Program Overview

Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) Ontario College Certificate program

Program Description

You prepare for a position as a Certified Dental Assistant (Level I and II) by focusing on professional standards. You have opportunities with a variety of practical experiences such as placements in the Georgian College Oral Health Clinic and in the community, including clinical and specialty practice, education, health promotion, and office administration. In addition to clinical skills, you develop hands-on experience with dental materials including appliance fabrication.

Intake Information

• Start date: Fall 2025, Winter 2026
• Campus: Barrie

Tuition and Fees

• Visit our tuition and fees page for detailed information on the cost to attend Georgian.
• You can afford this! Explore OSAP as well as awards, scholarships, and bursaries to help you pay your way to graduation.

Work-Integrated Learning

• This program includes field placement and clinical placement components. Gain practical, hands-on work experience in your field, including learning opportunities under the supervision of a registered or licensed professional.
• Learn about types of work-integrated learning at Georgian.

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
• Grade 12 English (C or U)
• Grade 11 Chemistry (U) or Grade 12 Chemistry (C or U)
• Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C or U)
• Grade 11 or 12 Mathematics (C or U)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing.

Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check

Placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to going out on placement. Students should obtain their criminal reference three months prior to placement; checks conducted earlier may not be considered current.

Additional Information

• Clinical Preparedness Permit: Students must complete the Clinical Preparedness Permit prior to week 12 of semester 1.
• Placement Requirements: In addition to a 4-week placement in semester three, students may be required to attend various dental offices/settings for additional learning experiences. Students are responsible for their own transportation.
• Physical Considerations: Applicants are advised that for the program’s clinical requirements and future employment situations, they must have good vision (with or without corrective lenses), be able to sit and stand for prolonged periods, and comply with ergonomic principles.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program are qualified to assume positions as dental assistants, capable of working interdependently and collaboratively with oral healthcare professionals in a variety of oral health settings. Employment opportunities may be found in general and specialty dental practices, public health, and industry settings.

Course Overview

• 12 Program Courses
• 1 Communications Course
• 1 General Education Course
• 3 Clinical Placements
• 1 Field Placement

Program-Specific Courses

• BIOL 1014 – The Essential Body
• DENT 1027 – Orofacial Anatomy
• DENT 1060 – Dental Radiography
• DENT 1067 – Dental Assisting Practice 1
• DENT 1068 – Dental Assisting Sciences 1
• DENT 1069 – Dental Assisting Lab/Clinic 1
• Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.

Course Delivery Method

• In person: This program is delivered fully in person and requires you to attend campus.

Related Programs

• Dental Hygiene
• Denturism
• Pharmacy Technician
• Practical Nursing

Program Code and Duration

• Program code: DNAS
• Duration: 1 Year
• Credential: Ontario College Certificate
• Program Delivery: Full-time
• Program delivery method(s): In person

Program Outline

• View the Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) program outline for a full list of courses, including course descriptions.