Program Overview

Introduction to the Dental Assisting Program

The Dental Assisting Program is a 10-month certificate program offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Dentistry. This program prepares students for a new career in the dental field as a dental assistant, working with dentists, hygienists, and therapists to treat, educate, and support patients.

Program Overview

• The program is full-time and can be entered directly from high school.
• The last two weeks of the 10-month program are a practicum where students apply their skills in a dental office.

What You Will Learn

In this program, students will learn the skills required to be a dental assistant, including:

• Preventative and restorative oral care
• Radiography
• How to work as part of a dental team

Required Courses

To complete this program, students will take the following courses over the course of 10 months:

Fall Term (18 credit units)

• DENA 11 Clinical Foundations
• DENA 14 Preventive Procedures I
• DENA 15 Infection Prevention and Control
• DENA 17 Dental Emergencies and Records
• DENA 18 Restorative Procedures
• DENA 20 Dental Radiography I

Winter Term (13.5 credit units)

• DENA 28 Dental Specialties
• DENA 37 Oral Anatomy and Histology
• DENA 53 Prosthodontics

Spring/Summer Term (9.0 credit units)

• DENA 30 Nutrition
• DENA 50 Dental Radiology II
• DENA 63 Professional Practice
• DENA 64 Preventative Procedures II
• DENA 80 Practicum

Why Study Here?

The College of Dentistry has graduated nearly 1,000 dentists in Saskatchewan over the past 50 years. By studying Dental Assisting at the college, students will be able to learn alongside their future co-workers and take advantage of the expertise and resources available at the largest university in the province.

Careers

This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada. As a graduate, students are eligible to write the National Dental Assisting Examining Board exam. Examination success allows students to license with the Saskatchewan Dental Assistants' Association as well as to work anywhere in Canada.

Tuition Estimates

• Canadian students:
  • Tuition: $19,048
  • Equipment rental: $1,622
  • Student fees: $1,308.24
  • Books: $1,500
  • Total: $23,478.24

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Deadlines

• Start term: Fall 2026 intake
• Application deadline: November 15, 2025
• Documents due: November 30, 2025

Requirements

1. Required high school classes: Completion of the following courses or equivalents with an average of at least 65% in:

• Biology 30
• Chemistry 30
• Foundations of Mathematics 30 or Pre-Calculus 30
• English Language Arts A30 or English Language Arts B30 or Francais Immersion 30
• One elective from social sciences, natural sciences, or humanities at the 30 level

2. Personal Statement: A one-page essay (not to exceed 350 words) that will give a clear picture of who the applicant is and why they want to pursue a career in dental assisting
3. Interview: All eligible applicants seeking admission are required to attend an interview as part of the selection process
4. English proficiency: If the applicant's first language is not English, they may have to prove proficiency in English before admission

Selection Criteria

Selection for admission to the Dental Assisting program is based on the following:

1. Academic average (50% overall weighting)
2. Personal statement (30% overall weighting)
3. Interview (20% overall weighting)

Categories of Applicants

• All applicants must be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants at the time of application
• There is a separate category in which 17% first-year spaces are designated for Indigenous candidates

Applying

• The College of Dentistry accepts online applications only
• The fall 2026 admission cycle application is available from September 19 to November 15, 2025
• A non-refundable application fee in the amount of $104 CAD is required and must be paid online via credit card at the time the application is submitted

After Applying

1. If offered admission, arrange for final and complete official transcripts
2. Conditional letters of offer/waitlist/rejection will be sent in February
3. Submit immunization records and Criminal Record Check by deadlines stated in offer letter

College Info

The Dental Assisting Program (DAP) certificate is offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Dentistry. The College of Dentistry is a dynamic college with a reputation for excellence in both teaching and research.

Related Programs

• Dental Hygiene
• Dental Therapy
• Dentistry
• Health Studies
• Nursing