August 27, 2025 | British Columbia

For many residents of British Columbia considering a career in healthcare, dental assisting presents an attractive opportunity to enter a stable, rewarding profession without the need for a traditional four-year degree. The answer to whether you can become a dental assistant without a degree is yes—but with important distinctions between non-certified dental assistants and Certified Dental Assistants (CDAs) that significantly impact your responsibilities, earning potential, and career advancement opportunities. 
 

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the regulatory landscape, educational requirements, and certification process specifically for BC residents, helping you make an informed decision about your career path in dental assisting. 

Understanding the Two Tiers of Dental Assisting in BC 

In British Columbia, dental assisting operates on a two-tier system that determines what duties you're permitted to perform: 
 

1. Chairside Dental Assistant (Non-Certified) 

• No formal education required: Secondary diploma and training provided on-the-job by the dentist 
• Limited responsibilities: Primarily extra-oral duties (outside patients' mouths) 
• Typical tasks: Maintaining equipment, handing tools to dentists, administrative tasks, sterilization procedures 

2. Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) 

• Formal education required: Must complete an accredited dental assisting program 
• Broader responsibilities: Can perform intra-oral duties (inside patients' mouths) 
• Typical tasks: Taking dental X-rays, applying fluoride, polishing teeth, assisting with procedures, patient education. 
   

Table: Comparison of Dental Assistant Roles in British Columbia 
 

The Path to Becoming a Certified Dental Assistant in BC 

 
While you can start as a chairside assistant without formal education, becoming a Certified Dental Assistant significantly expands your career opportunities and earning potential. Here's the pathway to certification: 
 

Step 1: Complete an Accredited Dental Assisting Program 

 
To become a CDA, you must first complete an educational program from an institution accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC). In BC, CDI College offers a comprehensive Dental Assisting Diploma program that takes approximately 55 weeks to complete and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Includes:
 

• 615 hours of clinical practice (440 hours of on-site training and 175 hours of practical placements) 
• Courses in chairside assisting, radiology, infection control, dental materials management, and office management 
• Preparation for the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) exam 
• Multiple industry certifications: WHMIS, GHS, Psychological First Aid, Emergency First Aid and CPR-C 

 
For those without a high school diploma, CDI College accepts mature students (19+) who pass an entrance exam. 

Step 2: Pass the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Exam 

After completing an accredited program, graduates must pass the NDAEB written examination. This exam assesses competency in both theoretical knowledge and clinical proficiency in areas such as radiography, infection control, and clinical procedures. 
 

CDI College has an excellent track record in preparing students for this exam, with a 99.7% pass rate for their BC students since March 2022.* 

Step 3: Register with the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) 

After successfully passing the NDAEB exam, you must apply for certification with BCCOHP, the regulatory body for dental assistants in British Columbia. This process includes: 
 

• Submitting proof of education 
• Providing NDAEB exam results 
• Completing a criminal record check 
• Paying applicable fees 
   

Step 4: Maintain Your Certification 

Once certified, CDAs must maintain their credentials through several ongoing requirements: 
 

• CDAs must renew their certification annually with BCCOHP 
• Renewal can be completed online by logging into your BCCOHP account, completing the forms, and paying the annual fee.
   

Table: BCCOHP Certification Maintenance Requirements 
 

 
Bonus Read: How Can I Become a Dental Assistant? 

 
The Value of Certification: Why Go Beyond On-the-Job Training? 
 

While it's possible to start working as a chairside assistant with only on-the-job training, pursuing certification offers significant advantages: 
 

• Expanded Responsibilities: Certified Dental Assistants (CDAs) can perform a wider range of duties than chairside dental assistants, they have more job opportunities and higher salaries according to WorkBC. 
• Job Security: Demand for dental assistants is expected to remain strong as B.C.’s population grows, as people become more aware of good dental hygiene and as they keep their natural teeth longer. Demand for cosmetic dental work, such as laser whitening and caps, is also growing. 
• Career Mobility: Certification allows for easier movement between provinces under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA). 
• Professional Recognition: CDAs are recognized healthcare professionals with defined scopes of practice and professional standards. 

FAQs

 
1. Are Dental Assistants Licensed? 

Yes, to perform clinical duties inside a patient's mouth, dental assistants in BC must be licensed and certified. Only licensed CDAs can legally perform certain intra‑oral duties such as taking X‑rays, polishing teeth, or applying fluoride. 
 

2. Do Dental Assistants Need a Degree? 

No, you do not need a university degree to become a dental assistant.

To work as an uncertified dental assistant: You can often enter the role without post‑secondary education and learn on the job, although formal training is still an asset. 
 

To become a CDA: You’ll need to complete an accredited diploma program, pass the NDAEB exam, and register with the BCCOHP — but no university degree is required. 

Making Your Decision: Which Path Is Right for You? 

Consider starting as a Chairside Dental Assistant if: 

• You want to enter the workforce quickly without upfront education costs 
• You're unsure about committing to a healthcare career 
• You prefer learning through hands-on experience rather than classroom settings 
   

Pursue Certified Dental Assistant training if: 

• You want higher earning potential and more responsibilities 
• You value job security and career advancement opportunities 
• You're committed to the dental profession and willing to invest in your education 

Final Thoughts 

 
You can become a dental assistant in BC without a degree — and even without formal post-secondary training if you work as an uncertified assistant. However, certification opens the door to a wider scope of practice, higher earning potential, and stronger job security. 
 

If you’re ready to take the next step, explore accredited programs like the Dental Assisting Diploma at CDI College, prepare for the NDAEB exam, and register with the BCCOHP. With less than two years of training, you could be working in a respected healthcare role that combines technical skill, patient care, and career stability. 

*NDAEB Exam Reports, Dec. 2021- Jun. 2025