Dental Assisting - Levels I and II

Start Dates & Ontario Colleges Program Codes: 

• Fall Start (September): 0341

*Total Estimated Academic & Program Fees for Domestic Students: $8500
*Please note that fees are estimated and are subject to change. Fees estimate shown is for a full-time student attending the main Thunder Bay campus for Fall 2024.

Making a Healthier Smile Accessible to All

Are you drawn to a career that combines cosmetic artistry with health advocacy? Confederation College’s Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) certificate program is meticulously designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the dental industry. 

As a dental assistant, you are not just another member of the oral health team; you are integral to both the aesthetics and well-being of your patients. This one-year certificate program offers an immersive experience that will prepare you to undertake roles in chair-side assisting, laboratory and radiography functions, administrative duties, and oral health education.

Program Highlights:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Learn every facet of dental assisting with a curriculum that ensures you're ready to join the dental care team upon graduation.
• Hands-On Experience: Benefit from placements  that provide real-world dental office scenarios to practice and perfect your skills. Level II clinical experience in our on-campus dental clinic.
• National Recognition: Qualify to write the National Dental Assistants Board Exam (NDAEB), opening doors to practice throughout Canada.
• Accredited Excellence: Take pride in completing a program that's accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC).

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. maintain client and personal safety in the practice environment.
2. contribute to the development of a comprehensive client profile by using a variety of data collection methods in collaboration with the client and other health professionals and in compliance with privacy legislation.
3. contribute to the development of a comprehensive plan for oral health services and programs in collaboration with the client and other health professionals.
4. provide oral health services and programs, as identified in the comprehensive plan and as permitted within the scope of practice.
5. contribute to the evaluation and reporting of appropriate aspects of the oral health services and programs by using a variety of sources including the client profile.
6. act in a professional and competent manner.
7. maintain client records and manage office procedures in compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.

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Ideal Candidate Profile

Dental assisting is not just about having a steady hand and an eye for detail—it's about being personable, adaptive, and ethically driven. An ideal candidate for the Dental Assisting program is someone who possesses:

• Empathy and excellent communication skills to provide patient-centered care.
• The ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• A strong foundation in science and an interest in learning about dental technologies.
• The discipline to adhere to strict sterilization and infection control protocols.
• A willingness to collaborate with a diverse healthcare team. 
• Detail Oriented

Experiential Learning Opportunities

The Dental Assisting program at Confederation College offers a comprehensive blend of practical learning experiences, designed to provide students with the hands-on skills and real-world knowledge essential for success in the dental field. Our program uniquely integrates three key experiential learning components: Labs, Placement, and Clinic.

• Labs: Our state-of-the-art laboratories simulate a realistic dental office environment, allowing students to practice dental procedures, use dental equipment, and become proficient in safety and infection control  protocols under the guidance of experienced instructors.
• Field Placement: Students have the opportunity to engage in field placements, offering on-the-job experience in a real-world setting. This component allows students to apply the theories and skills learned in the classroom to practical situations, enhancing their understanding and competence in dental assisting practices.
• Clinic: The program includes clinical experience where students work directly with patients under professional supervision. This exposure is crucial for developing interpersonal skills, understanding patient care procedures, and gaining confidence in performing a wide range of dental assisting tasks.

Through these experiential learning options, students who graduate from the Dental Assisting program are well-prepared to enter the workforce as skilled, knowledgeable, and confident dental assistants.

Upon graduation, you'll have the qualifications to consider a spectrum of vibrant career opportunities:

• Private Dental Practices: Engage in various roles from chair-side assistant, Level II skills, to office administration.
• Specialized Care Clinics: Contribute to specific fields such as orthodontics or paediatric dentistry.
• Public Health: Advocate for oral health within public health units.
• Educational Roles: Share your knowledge as an educator or trainer.
• Dental Sales: Combine your dental expertise with business acumen in sales roles specializing in dental products.

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