The College of the Rockies offers a dental assistant program in Cranbook that lasts 10 months. Students receive classroom training and clinical experience. Classes cover topics that include microbiology, infection control, dental office emergencies and patient assessment. Other courses include restorative assisting, laboratory procedures, dental specialties and dental radiography. Students also are required to complete practicums in dental offices. Before enrolling in the program, students who have finished secondary school must also complete a two-day job shadowing of a certified dental assistant. The program prepares students to be registered with the College of Dental Surgeons of B.C., which regulates certified dental assistants. The dental assistant program at the College of the Rockies is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.
College of the Rockies
2700 College Way
Box 8500
Cranbrook, BC V1C 5L7
Canada
877-489-2687, Extension 3243
cotr.bc.ca/DentalAssist
Douglas College offers a 10-month dental assisting program in New Westminster that includes a clinical practicum experience each semester. Students in the program learn basic dental assisting skills as well as applied anatomy, reception skills and dental health education. In addition, courses cover applied nutrition and pharmacology, along with ethical decision-making for direct patient care. Following the program, Douglas College students can apply for the certified dental assistant registration license with the College of Dental Surgeons of B.C. and complete the National Dental Assisting Examining Board test.
Douglas College
New Westminster Campus
700 Royal Ave.
New Westminster, BC V3M 5Z5
Canada
604-527-5092
douglas.bc.ca/programs/dental-assisting
Okanagan University College in Kelowna offers a certified dental assistant 10-month certificate program accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation of Canada. The program requires students to complete three levels of training that involve both theory and practical classes. Students learn how to clean and sterilize instruments as well as assist with fillings, crown-and-bridge procedures and extractions. They additionally learn to apply fluoride, polish and sealants. Students complete practicums at dental sites throughout the Okanagan Valley. The program prepares students for registration with the Dental Surgeons of B.C.
Okanagan University College
1000 KLO Road
Kelowna, BC V1Y 4X8
Canada
250-862-5459
okangan.bc.ca