May 21, 2025 | Ontario

Choosing a career as a Dental Assistant in Ontario offers not only the opportunity to work alongside oral health professionals but also a clear pathway for skill development and career advancement. Within the dental assisting profession, two distinct levels exist—Level I (entry-level chairside assistants) and Level II (intra-oral assistants with expanded functions). Understanding the differences between these roles is essential for those considering which credential to pursue and how best to plan their professional trajectory in Ontario’s dynamic oral health care sector. Let’s break down these differences to help aspiring dental assistants to make informed decisions. 

What Is a Dental Assistant? 

Dental assistants play a critical role in ensuring patient comfort, maintaining infection control standards, and supporting dentists and hygienists during a wide range of procedures. They may prepare treatment rooms, transfer instruments, manage records, and provide chairside assistance. In Ontario, dental assistants are not regulated by provincial statute; however, voluntary certification through the Ontario Dental Assistants Association (ODAA) and successful completion of the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) examination are widely recognized benchmarks of competence and employability. 
 

Level 1 Dental Assistants: The Foundation 

Education and Certification
 

• ODAA Membership:Must be a member in good standing with the Ontario Dental Assistants Association (ODAA). 
   
• Program Completion:Successful completion of an Association-approved Level I dental assisting program registered under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005. E.g CDI College Dental Assisting Program, approved by the Ontario Dental Assistants' Association. 
   
• Radiography Training:Successful completion of a program or radiography course approved under the Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act, 1990 and its Regulations. E.g CDI College Dental Assisting Program (Level I & II) provides comprehensive training covered dental radiography. 
   
• Certification Exam:Achieve a minimum 65 % on the ODAA Level I Certification Examination to earn the designation Certified Dental Assistant Level I (CDA). 
   
• Annual Renewal:Every Certified Dental Assistant Level I must renew by December 31 each year, maintain ODAA membership, provide proof of 15 continuing-education credits, and be actively practicing dental assisting.
   

Responsibilities 

Under the supervision of a dentist or dental hygienist, Level I assistants perform foundational duties, including: 
 

• Preparing and sterilizing instruments and treatment rooms 
• Suctioning and retracting tissue during procedures 
• Passing instruments and materials chairside 
• Managing patient records and scheduling 
• Assisting with minor administrative tasks 

Career Outlook 

As an entry point into the dental field, Level I positions are plentiful in general dental practices, community clinics, and specialty offices. According to the Ontario Dental Assistants Association (2024), new-graduate Level I assistants earn an average starting wage of $25.10 per hour, with opportunities for incremental raises based on experience. Demand for chairside assistants remains strong due to ongoing growth in dental service utilization and an aging population requiring oral health care. 

Level 2 Dental Assistants: Advanced Skills and Certification 

Education and Certification 
 

• ODAA Membership & NDAEB:Must be a member in good standing with the ODAA and hold the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) certificate. 
   
• Advanced Training Options (any one of): 
  
  1. Completion of a Level II dental assisting program at a College of Applied Arts and Technology. 
  2. Completion of a Level II dental assisting program registered under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005. E.g CDI College Dental Assisting Program (Level I & II). 
  3. Current registration as a Level II assistant from another Canadian jurisdiction. 
  4. Completion of a Level II continuing-education program, or successful achievement of 65 % on a clinical practical exam. 
   
• Radiography Training:Successful completion of a program or radiography course approved under the Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act, 1990 and its Regulations. E.g CDI College Dental Assisting Program (Level I & II) provides comprehensive training covered dental radiography. 
   
• Designation:Upon meeting these requirements, the assistant is granted Certified Dental Assistant Level II (CDA II) status. 
   
• Annual Renewal: As with Level I, all CDA II holders must renew by December 31, submit 15 continuing-education credits, and remain actively practicing. 

Responsibilities 

Under the direction of a dentist, Level II dental assistants in Ontario may perform a wide range of intra-oral procedures, including:
 

       1.  Coronal (mechanical) polishing to remove plaque and stains 

       2.  Application and removal of rubber dams for isolation 

       3.  Taking alginate and digital/optical impressions for study or working models 

       4.  Oral hygiene instruction and application of topical agents (fluoride, sealants, desensitizers) 

       5.  Exposure of dental radiographs (intra- and extra-oral) following RARPA guidelines 

       6.  Taking intra- and extra-oral photographs for documentation 

Depending on the procedure, the dentist may need to be present in the operatory or simply on-site. With supplementary certification, Level II assistants can also perform non-alginate orthodontic or restorative impression techniques. 

Career Outlook
 

Thanks to their expanded skill set, Level II assistants command higher wages according to ODAA(2024)—new graduates average $27.83 per hour, rising to $29.51 with 5–10 years of experience. They are highly sought after in practices offering advanced restorative, orthodontic, or implant services. Furthermore, many Level II assistants take on mentoring roles, supervising front-office staff or Level I assistants, and may advance into administrative or practice-management positions. 

Key Differences at a Glance 

Bonus Read: Michaela’s Journey From a Passionate Instructor to The Dental Assistant of the Year 

Why Become a Level II CDA in Ontario? 
 

• Enhanced Clinical Scope: Perform preventive and diagnostic functions that improve patient outcomes and practice efficiency. 
• Higher Earning Potential: Benefit from a wage premium for advanced skills—an average increase of 10–15% over Level I rates. 
• Professional Recognition: CDA II certification is widely respected by dentists and specialty practices across Ontario. 
• Career Advancement: Leadership and supervisory opportunities, with pathways into office management or specialty assisting (e.g., orthodontics, implants). 
   

How to Advance from Level I to Level II ?
 

• Join the Ontario Dental Assistants Association(ODAA) as a member in good standing. 
• Complete a Level II upgrade program (e.g., CDI College Dental Assisting Program (Level I & II) ) that covers radiography and intra-oral expanded functions. 
• Pass the NDAEB exam (if not already done) or challenge it upon program completion. 
• Submit CDA II application to the ODAA, including proof of NDAEB certification, Level II education completion, and any required Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act coursework. 
• Engage in continuing education to maintain and expand skills, such as supplemental orthodontic or restorative courses (refresher required every three years for some functions). 
   

Bonus Read: How to Become a Certified Dental Assistant in Ontario: A Step-by-Step Guide 

Start Your Career at CDI College Ontario Campus! 

Whether you’re starting your journey as a chairside dental assistant or seeking to elevate your role with advanced intra-oral capabilities, Ontario’s two-tiered dental assisting framework offers clear milestones for growth. By advancing from Level I to Level II, you’ll unlock a broader clinical scope, higher compensation, and enhanced professional standing.  

Ready to take the next step? Consider enrolling in the Dental Assisting Program (Levels I & II) program  at CDI College’s Ontario campus—an NDAEB-approved curriculum designed to fast-track your career and position you for success in today’s competitive dental marketplace. Besides finishing both Level I & II training in one program is an efficient way for you to choose a future path!