Traits, skills and aptitudes
Dental assistants tend to be methodical, social and objective.
You need:
- attention to detail
- fine motor skills
- the ability to put patients at ease
- good communication and people skills
- the ability to remain calm under pressure
- critical thinking skills
- the ability to be organized and manage time well
- to be comfortable sitting for long periods
- the ability to work as part of a team
- professionalism and the ability to regulate your emotions
- to be comfortable around human blood and tissue
- knowledge of disease transmission and infection control.
Dental assistants must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for long periods. This includes tolerating latex and other disinfection chemicals.
Some dental assistants work extended hours and shifts, including nights and weeks.
You are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for dental assistants to ensure you can successfully meet the occupational requirements for the program and profession.
Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities
In this program, you will complete a required practicum in a dental office, where you will apply the skills you have learned in class in a real-world setting.
You will be assigned practicum placements with consideration given to your preference of location. However, due to limited availability in Calgary, it might be necessary for you to travel or relocate outside the city. Special considerations will not be accommodated.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, you will be required to provide specific documentation before you can participate in your practicum. Find out what requirements you need for this program.
Your pre-practicum requirements and dental health examinations are required by the first day of class.
Accreditations, designations or certifications
The Dental Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.
Graduates must write the National Dental Assisting Examining Board exam to be registered in Alberta. Graduates are eligible to obtain a provisional licence upon completion of the program.
Credential
After successfully completing this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Dental Assisting certificate.
Not open to international applicants
This program is not available to international applicants at this time.
Related careers
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Potential careers (NOC):
- Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants (33100)
- Dental hygienists and dental therapists (32111)
Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and have passed the following course requirements or equivalents, with an overall average of at least 60%:
- Math 30-1 or Math 30-2, and
- English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2, and
- Biology 30, and
- Chemistry 30.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.
Program outline
The Dental Assisiting certificate requires 40.5 credits (18 courses) to complete.
The program spans one year, with three semesters.
Suggested schedule of study
Progression
You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.
To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Books and supplies
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
An Apple or Android laptop is preferred over other device types. Tablets and phones are not suitable.
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore’s website. Booklists are created by semester and available approximately two weeks before classes begin.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE) and uniform
The industry-approved PPE and uniform you’ll need will be discussed during your orientation.
Dental assistants must wear safety glasses or face shields during dental procedures. Safety glasses must have solid side shields and cannot be regular prescription glasses. Prescription lenses can be placed in safety glass frames, or you can wear safety glasses which fit over prescription glasses or a face shield over safety glasses.
Personal protective equipment will cost $50 or more, depending on your individual requirements.
Additional fees
- A fee is associated with obtaining a police information check, including a vulnerable sector check, payable to the police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
- You must have your immunizations reviewed by the SAIT Health Clinic. There is a $75 charge to review vaccine history. Any vaccines you need to be administered will result in additional charges.
- A fee of approximately $50 to $100 is associated with an electronic student permit checking submission required for clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider (Level C) CPR annual updates are required. All CPR courses must be from the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
- You are responsible for additional expenses related to your practicum, including pre-practicum requirements and relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary.
- The National Dental Assisting Examining Board exam fee is approximately $450. The annual dues of the College of Alberta Dental Assistants are approximately $300.
Health and Public Safety program advising
For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please contact our School of Health and Public Safety.
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Program outcomes
- Communicate effectively with the public and other dental health care professionals.
- Provide patient care following the scope of practice outlined by the College of Alberta Dental Assistants.
- Adhere to legal and ethical requirements with personal and professional accountability and responsibility to ensure the protection and safety of practitioners, patients, and the public.
- Collaborate effectively within the interdisciplinary team to achieve a high standard of patient-centred care in all aspects of oral health care.
- Use critical thinking skills and an evidence-based approach in all aspects of dental assisting practice to optimize patient care.
- Recognize the importance of participation in life-long learning and continuing education to excel in personal practice as a dental assistant.
- Educate patients, families, and other caregivers to promote good oral health.
- Demonstrate proficient use of technology to promote best practice in dental assisting.
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