Dental Assisting

Program Description

The Dental Assisting program focuses on patient-centered care in support of improving oral health as a key to personal health and well-being. As vital members of the dental health team, dental assistants work in private dental clinics, specialists’ offices and community health centres. Skills and content covered include clinic operations, chair-side procedures, intra-oral procedures, patient education and interpersonal skills.

The program is divided into two 15-week semesters and one eight-week semester. Students are required to attend classes on SAIT campus for this program. Classroom learning is integrated into a dental clinic setting. The clinical components include patient education, radiographs, selective rubber cup polishing and fluoride application.

This program includes one unpaid four-week practicum in the third semester at a dental office which may be outside of Calgary. Students in this program require access to a personal computer and the Internet to facilitate completion of required online courses.

Program Overview

Fast Facts

Your Career

Graduates work under a supervising professional in private clinics, specialists’ offices and community health centres as a registered dental assistant.

Graduates of the Dental Assisting program have a 98% employment rate

Student Success

Students with higher secondary or post-secondary marks usually experience greater success in SAIT programs.

Basic computer skills are advantageous to dental assistants. Students who experience success in this program have effective communication skills in English. Health care practitioners are detail oriented in the care they provide and enjoy working in a team environment.

Credentials

After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Dental Assisting certificate. Graduates must write the National Dental Assisting Examining Board examination to be registered in Alberta. Graduates are licensed by the College of Alberta Dental Assistants as Registered Dental Assistants once they have passed the National Dental Assisting Examining Board examination.

Accreditation

The Dental Assisting program delivered by SAIT is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Admission Requirements

Completion of the following courses or equivalents with an overall average of at least 60%:

Math 30-1 or Math 30-2 or Pure Math 30 or Applied Math 30, AND,
English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2, AND,
Biology 30, AND,
Chemistry 30.
All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Program Outline