This ten-month full-time program at the College of the Rockies combines face-to-face and online learning practice and clinical based training to prepare you for a career as a Dental Assistant.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada, hence graduates are eligible for registration with the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia.

Students are required to write the National Dental Assisting Examining Board exam prior to registering with the College of Dental Surgeons of B.C.

Practicum Placement:

Students must be prepared to attend practica which may take place in communities other than Cranbrook. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation and for travel and living expenses.

Why Choose a Career as a Dental Assistant?

• The annual provincial median salary is over $50,000.00
• Regular schedule – most dental assistants work 40 hours/week in clean, well-lit dentists’ offices, hospitals, public health centres and educational institutions.
• According to Work BC, job opportunities for dental assistants should remain strong as the province’s growing population increases the demand for dental services.

• Academic/Official Transcripts
• Language Proficiency test scores
• Passport or Visa Documents
• Official translations of documents in a language other than English

Academic Requirements:

• Secondary school graduation or equivalent
• Minimum 65% in either English 12, English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent
• Minimum 65% in either BIOL 11, BIOL 080, BIOL 12, BIOL 090, Life Science 11, Anatomy and Physiology 12, CHEM 11, CHEM 080, CHEM 12, CHEM 090, or equivalent

Non-Academic Requirements:

The following must be completed prior to being admitted to the program:

• Certified Dental Assistant Program Requisite Skills and Abilities Declaration
• Complete a criminal record check through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Criminal Records Review Program
• FOIPP Voluntary Self-Disclosure

Program Requirements:

• Dental Screening form
• CPR Level C certification, current for the duration of the program. Acceptable CPR courses must include a face-to-face component and may be combined with a first aid course. You will receive information regarding CPR Level C requirements in the admissions package.
• BCCDC Immunizations for BC Health Care Workers
• Annual influenza immunization
• Negative TB testing results
• Computer literacy is recommended