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Diploma Program

Dental Assisting

Diploma

45 weeks

Qualified Instructors

This program can be offered at the campus(es) below. Please contact the campus of your choosing for program availability and delivery methods.

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In Person (On Campus)

Employment Rate

93%

*Jan-Dec 2023, CDI College AB;

Average Wage

$30 /hour

*alis.alberta.ca; 2024;

Excel in the Healthcare Field With the Dental Assisting Program

The Dental Assisting program at CDI College is one of the best dental assistant schools you can apply for because we prepare you to compete for skillful jobs in the dental industry with hands-on training.

 

In your dental assistant courses, you will 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. 

  • CLINICAL DENTISTRY
  • ORAL FACIAL SCIENCES
  • DENTAL MATERIALS
  • ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
  • PREVENTIVE NUTRITION
  • MEDICAL EMERGENCIES / FIRST AID
  • PHARMACOLOGY
  • DENTAL SPECIALTIES
  • DIAGNOSTIC RECORDS
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Licensed Program

CDI College Alberta programs are licensed under the Private Vocational Training Act in the province of Alberta.

Program Intro Background

Program Courses

Orientation to Dental Assisting Program

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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.

Orientation to Dentistry

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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. 

Oral Facial Sciences

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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. 

Dental Materials

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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.  

Environmental Health & Safety WHMIS

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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. 

Clinical Dentistry

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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. 

Preventive Dentistry and Nutrition

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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.  Emphasis is placed on communication skills and methods of assessing, implementing, and evaluating individualized hygiene. 

Prevention of Disease Transmission

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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 

Oral Pathology

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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.

Diagnostic Records

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This course 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. 

Pharmacology

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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. 

Medical Emergencies/CPR/First Aid

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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. 

Midterm Examination

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In the Phase I component of this program, there is a Midterm Exam. Students are assessed on the theoretical knowledge covered up to the midpoint of the Phase I of the program. 
A mark of 75% is required on all examinations in order to advance to Phase II studies. 

Dental Radiography

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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. 

Practice Management

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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. 

Dental Specialties

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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.

Final Theory Examination

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In the Phase I component of this program, there is a Final Theory Examination, as well as a Final Practical Clinical/Laboratory Examination.  A mark of 75% is required on all examinations in order to advance to Phase II studies. 

Final Practical Clinical/ Laboratory Examination

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In the Phase I component of this program, there is a Final Practical Clinical/Laboratory Examination.  A mark of 75% is required on all examinations in order to advance to Phase II studies. 

Student Success Strategies

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The purpose of this course is to provide students with the knowledge, skills and study techniques to help foster effective learning and a positive educational experience. This course explores two components of learning styles, Multiple Intelligence-based theory and Personality Spectrum – MBTI-based theory, and how learning styles and personality types affect learning. The course will cover the importance of values, their relationship to goals and goal setting. Strategies for setting personal goals, prioritizing tasks, managing time, and the stress that results from study or work situations will be explored and practiced through active participation in learner-centred activities. Effective study habits, techniques for preparing for tests and productive note taking strategies are key topics of this course that will provide the students with the necessary skills and attitudes to be successful in school. Having a sound understanding of financial, money, credit and debt matters and their implication on our lives is critical knowledge to have. Students taking this course will benefit from completing the Financial Management Workshops, which provides comprehensive coverage of financial and money management skills that will allow them to better save, budget, and manage their money and financial situations.

Career & Employment Strategies

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In addition to learning career-oriented skills, students learn how to get a job in their chosen profession. Our Employment Services department will assist the graduate in resume writing, as well as preparing for job interviews. Our staff is sensitive to current job market trends and the needs of employers in each local market.
Our graduates receive guidance and training to use career tools that help job seekers build a better resume and cover letter, manage an online portfolio, hone interviewing skills, and develop a personal brand online.
Students will have the use of a computer lab which has unlimited Internet access, as well as job search resources. Facilitators will also be made available to advise on job finding resources, interview skills and techniques and to carry out mock interviews.

This course also 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 and the hidden job market
  • Transferrable skills
  • Thank you letters
  • Effective telemarketing
  • Handling objections, self-confidence, and self-esteem
  • Individual counselling and coaching

Intra-Oral Dental Assisting

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This course will provide students with the theory required by an Intra-Oral 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 an Intra-Oral Dental Assistant.  In-house clinical and outside practicum experience will provide an environment for students to apply and adapt the knowledge and skills obtained. 

Mandatory Outside Practical

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This program includes a practicum component consisting of 140 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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Admission

Benefits of this program

Employment Opportunities

All applicants must meet ALL of the following criteria:

  • Successfully pass the College Admissions Test and meet with an Admissions Representative
  • Provide a negative criminal record check with a vulnerable sector search
  • Provide a completed immunization report showing current immunization and free of communicable diseases, including a Negative TB skin test or chest x-ray.

 

Additionally, students must meet either standard or mature admission criteria:

  • Standard Admissions (Students must meet ALL of the following criteria):
    • Grade 12 diploma or equivalent (official transcript required)

 

  • Mature Admission (Students must meet ALL of the following criteria): 
    • Out of school for one year
    • Be at least 18 years of age prior to admission
    • Thirty-three credits towards an Alberta high school diploma, verified by an official transcript, with 50% or better in Grade 10 English and in Grade 10 Mathematics or non-Alberta equivalent

Note: Students are strongly recommended to get complete immunizations, including Hepatitis B. Students may also be required to be immunized against influenza virus, dependent on field placement requirements.

Students are required to complete a minimum 5-hour job shadow by the end of the first week of students (form provided by the College). It is strongly recommended, that students make all attempts to complete this prior to the start of classes.

 

 

  • Experience leading-edge lab environments
  • Enjoy personalized instruction
  • Graduate faster with an accelerated learning program
  • Learn preventive strategies for patient care
  • Study anatomy, physiology and pathology
  • Keep accurate patient records
  • Work through real life scenarios during a clinical placement
  • Get assistance finding jobs and creating resumes from our Career Services team
  • Dental Offices
  • Hospital Dental Departments
  • Dental Laboratories
  • Public Health Clinics

All applicants must meet ALL of the following criteria:

  • Successfully pass the College Admissions Test and meet with an Admissions Representative
  • Provide a negative criminal record check with a vulnerable sector search
  • Provide a completed immunization report showing current immunization and free of communicable diseases, including a Negative TB skin test or chest x-ray.

 

Additionally, students must meet either standard or mature admission criteria:

  • Standard Admissions (Students must meet ALL of the following criteria):
    • Grade 12 diploma or equivalent (official transcript required)

 

  • Mature Admission (Students must meet ALL of the following criteria): 
    • Out of school for one year
    • Be at least 18 years of age prior to admission
    • Thirty-three credits towards an Alberta high school diploma, verified by an official transcript, with 50% or better in Grade 10 English and in Grade 10 Mathematics or non-Alberta equivalent

Note: Students are strongly recommended to get complete immunizations, including Hepatitis B. Students may also be required to be immunized against influenza virus, dependent on field placement requirements.

Students are required to complete a minimum 5-hour job shadow by the end of the first week of students (form provided by the College). It is strongly recommended, that students make all attempts to complete this prior to the start of classes.

 

 

  • Experience leading-edge lab environments
  • Enjoy personalized instruction
  • Graduate faster with an accelerated learning program
  • Learn preventive strategies for patient care
  • Study anatomy, physiology and pathology
  • Keep accurate patient records
  • Work through real life scenarios during a clinical placement
  • Get assistance finding jobs and creating resumes from our Career Services team
  • Dental Offices
  • Hospital Dental Departments
  • Dental Laboratories
  • Public Health Clinics
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Hear From Our Graduates

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I love the instructors. They're amazing at what they do and super supportive. I feel very confident walking into my new career with the knowledge they have given me! I would highly recommend this college to anyone interested in the dental assisting program, and I hope you love it as much as I do!

Courtney V.

Dental Assisting Graduate

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I just finished my Dental Assisting diploma here, and it was a great experience. The staff there are so supportive and make sure that everyone has what they need to succeed. I loved my class and felt like everyone really clicked, which made the course really enjoyable!

Katelyn G.

Dental Assisting Graduate

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