June 8, 2026 | British Columbia

Dental assisting is one of the few healthcare careers in BC where you can be fully qualified and working under two years. Before you commit to a program, let's get to know what the paycheque actually looks like. 

This guide pulls current wage data by region, breaks down the hourly and annual picture, explains what effects a dental assistant earns more, and maps salary differences across BC’s major cities. 

What Does a Dental Assistant Earn in BC? 

According to Job Bank, dental assistants in BC typically earn between $24.00 and $36.00 per hour, with a provincial median wage of $31.00 per hour.  

At the median of $31.00/Hr, a full-time dental assistant working 37.5 hours per week earns roughly $60,450 per year before taxes. The national median sits at $27.00 per hour, with a low of $21.00 and a high of $35.00 per hour. BC sits noticeably above that national figure. 

Dental Assistant Hourly Wage in BC by Region 

Wages vary meaningfully across BC. Here is the latest Job Bank breakdown by economic region: 

The Thompson-Okanagan region, which includes Kelowna, posts the highest median in the province at $32.75/Hr. Vancouver Island shows a higher floor than Greater Vancouver, meaning entry-level positions there tend to start stronger.  

It is also worth noting that about 25% of dental assistants in BC work part-time, and 67% work only part of the year, averaging approximately 39 weeks annually, so actual annual earnings can vary from the estimates above. 

Dental Assistant Annual Salary in BC: Quick Reference 

Using a standard 37.5-hour work week, here is what those hourly figures translate to annually: 

What Drives Higher Salaries for Dental Assistants in BC? 

Several factors push wages above the median. 

Certification and regulatory status. In BC, dental assisting is regulated under the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP). Certified Dental Assistants (CDAs) registered with the BCCOHP who hold intra-oral authorization can perform a broader clinical scope, including taking dental impressions, applying topical anaesthetics, polishing crowns, placing and removing dental dams, applying fissure sealants, and taking radiographs. That expanded scope is directly reflected in higher wages, typically in the median to upper range of provincial data. 

Experience and specialty setting. Years of practice and working in specialist offices, including periodontists, oral surgeons, or orthodontic clinics, both contribute to higher pay compared to general dentistry. 

Location and clinic size. Busier urban clinics with high patient volumes tend to offer more competitive wages to attract skilled assistants. 

Benefits packages. In BC, 90.8% of dental assistants receive at least one type of non-wage benefit from their employer, compared to a national average of 72.3%. Dental, medical, and life insurance, paid leave, and employer pension contributions add real value beyond the base wage. 

Job Outlook for Dental Assistants in BC 

Job Bank rates employment prospects for dental assistants in BC as Moderate for the 2025-2027 period, with employment growth expected to create new positions. Implementation of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) will likely increase demand for this occupation. 

As of October 2025, approximately 2.8 million Canadians have received dental services through the CDCP, and in BC there are about 723,181 approved applicants for the 2025-2026 benefit year. That expanding patient base creates downstream demand for trained dental assistants province-wide. 

How CDI College’s Dental Assisting Program Prepares You 

CDI College’s Dental Assisting Program in BC is a 1,375-hour diploma accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) and structured to meet NDAEB examination eligibility and BCCOHP registration requirements. The curriculum covers the full scope of CDA practice: 

• Dental radiography theory and practical application 
• Chairside clinical practice across two terms 
• Intra-oral dental assisting principles and practice (335 combined hours) 
• Infection control and safety 
• Practice management and dental specialties 
• 175 hours of mandatory outside practical experience in real dental clinic environments 

The intra-oral training in Term 3 is particularly significant for salary outcomes. CDAs who qualify for the full scope of intra-oral practice are positioned at the upper end of the wage scale described above. 

 
 
Surrey and Burnaby campuses both achieved a 100% pass rate on the National Dental Assisting Board Examination (NDAEB) in June 2025. Surrey campus even repeated this feat in September 2025, marking four years and 16 exams with 100% pass rates, maintaining three percentage points above the national average. 

Curious about what the program covers in detail? Read What Courses Are Tough in the Dental Assistant Program? for a full breakdown. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How much does a dental assistant make per hour in Vancouver? 

In the Lower Mainland-Southwest region, dental assistants typically earn between $22.50 and $35.00 per hour, with a median of $31.00/Hr. 

What is the dental assistant salary in Victoria, BC? 

On Vancouver Island and the coast, wages range from $29.00 to $37.00 per hour, with a median of $31.00/Hr. 

What is the dental assistant salary in Kelowna? 

In the Thompson-Okanagan region, dental assistants earn between $29.00 and $37.00 per hour, with a median of $32.75/Hr, the highest regional median in the province. 

Do certified dental assistants earn more? 

Yes. CDAs registered with the BCCOHP who hold intra-oral authorization perform a broader clinical scope, and that is reflected in higher wages. For a detailed comparison, see Certified vs Chairside Dental Assistant in BC: What’s the Difference? 

Are dental assistants in demand in BC? 

Prospects are rated Moderate for 2025-2027, with the Canadian Dental Care Plan contributing to increased demand for dental services province-wide. See Are Dental Assistants in Demand in BC? for more. 

Final Thoughts: Ready to Start? 

BC dental assistants earn well above the national median, with particularly competitive wages in Kelowna, Victoria, and Vancouver. The clearest path to the higher end of that range is completing a full CDA training program, earning the NDAEB certification, and registering with the BCCOHP. 

If you are considering that path, explore the Dental Assisting Diploma at CDI College Burnaby and Surrey to learn about program details, entrance requirements, and how to get started.