"All of the courses were really helpful. I would recommend this program to other people looking to start a career in this field." - Holly D., Graduate
CDI College's Dental Assisting diploma program prepares students to compete for great jobs in the dental industry. The program covers all elements of dental care, pharmacology, oral pathology, and dental radiography. Students learn how to prepare patients for treatment, assist dentists during treatment, process radiographs, perform infection control procedures, maintain patient records, and other general administrative duties. Students study environmental health and safety and oral facial science, along with other core dentistry subjects.
The Dental Assisting program is the only private dental assisting program in BC that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC). The program provides both comprehensive and intensive education and training leading to a career as a Certified Dental Assistant. Students are exposed to activities that utilize the advances in the practice of dentistry. Graduates of this program are eligible to become a candidate for the National Dental Assisting Board Examination (NDAEB) which is a mandatory component for licensure and registration with the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia. Historically, graduates of the CDI Dental Assisting Program received between 97%-100% passing rate in the NDAEB since its implementation in 2007.
In order to be eligible for admission, candidates must have Grade 12 or GED, as well as Grade 11 Biology. They must also pass the College Admissions Test, undergo a criminal record check and submit a pre-entrance immunization report indicating up-to-date immunizations, including Hepatitis B. Influenza immunizations may also be required, depending on field placement.
The Dental Assisting program is the only private dental assisting program in BC that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC). The program provides both comprehensive and intensive education and training leading to a career as a Certified Dental Assistant. Students are exposed to activities that utilize the advances in the practice of dentistry. Graduates of this program are eligible to become a candidate for the National Dental Assisting Board Examination (NDAEB) which is a mandatory component for licensure and registration with the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia. Historically, graduates of the CDI Dental Assisting Program received between 97%-100% passing rate in the NDAEB since its implementation in 2007.
In order to be eligible for admission, candidates must have Grade 12 or GED, as well as Grade 11 Biology. They must also pass the College Admissions Test, undergo a criminal record check and submit a pre-entrance immunization report indicating up-to-date immunizations, including Hepatitis B. Influenza immunizations may also be required, depending on field placement.
This program is 45 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 Assisting
Also offered in Quebec as Dental Assistance - 5644 (English) At:
MontrealAlso offered in Manitoba as Intra Oral Dental Assistant At:
WinnipegProgram Courses
The program outline below is for British Columbia. Click here to see the outlines for Quebec and Manitoba.
| Code | Course Name | Hours |
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- This course looks at the planning, preparation, execution, and follow-up stages of an interview.
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- Students will be introduced to a wide variety of instruments and procedures used in dentistry. This component will assist students in developing the skills and recognizing the importance of smooth interaction with the dentist providing quality care while working chairside for various procedures. Students will learn the theory and practical 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.
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- 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.
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- This course prepares students to take and process intra-oral and extra-oral dental radiographs according to provincial/federal standards. Students are introduced to basic physics and principles of radiography, safety precautions, and the operation of the dental x-ray unit. They will expose dental radiographs using bisecting angle and paralleling techniques. Instruction will be provided on recognizing dental errors and solving problem situations, along with client education and management.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- This course will provide students with the theory required by a 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 dental assistant. In-house clinical and outside practicum experience will provide an environment for students to apply and adapt the knowledge and skills obtained.
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- This practicum component consists of 80 hours working in private practice with a dentist. This practicum work experience is a mandatory diploma requirement and the dentist does not pay for the services of the student during the practicum.
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- This practicum component consists of 60 hours working in private practice with a dentist. This practicum work experience is a mandatory diploma requirement and the dentist does not pay for the services of the student during the practicum.
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- 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.
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- Students are provided with an understanding of normal anatomy and physiology beginning with an introduction to the human body and its functions. Students will learn detailed anatomy of
the head, neck, and will examine the normal development of the oral cavity and facial complex, teeth, and the attachment unit.
- Students are provided with an understanding of normal anatomy and physiology beginning with an introduction to the human body and its functions. Students will learn detailed anatomy of
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- This segment focuses on the developmental 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.
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- This course provides an overview and introduction to the Dental Assisting Program. Emphasis will be placed on the required safety precautions required for the dental assistant. It also addresses the concept of standard precautions, dental health care worker safety, and relevant clinical procedures including barrier techniques, surface cleaners and disinfectants, and proper heat sterilization. Radiation hygiene and safety procedures will be emphasized.
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- This section will discuss the professionalism and legalities of all members of the dental team. It will enable students to understand the expectations of the profession and the workplace.
Students will consider their role on the dental team, identify other members of the team, develop an appreciation for being affiliated with a profession, and learn how to use a problem-solving approach to deal with conflicts that may arise within the dental team.
- This section will discuss the professionalism and legalities of all members of the dental team. It will enable students to understand the expectations of the profession and the workplace.
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- This course introduces students to the basic principles of oral medicine. Students are provided with the terminology, medicinal use, physiological actions, adverse responses, and classifications of drugs encountered in the dental office or commonly prescribed for clients.
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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.
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- Students will study the common microorganisms and pathogens with emphasis placed on those found in the oral cavity. 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.
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- This segment provides an opportunity for students to obtain the knowledge and acquire techniques and skills required to assist clients in the prevention and control of disease and injury to the oral tissues. Importance is placed on communication skills and methods of assessing, implementing, and evaluating individualized hygiene.
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- This course is designed to equip students with interpersonal skills identified by employers as essential for success in the professional world. Using a variety of instructional methods including case studies, group exercises, and discussion, students learn and practice key communication skills.
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- This course will introduce students to skills and concepts that will help them achieve personal, academic, and career success.