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

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

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

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

Students are assessed on the theoretical knowledge covered up to the mid point of the Phase 1 of the program

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
• Anesthesia and Pain Control
• Sedation

This course prepares the students to take and process intraoral 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

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

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.

• Client Education
• Sealants, Fluoride
• Oral Hygiene Methods
• Dental Health Education
• Nutrition

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
• Maintenance of Clinical Records
• 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

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

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

Students are assessed on the theoretical knowledge from Term 1 and Term 2 of the program.

Students are assessed on their practical clinical and laboratory skills.

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.

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.

This course builds on the skills learned in the Student Success Strategies course or its equivalent. It provides information on how to use communication skills to make 
successful presentations to prospective employers, uncover the hidden job market, and identify employment opportunities. Students engage in self-assessment to identify transferable skills and learn how to effectively communicate these to employers. The course also introduces the use of artificial intelligence (AI) as a career support tool. Students apply AI to assist with resume and cover letter development, job searching, and interview preparation, while maintaining their own authentic voice and critically evaluating AI-generated content. Students may be videotaped during a mock interview and will participate in the analysis of their performance in the interview.

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 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

This course will provide students with the theory required by a Licensed 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 Licensed 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

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.

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.

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.