Dental Assistant

Program Overview

The Dental Assistant program at College of the Rockies is a 10-month full-time program that prepares students for a career as a Dental Assistant. The program combines face-to-face and online learning, as well as practical and clinical-based training. Graduates are eligible to write the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) exam and obtain registration and licensure with the Dental Assisting Regulatory Authorities. The average annual salary for Dental Assistants in Canada is over $50,000.00.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Dental Assistant program at College of the Rockies is a 10-month full-time program that prepares students for a career as a Dental Assistant.
Graduates are eligible to write the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) exam and obtain registration and licensure with the Dental Assisting Regulatory Authorities.
• Objectives:
• Train students to perform essential dental assisting tasks, including assisting with dental procedures, taking radiographs, and providing patient care.
• Prepare students for the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) exam.
• Provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a Dental Assistant in a variety of settings, including dental offices, hospitals, and public health centers.
• Program Description: The program combines face-to-face and online learning, as well as practical and clinical-based training to prepare students for a career as a Dental Assistant.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.

Outline:

• Course Content: The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
• Dental anatomy and physiology
• Dental materials and equipment
• Dental assisting procedures
• Patient care
• Infection control
• Dental radiography
• Dental specialties
• Community dental health
• Course Schedule: The program is delivered over four semesters.
The first semester covers basic dental assisting procedures, patient care, and infection control. The second semester covers dental radiology, dental specialties, and community dental health. The third semester includes a practicum experience in a dental office. The fourth semester is devoted to advanced dental assisting procedures and patient care.
• Modules: The program is divided into the following modules:
• Module 1: Introduction to Dental Assisting
• Module 2: Microbiology and Infection Control
• Module 3: Basic Dental Assisting
• Module 4: Patient Assessment
• Module 5: Dental Office Emergencies
• Module 6: Preventative Dentistry
• Module 7: Dental Radiography
• Module 8: Restorative Assisting
• Module 9: Laboratory Procedures
• Module 10: Dental Specialties
• Module 11: Community Dental Health
• Module 12: Dental Reception
• Module 13: Patient Care Procedures
• Module 14: Clinical Dental Assisting Procedures
• Module 15: Work Experience 1
• Module 16: Work Experience 2

Assessment:

• The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Exams
• Quizzes
• Assignments
• Presentations
• Practical assessments
• The program uses a 70% passing grade for all courses.
Students must complete each course with a passing grade in order to progress to the next semester.

Teaching:

• The program is taught by a team of experienced dental professionals.
The faculty are committed to providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the field of dental assisting.
• The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Demonstrations
• Hands-on practice
• Clinical rotations
• The program also provides students with access to a variety of resources, including:
• A state-of-the-art dental clinic
• A library
• A computer lab
• The program strives to create a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
The faculty is available to help students with their studies and to provide them with the resources they need to succeed.

Careers:

• Graduates of the Dental Assistant program are prepared for a variety of careers in the field of dental assisting.
Graduates can work in dental offices, hospitals, public health centers, and other settings. Graduates can also work as dental hygienists, dental therapists, or dental educators.
• The average annual salary for Dental Assistants in Canada is over $50,000.00.
• Job opportunities for dental assistants are expected to remain strong as the province's growing population increases the demand for dental services.