Program Overview

Program Overview

Certified Dental Assistant Certificate Program

The Certified Dental Assistant certificate program at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a 10-month program that equips students to perform a variety of tasks in a dental health care setting. The program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a valued member of a dental health care team, working alongside a dentist to provide oral care.

Program Description

Dental assistants support a dentist with procedures or surgeries at chair side. They also perform independent duties such as placing dental dams, taking dental x-rays and teeth impressions, and providing preventive care to clients, including polishing teeth and applying sealants.

Program Features

• Small class sizes foster a holistic climate for learning and allow for close interaction with instructors who are industry experts.
• Students learn the art of handling patients with professionalism and aplomb.
• The program includes two practica, which provide students with full-time experience in a dental office and prepare them for future employment.
• The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Career Outlook

According to WorkBC, demand for dental assistants is expected to grow from 2018 to 2028. With advances in dentistry, people keep their natural teeth much longer, and require ongoing care and multiple, regular interventions.

Career Opportunities

• Certified dental assistants are generally in higher demand than those without post-secondary education and may perform a wider range of duties such as taking x-rays, polishing teeth, and educating patients about oral hygiene.
• Sophisticated innovations and procedures such as digital technologies, laser dentistry, and implant surgery are revolutionizing the industry and opening opportunities for dental clinics to offer expanded services and personalized treatment plans.

Accreditation and Certification

Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to write the National Dental Assisting Board examination, which is mandatory for certification and registration with the College of Dental Surgeons of B.C.