| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2026-01-01 | - |
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.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Description
This program prepares students for positions as certified dental assistants. The curriculum aligns with current legislation and provides a variety of practical experiences, encompassing placements in the Georgian College Oral Health Clinic, community settings, and exposure to all clinical roles. Students also gain experience with specialty practices, education, health promotion, business administration, and treatment coordination. Additionally, students develop their professional identity by learning how to fabricate appliances and manipulate dental materials.
Objectives
- Equip graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to become certified dental assistants
- Develop professional identities and understanding of the role within dental healthcare teams
- Provide hands-on experiences through placements in clinics and communities
- Prepare students to work across a variety of clinical roles, specialty practices, education, health promotion, and administrative tasks ##
Outline:
Course overview
This Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) certificate program includes 11 program-specific courses, 1 communications course, 1 General Education course, 4 Clinical Placements, and 1 Field Placement.
Program-Specific Courses:
Semester 1 courses include BIOL 1014, DENT 1027, DENT 1059, DENT 1061, DENT 1041, and DENT 1060. Students also select 1 course from the communications list during registration. Please refer to the Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) program outline for a complete list of courses and descriptions.
Placement Opportunities
- Clinical placements: 4 weeks in Semester 3
- Field placement: 4-5 days at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry in semester 2 (Fall intake) or semester 3 (Winter intake). Students are responsible for transportation and accommodation. This section is missing from the provided context. This section is missing from the provided context. ##
Careers:
Career Opportunities
- Graduates are eligible for positions as certified dental assistants in various settings:
- General dental practices
- Specialty practices
- Dental hygiene practices
- Denturism practices
- Public health dental clinics
- Military
- Insurance companies
- Sales representative for a dental supply company
Other:
- Clinical Preparedness Permit
- Physical Considerations: Good vision, prolonged standing and sitting, repetitive hand movements are physically demanding for this program.
- state-of-the-art learning facilities
- Dedicated dental assisting lab
- Digital radiography equipment
- Computerized patient charting systems
- Simulation labs for clinical procedures ##
- Conclusion The Dental Assisting (Levels I & II) program at Georgian College offers comprehensive education and practical experience to prepare graduates for rewarding careers in the dental field. The program's focus on clinical placements, collaboration with industry experts, and commitment to professional development equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to thrive in this dynamic and growing industry. Whether students choose to work in general dental practices, specialize in specific areas, or contribute their expertise in other healthcare settings, the Dental Assisting program provides a strong foundation for long-term success and career advancement. #
Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) Ontario College Certificate program - Entry Requirements
Canadian High School Applicants:
- OSSD or equivalent with:
- 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)
Additional Notes:
- Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility can be met through equivalent courses, upgrading, GED completion, and equivalency testing. Refer to the program website for detailed information: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/
- Students who have completed courses at a recognized post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may be eligible for admission. Please refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/
- Applicants with back
eck/wrist or visual problems should discuss individual concerns with the program coordinator.
Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check:
- A completed and up-to-date criminal reference and vulnerable sector check is required by placement agencies before students can participate in placements.
