Home » Programs & Courses » Full-Time/Postsecondary Programs » Health Sciences Programs
Do you have significant & relevant experience?  Ask about Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) - a mechanism to offer credits for learning acquired through study, work, volunteering and other life experiences that are not recognized through formal transfer credit mechanisms.

Academic PS Calendar (pdf)

Academic Program Calendar - 2011-2012
Postsecondary Academic Program Calendar - 2011-2012 (ALL)(PDF)
NOTE: Also individual program (PDF's) - downloadable from postsecondary program homepages.

Health Sciences - Dental Assisting (Levels I and II)

1-year, Ontario College Certificate Program

Official Program Information

Dental Assisting - photo banner

A Dental Assistant is a vital member of the oral health team who works in a collaborative, professional and ethical manner. The one-year program prepares you for the proficient application of knowledge in a variety of areas such as clinical chair-side and intra-oral, laboratory, radiography administration, and health education and promotion skills. The clinical experience within Confederation College and the field placements is supported by the background provided through academic studies.

If you’re interested in a career in Dental Assisting, you must possess qualities that include taking an interest in helping people, have good health, have self-discipline, be responsible, have effective communication skills, selfmotivation and problem solving skills.

---

Related Programs
If a career in dentistry interests you, you might also want to consider the following related program: Dental Hygiene (2 yrs).

Employment Opportunities: 

As a graduate of this program, you may find employment in private dental offices, community dental clinics, hospital dental clinics, public health units and specialty dental practices such as Orthodontics, Paedodontics, Periodontics, oral maxillo facial surgery, Dental Sales Representative.

Career categories include prospective positions such as Chair-side Assistant, Advanced Skills Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Public Health Assistant, Dental Assisting, Educator or Dental Sales Representative.

Admission Requirements: 
  1. Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent) with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (U/C), or Open (O) preparation levels.
  2. or Successful completion of the Mature Student Assessment
  3. or appropriate credits from Academic and Career Entrance program (ACE).

AND Courses Required:
Grade 12 College or University preparation English, Grade 11 or 12 Biology (College or University preparation), Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry (College or University preparation). If you do not possess these requirements, we suggest that you consider our Pre-Health Sciences program which will provide the necessary preparation to enter this program.

Physical Demands: 

Dental Assistants must have hand eye coordination and manual dexterity that will allow them to manipulate instruments and equipment used in the dental profession.

 

Dental Assistants must also have physical and motor capabilities that allow them to maneuver in relatively confined spaces in the dental office environment.

Other Requirements: 
  1. Students are required to obtain a certificate in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and a certificate in First Aid prior to the commencement of studies.
  2. Immunization and Communicable Disease’s Form with documentation of current immunization at registration (including a two-step TB Skin Test.) To be submitted to the Health Centre prior to commencement of studies. See Health Requirements.
  3. Hepatitis B vaccination is highly recommended.
  4. 4. A recent Criminal Reference Check (Vulnerable sector) must be provided to the Program Coordinator prior to commencement of studies at the beginning of each academic year. All costs associated with police checks, testing and proof of certification are the responsibility of the applicant. The check is used by employers in this field as a screening requirement for field placement and employment. A criminal record may prevent you from participating in field placement experiences, thus blocking you from completing program requirements.
  5. Each student is required to purchase a dental assisting kit which will be required throughout the program courses, at an approximately cost of $1000.00
Selection Criteria: 

Selection is determined by averaging results in the required English and Science courses. Applicants with the highest combined scores are provided Offers of Admission. In addition, a wait list is established using these results.

Departments:

how to apply

Do you have significant & relevant experience?

Ask about Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) - a mechanism to offer credits for learning acquired through study, work, volunteering and other life experiences that are not recognized through formal transfer credit mechanisms.