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.

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 an unpaid practicum at a dental office.

Program Overview

Fast Facts

This program should be completed full-time
Program Length:
- Full-Time (3 Semesters)
This program is delivered in a classroom or blended format
Full-Time Intakes:
- Fall
- Spring
Practicum placements may occur outside of the Calgary region
Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practicum, including pre-practicum requirements as outlined by the program, and relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary
Students require access to a personal computer and the Internet in order to complete the required courses

Your Career

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

Student Success

Job expectations for success in this profession include:

Fine motor skills
Critical thinking
Communication (speaking, reading, writing, and listening)
Able to participate in classroom, lab, and practicum activities as scheduled by the program
Able to work well under stress
Able to use technology
Attention to detail
Able to maintain professional behaviour; emotional self-regulation
Able to wear Personal Protective Equipment for extended periods of time
Able to work extended hours, including nights and/or weekends and shift work
Able to tolerate the sight of human blood and tissue
Able to meet the physical demands of the job (e.g. spend most hours working on your feet, walking, repetitive bending, repetitive tasks)
Able to tolerate latex and disinfection chemicals
Able to sit for long periods of time (3-4 hours)
Comfortable wit performing patient care procedures which may be sensitive or performed in close proximity

Prospective students are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for Dental Assistants, as well as the governing body’s competency profile for the profession, to ensure that they are able to successfully demonstrate the skills required to achieve all the competency-based objectives for the program and profession.

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

The progression requirement for students taking credit courses is a Term GPA and Total Institutional GPA of 2.0, with the exception of English Language Foundations and Academic Upgrading programs.

Admission Requirements

Completion of the following courses 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

All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Program Outline

Total Credits 40.5

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 inter-disciplinary team to achieve a high standard of patient-centered 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 in order 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.