1 Mandatory Outside Practical (I) 75
Students are provided with an understanding of normal anatomy
BC-OCWSP Open Clinic and Workshop 80
and physiology beginning with an introduction to the human
Workplace Skills body and its functions. Students will learn detailed anatomy of
CA-ITC4 Introduction to Computers 25 the head, neck, and will examine the normal development of the
BC-SSSD Student Success Strategies 15 oral cavity and facial complex, teeth, and the attachment unit.
CES4 Career and Employment Strategies 20 This segment focuses on the developmental
© 2021 2 BC-CDI-IODA-0521

disturbances, their clinical manifestations associated with
the development of the oral cavity and the pathology that
can affect these structures throughout the life cycle.
Students will acquire the knowledge to recognize normal
and abnormal tissue anatomy as it relates to the role of
the dental assistant. Lectures, reading assignments will
provide a basic understanding of oral disease seen in the
office. This information permits the student to understand
the importance of identifying normal and abnormal oral
developments
 Body Direction and Planes
 Structural Units
 Body Regions
 Body Systems
 Oral Embryology and Histology
 Developmental Disturbances
 Oral Pathology
 Tooth Morphology, Nomenclature and Identification
 Facial and Intra-Oral Landmarks
 General Anatomy of the Tooth and Periodontium
 Anatomy of Head and Neck
 Numbering Systems
 Blacks Cavity Identification
BC-OMICS: Oral Microbiology, Infection Control and
Safety (25 hours)
This course also introduces students to the proper handling of
hazardous chemicals, employee safety, and waste management.
In addition, students will learn how to avoid musculoskeletal
disorders commonly associated with dental assisting.
Students will study the common microorganisms and pathogens
with emphasis placed on those found in the oral cavity. Students
will acquire the knowledge to recognize normal and abnormal
tissue anatomy as it relates to the role of the dental assistant.
Students will learn about the pathology that can affect the
structures of the oral cavity throughout the life cycle This course
will provide students with the prerequisite knowledge required to
practice effective infection control procedures in the dental
environment and to prevent cross-contamination in accordance
to published regulatory agency guidelines.
 Microbiology
 Immunology
 Diseases of the Oral Tissue
 Dental Caries, Periodontal Disease
 Methods of Disease Transmission
 Blood-Borne Pathogens
 Ergonomics
 WHMIS/GHS
 Associations and Organizations
 Infection Control Guidelines
 Dental Office Waste Management
 Asepsis Sterilization; Disinfection
DOA130: Charting and Records Management (40 hours)
This section will provide students with a level of knowledge and
skill to acquire patient information, obtain vital signs, and assist
the dentist in the diagnostic stages of the dental care provided.
Treatment planning vital to the dental assisting practice will be
covered in this course. Students will acquire knowledge in
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DENTAL ASSISTING
PROGRAM OUTLINE
dental record management in accordance to the provincial
dental regulatory guidelines. Electronic and paper-based dental
charting will be introduced and will be practice throughout the
duration of the program.
 Maintenance of Clinical Records
 Treatment Planning, Vital Signs
 Medical Dental Histories
 Dental Charting
 Patient Records
 Standard Criteria for Record Keeping
 Recording the Dental Exam
BC-DMLPT: Dental Materials and Laboratory Procedures
(25 hours)
Dental clinical and laboratory procedures require the use of
dental materials which possess different properties and
characteristics. This course will provide the student with the
fundamental knowledge on the properties and characteristics of
bio-materials commonly used in the dental office environment,
as well as selected materials used in the dental laboratory. This
knowledge will assist the student in understanding the rationale
behind the use of particular materials in various clinical
situations. This area of study provides students with the
fundamental knowledge of the bio-materials commonly used in
the dental environment. Lectures will cover the physical and
manipulative characteristics of the various dental products. The
laboratory segment prepares students to correctly manipulate
these diverse materials.
 Structure and Properties of Dental Materials
 Dental materials and the Oral Environment
 Restorative and Aesthetic Dental Materials
 Dental Cements, Liners, Bases and Bonding Systems
 Impression Materials
 Gypsum Products Pouring and Trimming of Models
 Fabrication of Custom Trays
 Waxes Acrylic Material, Precious Metals
 CAD / CAM procedures
BC-DEMGP: Dental Emergency Procedures (30 hours)
This component provides students with the knowledge and
skills that are required to recognize and prevent medical and
dental emergencies within the dental office. It will prepare
students to assist the dentist in administering immediate care for
the client in the dental office environment. Students also
participate in CPR/First Aid training and psychological first aid.
 Recognition of Medical Emergencies
 Preventing Medical Emergencies
 Emergency Equipment
 Emergency Responses
 Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation – CPR Level C
 First Aid
 Psychological First Aid
BC-RD1E: Dental Radiography Theory (35 hours)
This course is first of the two-part course of the Dental
Radiography Module. The students are introduced to basic
physics and principles of radiography, safety precautions and
the operation of the dental x-ray unit. Instructions will be
provided on recognizing dental radiographic errors and solving

problems, patient education and management. The purpose of
this course is to help the student develop an understanding of
the basic principles of clinical dental radiography. Current
radiographic techniques will be covered with the emphasis being
on safe and effective use of x-rays in the dental practice.
Throughout the course and program, learning activities are
provided to integrate theoretical information and clinical
practice. Upon completion, the student will gain the knowledge
required for them to apply them in dental clinical practice.
 Basic Principles of Radiation
 Dental X-Ray Machine
 ALARA concept
 Generation of an X-Ray
 Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation
 Radiographic Techniques
 Radiographic Images
 Digital Radiography
 Image Production Techniques
 Anatomical Landmarks and Mounting of X-Rays
 Radiographic Faults and Artifacts
 Aseptic Techniques
 Provincial/Federal Guidelines
 Quality Assurance
BC-DACP1: Dental Assisting Clinical Practice 1 (70 hours)
This course provides the clinical and practical applications to
the chairside dental assisting practice. Students practice and
apply the skills acquired from the theoretical component
courses. Students are expected to demonstrate mastery of the
core competencies associated with the didactic courses.
Students are assessed on their practical clinical and laboratory
skills.
 Infection Control and Safety practices
 Safe handling of dental materials and equipment
 Dental Laboratory Practices
BC-MDTE: MidTerm Exam (5 hours)
Students are assessed on the theoretical knowledge
covered up to the mid-point of the Phase 1 of the program.
Term 2
Core Dental Studies Course Descriptions
BC-DPHPC: Pharmacology and Pain Management (15
hours)
This course introduces students to the basic principles of
pharmacology. Students are provided with the terminology,
medicinal use, physiological actions, adverse responses and
classifications of drugs encountered in the dental office or
commonly prescribed to patients. Students learn basic
terminology, medicinal use, physiological actions, adverse
responses, and classifications of drugs encountered in the dental
office or commonly prescribed for patients Lectures, reading
assignments and laboratory projects will provide a basic
understanding of Pharmacology used in the dental office and
an overview of drugs used in the dental office.
 Administration of Medication
 Schedule of Drugs, Prescription Writing
 Classification of Drugs
 Drug Reference Material
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DENTAL ASSISTING
PROGRAM OUTLINE
 Anesthesia and Pain Control
 Sedation
BC-ODENT: Operative Dentistry (30 hours)
Students will be introduced to a wide variety of instruments and
procedures used in dentistry. This component will assist
students in developing the knowledge and recognizing the
importance of smooth interaction with the dentist providing
quality care while working chairside for various procedures.
Students will learn the theory elements of restorative dentistry.
Emphasis is placed on the dental assistant’s role in operative
procedures. It includes chairside assisting, as well as the
implementation of the dental materials used in dentistry. The
course will also cover identifying challenges, assessing needs
and modifying treatment to accommodate medically and
physically compromised patients.
 Principles of Cavity Preparation
 Moisture Control
 Instrument Identification
 Instrumentation; Care of Instruments; Sterilization
 Clinical Equipment
 Team Dentistry; Operating Zones; Team Positioning
 Identifying Name and Function of Dental Instruments
 Assisting in all aspects of four-handed and six-handed
dentistry
 Assisting with medically and physically compromised patient
BC-PDNE: Preventive Dentistry and Nutrition (15 hours)
This section will also provide fundamental theories of learning
and teaching and will give the student the opportunity to apply
this knowledge in the dental clinic setting. Importance is placed
on communication skills and methods of assessing, implementing,
and evaluating individualized hygiene.
 Patient Education
 Sealants, Fluoride
 Oral Hygiene Methods
 Dental Health Education
 Nutrition
BC-RD2E: Dental Radiography Practical (55 hours)
This course prepares the students to take and process intra-
oral and extra-oral dental radiographs according to Safety
Code 30 standards. The students are introduced to basic
physics and principles of radiography, safety precautions and
the operation of the dental x-ray unit. Students will expose
dental radiographs using bisecting angle and paralleling
techniques. Instruction will be provided on recognizing dental
radiographic errors and solving problems, patient education
and management. Current radiographic techniques will be
covered with the emphasis being on safe and effective use of
x-rays in the dental practice.
 Paralleling Technique
 Bisecting Technique
 Digital Radiography
 Aseptic Technique
BC-PMGNT: Practice Management (75 hours)
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This segment will cover the key competencies related to office
practices and administrative responsibilities of the dental
assistant. This course will provide students with the knowledge and
skills related to basic dental reception procedures. Topics will
include the organization and management of patient records,
appointment control, dental claims, financial procedures, and the
utilization of dental management computer software.
 Reception Procedures
 Dental Insurance Forms
 Appointment Control
 Basic Bookkeeping – General, Accounts Receivable,
Accounts Payable, Petty Cash, Payroll, and Documentation
 Fee Management
 Computerized Appointment Scheduling, Insurance Forms,
and Accounts Receivable
BC-DSPLS: Dental Specialties (70 hours)
This segment is designed to give students an overview of the
various dental specialties. Students will learn the theory and
practical skills relating to the various disciplines. The roles of
the dental assistant will be examined in relation to these specialties.
 Endodontics
 Periodontics
 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
 Pediatric Dentistry
 Orthodontics,
 Fixed Prosthodontics and Removable Prosthesis
BC-DACP2: Dental Assisting Clinical Practice 2 (110 hours)
This course provides the clinical and practical applications to
the chairside dental assisting practice. Students practice and
apply the skills acquired from the theoretical component
courses. Students are expected to demonstrate mastery of the
core competencies associated with the didactic courses.
Students are assessed on their practical clinical and laboratory
skills.
 Infection Control and Safety practices
 Safe handling of dental materials and equipment
 Dental Laboratory Practices
 Isolation Techniques
 Moisture Control
 Four-handed dentistry
 Dental Restorative Procedure Set Up
BC-FTEE: Final Theory Exam (5 hours)
Students are assessed on the theoretical knowledge from
Term 1 and Term 2 of the program
BC-DAPRC1: Mandatory Outside Practical – 1 (75 hours)
This program includes a practicum component consisting of 75
hours working in private practice with a dentist during Phase I of
the program. This practicum work experience is a mandatory
diploma requirement and the dentist does not pay for the
services of the student during the practicum.
BC-OCWSP: Open Clinic and Workshop (80 hours)
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DENTAL ASSISTING
PROGRAM OUTLINE
The time allocated for this course will be utilized for open
clinics, remediation sessions, workshops, presentations and
conferences and field trips. Open clinics will provide
additional time for students to practice clinical and
laboratory skills of their choice and to have any remediation
as deemed necessary. Peer feedback is recommended
during open clinics to encourage collaboration amongst the
students. Attendance to workshops, presentations and
conferences and field trips will provide the students with
added learning opportunities other than those offered within
the school environment
Dental Assisting
Term 3– Core Dental Studies Course Descriptions
BC-IODPT: Intra-Oral Dental Assisting Principles and
Theory (75 hours)
This course will provide students with the theory required by a
Certified Dental Assistant to perform direct patient care. An
ethical decision-making framework will enable students to utilize
problem-solving skills to plan for and manage direct patient care
and to respond to patient-specific needs as they relate to the
clinical practice of a Certified Dental Assistant.
 Polishing Clinical Crowns of Teeth with Rubber Cup or
Brush and Polishing Pastes
 Applying Topical Anticariogenic Agents
 Taking Study Model Impressions
 Application and Removal of Dental Dam
 Applying Fissure Sealants
 Applying Topical Anaesthetics
 Placing and Removing Matrices and Wedges
 Applying Treatment Liners in Teeth without Pulpal
Involvement
 Evaluating Dietary Habits and Providing Nutritional
Counselling as it Pertains to Dentistry
 Coronal Whitening Application
 Removing Sutures
 Apply Acid Etch and Cavity Bonding
 Applying Desensitizing Agents
 Removing Periodontal Dressings
 Performing Pulp Vitality Tests using Electric Pulp Tester and
Thermal Pulp Tester
 Removing Retraction Cord
BC-IODAP: Intra-Oral Dental Assisting Practice (260 hours)
This course provides the clinical and practical applications of the
duties required by a Certified Dental Assisting to perform. to the
chairside dental assisting practice. Students are expected to
demonstrate mastery of the regulated skills on manikin, peer
and direct patient care. Students are required to work on
patients for evaluation under the supervision of dental
professional in CDI dental facilities.
BC-COMPX: Program Comprehensive Exam (5 hours)
The Program Comprehensive Exam is used to assess the
students on the theoretical components covered in the Phase
1 and Phase 2 of the Dental Assisting program.
BC-IODAPR: Mandatory Outside Practical – 2 (100 hours)
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This program includes a practicum component consisting of 100
hours working in private practice with a dentist during Phase 2
of the program. This practicum work experience is a mandatory
diploma requirement and the dentist does not pay for the
services of the student during the practicum.
WORKPLACE SKILLS
BC-SSSD: Student Success Strategies (15 hours)
Students will gain a better understanding of themselves
through an exploration of their personal attributes, transferable
skills and learning styles. This course will introduce techniques
for time, conflict, and stress management and develop
interpersonal communication skills. Fundamental study and
motivation skills will be covered, preparing students to excel in
their program of choice. Students will also prepare a
professional resume and learn how to write effective cover
letters.
CES4: Career and Employment Strategies (20 hours)
This course looks at the planning, preparation, execution, and
follow-up stages of an interview.
 How People Find Jobs
 Employer Expectations
 Presenting an Enthusiastic Attitude
 Focusing on the Right Job
 Transferable Skills
 The Job Interview
 Effective Resume Preparation
 Cover and Thank You Letters
 Effective Telemarketing
 Tapping the Hidden Job Market
 Handling Objections
 Job Search Management
 Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem Building
 Mock Interviews (Video-taped)
 Individual Counselling and Coaching
CA-ITC4 - Introduction to Computers (25 Hours)
This course is a broad-based introduction to using a personal
computer. It teaches the fundamentals of an operating system
and the most popular application software including word
processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. You will also
learn about the Internet, Web browsers, electronic mail and
antivirus software. The course is based on the Windows 10
operating system, Microsoft Office 2016 and a variety of popular
software programs for the Internet-related and security-related
applications.
BC-CDCA: Communication, Diversity and Cultural
Awareness (25 hours)
A specially designed course that places emphasis on
communication and interpersonal skills to promote diversity and
cultural awareness.
The importance of the communication and human relations is
explored through case studies and role playing. Students learn
relevant techniques of human behaviour and how they may be
applied to communication and interpersonal skills.
Learning basic communication skills especially relating to the
healthcare field will assist the student in dealing with the
workplace environments and patients. Understanding cultural
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DENTAL ASSISTING
PROGRAM OUTLINE
differences and encouraging diversity can add a new
dimension and safer patient healthcare delivery to the
healthcare settings. Emphasis on language rights, to preserve
and honour diverse cultural heritages, promote social equality
and justice through recognition of individual differences is also
discussed. The aim of the course is to raise awareness of
culture and diversity, and provide culture general frameworks
and tools on approaches to, tactics in and etiquette
surrounding working and communicating across cultures.
Students also participate in Psychological First Aid training.
 Communication Styles
 Barriers to Communication
 Cultural Awareness
 Diversity
 Intercultural Communication
 Legislative Framework
 Human Rights Act
Dental Assisting
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of the Dental Assisting program,
graduates will be able to:
Upon successful completion of the Dental Assisting program,
graduates will be able to:
1. Perform duties within existing legal and ethical parameters
of a Certified Dental Assistant according to the Bylaws of
the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia.
 Prepare patients for dental examination and assist
the dentist during examinations and dental
treatments
 Sterilize and maintain instruments and equipment
 Prepare dental instruments and filling materials
 Take and develop X-rays
 Polish teeth and clinical crowns and apply fluoride
and sealant
 Take preliminary impressions for diagnostic casts
 Fabricate and place temporary crowns and
restorations
 Educate patients concerning oral hygiene
 Invoice patients for dental services
 Schedule patient appointments and record dental
procedures performed
 Order dental and office supplies
 May perform intra-oral duties such as remove
sutures, take and record vital signs, apply
desensitizing agents, topical anaesthetic,
anticariogenic agents, coronal whitening and apply
and remove rubber dams.
2. Apply infection and hazard control protocols consistent with
published professional guidelines
3. Maintain high level of professional behaviour, personal
integrity and ethics in the practice of dentistry and the
patients under their care
4. Maintain client and personal safety in the practice
environment
5. Incorporate problem-solving skills in critical thinking,
interpretation, reasoning, questioning, and decision-
making.

6. Maintain client records and manage office procedures in
compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.
7. Demonstrate and apply the skills for life-long learning and
professional development
OCCUPATIONAL PROFILE
Dental assistants assist dentists, dental hygienists and dental
therapists during the examination and treatment of patients
and perform clerical functions. Dental assistants work in
dentists' offices, community health centres, clinics and in
educational institutions.
National Occupational Classification
The 2016 National Occupational Classification code for this
occupation is most closely described under 3411 – Dental
Assistants.
Example titles under these classifications include:
 certified dental assistant
 certified intra-oral dental assistant
 dental assistant
 registered dental assistant
© 2021
DENTAL ASSISTING
PROGRAM OUTLINE
Please Note:
a) The modules listed above may not be presented in the order that they appear on
this outline.
b) Required textbooks and supplies may be purchased outside of the College,
provided those purchases are preapproved to ensure they are the correct
textbooks and supplies and are available for the required portions of the program.
c) Except for VCAD and Practical Nursing programs, or unless otherwise indicated
by the College in the program outline, the non-practicum course delivery portion
of the program is based on a (5) five-hour student day. The 5-hour day is made
up of a combination of instructor led or instructor managed classes and/or open
lab. Open lab time is not supervised by your instructor, however, during this
time student are expected to undertake course related self-directed study and
project work.
d) In order to facilitate the ongoing development and updating of programs, the
College may implement amendments or modifications to programs in order to
accommodate these revisions at anytime. Examples of possible amendments
include modification of content, curricular updates, changes in course titles,
changes in course materials, textbooks, class schedules, distribution of course
time or content across the program, sequencing of course delivery, instructor or
course substitution, changes in the technology, software or equipment used.
Changes are effective when made.
e) The practicum is mandatory. Students will be evaluated on practicum
performance and are required to receive a passing grade to successfully complete
the program. Additional conditions may apply to some practicum placements e.g.
obtaining a required grade point average prior to practicum, immunizations, and
additional conditions may apply for international students including obtaining a
work permit (C-30).
f) As practicum placement generally takes place towards the end of a student's
program, students are advised that the location of a practicum may vary
depending on the circumstances at the time the student is to go into his/her
practicum. Students are also advised that to facilitate practicum placement,
practicums and clinical experiences may take place outside the area in which
the College is located, outside of local municipalities, and/or in other health
regions. In unusual circumstances, a practicum may be delayed due to
unforeseen circumstances e.g. hospital based practicum delayed due to flu
outbreak, etc. Students are required to demonstrate a high level of professional
responsibility and initiative in the facilitation of finding and maintaining
successful practicums. Please note that the preceptorship may be replaced with
an instructor-led practicum.
Student Name
Student Signature
Date
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