“The CDI dental assisting students are in such high-demand in the dental profession that the students are getting hired before they graduate.” - Safe S., CDI College Instructor
Are you ready to focus your great people skills and attention to detail into a rewarding career in the dental industry? CDI's Dental Assistance program can help.
This program is taught in French. For more information on the equivalent English-language program go to Dental Assistance - 5644 or to read the French course description go to Assistance Dentaire - 5144.
To graduate, students must obtain the required pass mark in each course.
This program is taught in French. For more information on the equivalent English-language program go to Dental Assistance - 5644 or to read the French course description go to Assistance Dentaire - 5144.
Prerequisites
To be admitted to this curriculum, student must meet one of the following conditions:
- High school diploma or its recognized equivalent OR
- Be at least 16 years old on the 30 September of the school year and pass the third secondary units in first and second language, as well as in mathematics according to the programs established by the Minister OR
- Be at least 18 years old when entering the program and possess the prerequisites prescribed under Article 465 of the Act on Public Education OR
- Obtain third secondary units in first and second language, as well as in mathematics in programs establishedby the Minister and continue general education simultaneously in order to obtain fourth secondary units in first and second language, as well as in mathematics according to the curriculum established by the Minister.
- Pass the College admission test
To graduate, students must obtain the required pass mark in each course.
This program is 60 weeks in length.
Job Opportunities
- Dental Office
- Endodontist's Office
- Orthodontist's Office
- Pedodontist's office
- Oralmaillofacial Surgeon's Office
- Hospital Dental Department
- Dental Laboratories
- Public Health Clinics
Dental Assistance - 5144 (French)
For programs offered in Alberta:
Calgary City Centre Calgary North Calgary South Edmonton City Centre Edmonton North Edmonton South Edmonton WestProgram Courses
The program outline below is for Quebec .
Term 1
| Code | Course Name | Hours |
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- Nature of the occupation and its related training process.
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- In this course, students will examine the process of tooth decay. They will also learn to indentify principal lesions of dental pulp and the principal diseases of the oral mucosa and periodontium. Other oral diseases will also be covered.
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- Gain a better understanding of the connections between micro-organisms and the most common contagious diseases. Measures of personal and professional hygiene will be applied in a dentist’s office. Methods of controlling contamination to the maintenance of work areas, equipment and materials will also be covered. Learn about the application of procedures for cleaning, disinfecting and sterilization procedures using various types of equipment.
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- In this course, students will learn terminology and pharmaceutical abbreviations of oral treatments. Principal medications used in dental medicine and their effects will also be examined. Students will also learn about the methods of using local anesthetics.
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- Several different operative dentistry treatments will be covered in this course including, prosthodontic, endodontic and periodontic treatments.
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- A number of materials and products are used in the dental field. In this course, students will learn about the various types of dental products, as well as their properties and uses.
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- Students will examine the Act regarding occupational health and safety that applies to personnel working in a dentist’s office. They will also gain knowledge of safety procedures and preventive measures involved in the practice of dentistry.
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- This course will cover first aid administration in a dentist’s office. Anatomy of the cardiac and respiratory systems will also be taught.
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- The Communication and Teamwork course will cover basic principles of communication, of telephone communication in the workplace and of customer service. Students will be taught the basic principles of teamwork and will be evaluated on their ability to work in a team.
Term 2
| Code | Course Name | Hours |
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- In this course, students will be familiarized with the laws governing the practice of dental medicine. They will also learn about the professional behaviours required of a Dental Assistant.
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- The preparation of materials required to perform various treatments in operative dentistry and dental surgery will be covered in this course.
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- In this course, you will learn how to prepare a room in preparation for dental surgery. You will also cover the techniques of chairside assistance related to various restoration treatments. Maintenance of materials, equipment and the treatment room will also be covered.
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- Learn how to plan appointments using a dental office management system in this course. Students will also be taught how to keep patients’ records up-to-date, record fees and payments and manage stock inventory.
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- This course covers tasks related to dental X-Ray photography, polishing and application of fluoride and sealing of pits and dental fissures. Learn how to educate patients on dental care techniques and habits to help maintain good oral health, as well as maintaining fixed and movable dentures and orthodontic appliances.
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- Students will learn how to properly write a resume and a cover letter in this course. They will also be walked through the steps of a professional job interview.
Term 3
| Code | Course Name | Hours |
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- Work on models in a dentist’s office to practice making baseplates, wax rims, crowns and temporary bridges, mouth guards and night guards. Students will also practice cleaning and polishing dentures.
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- This course will cover many of the same tasks covered in the Chairside Assistance course, but will apply that knowledge to assistance procedures in specialized dentistry.
Term 4 - Internships
| Code | Course Name | Hours |
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- Students will learn about assistance techniques used during the course of operative, orthodontic and pedodontic dental treatments.
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- Students will learn about assistance techniques used during the course of dental surgery and prosthodontic treatments.
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- Students will learn about assistance techniques used during the course of endodontic and periodontic treatments. They will also learn about maintenance of materials, equipment and the treatment room.
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- This course will introduce students to the day-to-day tasks of a dental office. They will participate in the office in the capacity of a Dental Assistant and will be integrated into the full dental office team.