Dental Assistant

Help brighten people’s smiles every day with a career as a dental assistant. Vancouver Island University’s Dental Assistant Certificate program offers students hands-on training with knowledgeable instruction to prepare them for this fast-paced, growing industry.

After completion of the ten-month Dental Assistant program, students must write a national board exam to be eligible to become a Certified Dental Assistant.

The Dental Assistant Certificate Program

This program is a Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) accredited program. The program provides students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and values necessary to be a member of the dental team; providing care, support and services for individuals of all ages.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be granted a certificate. Students must then write a National Board exam which, upon successful completion and combined with the certificate, makes them eligible to apply for registration and licensure with the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (as per their criteria) or in the province of their choice as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA – Level II).

Admission Requirements

• General admission requirements apply.
• English 12 with minimum “C” grade, or equivalent.
• Biology 12 with minimum “C” grade, or equivalent.
• Good personal health; 20-20 vision with correction is required.

Recommendations For Admission

Chemistry 11 or 12.

• Basic computer skills.

Notes On Admission

• Indigenous students can apply for reserve seat by submitting the Access Initiative for Indigenous Students form.
• Note: The following documents are required for the first day of classes.
  • A completed Immunization Requirements Form. The health immunization form must be signed by the public health nurse.
  • Proof of WHMIS training.
  • Evidence of current CPR Level C or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
  • Criminal Record Check. Fieldwork and/or practicums will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. Criminal Record Checks are requested through VIU. The Registration Centre at VIU will contact prospective students by mail regarding the requirements for a Criminal Record Check. Criminal Record Checks are processed through the Ministry according to the Criminal Records Review Act. A check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act. A criminal conviction may interfere with eligibility for licensure.
• An interview may be required.
• Students with back problems or an inability to work freely in confined spaces may have difficulty meeting the physical demands of this profession.
• Skin allergies may be adversely affected by some dental materials.

Recommended Personal Characteristics

Before applying for the program, students should learn as much as possible about this career. We encourage students to spend at least one day in a dental office observing the CDA.

Students with the following characteristics can anticipate success in the program and in their future career as a Certified Dental Assistant:

• sensitivity to the needs of others
• good manual dexterity to enable safe, skillful use of instruments while working in the mouth
• a mature, positive self-image with high standards of personal and professional integrity
• ability to move freely in confined spaces
• ability to speak confidently with people of all ages
• ability to pay close attention to detail over considerable periods of time
• ability to work quickly with accuracy and neatness
• ability to manage time effectively and handle responsibility
• excellent oral and personal hygiene
• willingness to participate in a team environment
• being respectful of the ways in which others organize and execute their work

Career Opportunities

Graduates will work under the supervision of a dentist, and may find employment in various settings including general and specialty dental practices, hospital dental clinics, community health agencies, and educational institutions.

Most Certified Dental Assistants are employed in private general practice.