Diploma

40 Weeks

Dental Assistant Program

Train for a dental assisting career with hands-on practice in patient care, radiology, and chairside procedures. Prepare for certification exams and clinical roles.

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Empower Your Future in Dental Healthcare

The Certified Dental Assistant Program at Western Community College equips students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel in dental assisting roles. The curriculum encompasses both clinical practices and administrative responsibilities, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the diverse demands of the profession.

This program helps to prepare students to provide the services of a certified dental assistant as outlined in the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCHOP)*  Bylaws under the Health Professions Act of British Columbia.

* Previously called College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia (CDSBC).

  • Comprehensive training in dental procedures and patient care.
  • Hands-on experience through supervised clinical placements.
  • Eligibility to become a Certified Dental Assistant upon completion.

Next Intakes

Contact our admissions team today or request information on upcoming program start dates.

Career Opportunities in Health Care

Advance Your Dental Career 

Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be eligible for the National Dental Assistant Examining Board (NDAEB) written exam and clinical practice evaluation.

  • Certified Dental Assistant: Assist dentists during procedures, manage patient care, and perform radiographic imaging.
  • Dental Office Administrator: Oversee administrative tasks, including scheduling, billing, and patient communication.
  • Orthodontic Assistant: Specialize in assisting orthodontists with patient treatments and appliance adjustments.

Why Study at Western Community College

Western Community College offers students an inclusive and vibrant learning environment, with dedicated support services to ensure your academic success and personal well-being.

  • Installment-based, low tuition fee.
  • Choose weekday, weekend, or evening classes to fit your schedule.
  • Part-time or full-time class schedule.
  • Free CLB preparation classes (*Conditions Apply).

Begin Your Path in HEALTHCARE Career

Admission Requirements

High School Graduation or Mature student (19 yrs of age)

Language Proficiency Requirements:

To demonstrate language proficiency, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

Option 1: Completion of 3 years of full-time secondary (Grades 8-12) education in a country where English is the language of instruction, This includes successful completion of a BC adult Graduation program.

OR

Option 2: Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education (education for English language learners not included) in a country where English is the language of instruction.

Option 3: Standardized Language Test Achievement of minimum scores on a recognized standardized language test:

Name of English language assessment/testMinimum score(s)/level(s)*
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) AcademicMinimum overall score of 5.5
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBTMinimum overall score of 46
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)Minimum overall score of 40
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5.
Duolingo English Test (DET)Minimum overall score of 95
Pearson Test of English (PTE) AcademicMinimum overall score of 43
Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE)
Institutions may include other Cambridge Qualifications at a higher level (i.e., C2 Proficiency (CPE)).
Minimum overall score of 160 or “C”
Cambridge LinguaskillMinimum overall B2 level
LANGUAGECERT AcademicMinimum overall B2 level
The Michigan English Test (MET)Minimum overall B2 level
iTEP AcademicMinimum overall score of 3.5
EIKENMinimum placement of Grade Pre-1

The following countries are recognized for education completed in English:

American SamoaGhanaSaint Lucia
AnguillaGibraltarSaint Kitts and Nevis
Antigua and BarbudaGrenadaSaint Vincent and the Grenadines
AustraliaGuamSeychelles
BahamasGuyanaSierra Leone
BarbadosIrelandSingapore
BelizeJamaicaSouth Africa
BermudaKenyaTanzania
BotswanaLesothoTrinidad and Tobago
British Virgin IslandsLiberiaTurks and Caicos Islands
CanadaMaltaUganda
Cayman IslandsMauritiusUnited Kingdom
DominicaMontserratUnited States
Falkland IslandsNew ZealandUnited States Virgin Islands
FijiNigeriaZambia
GambiaSaint HelenaZimbabwe

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Take the next step toward your future!

Gain the skills you need for success and take the first step toward a rewarding career. Enroll today to learn essential industry knowledge, enhance your expertise, and open doors to new opportunities.

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Course OUtline

Core Courses in Dental Assistant Program

Our curriculum is designed to equip you with the practical skills and knowledge required for a successful career as a Dental Assistant.

1120

Total program
hours

160

Practice Experience HOurs

$33

Average hourly rate

97%

Graduate Employment Rate

COURSE NAMEHOURS
1. Applied Dental Sciences70 hours
2. Clinical Practice I100 hours
3. Infection Prevention, Quality Assurance and Waste Management40 hours
4. Charting, Recording and Emergencies50 hours
5. Diagnostic Procedures and Dental Radiography60 hours
6. Clinical Practice II100 hours
7. Preventive Dental Procedures and Radiography120 hours
8. Prosthodontic & Laboratory Procedures100 hours
9. Preventive Dental Procedures II & Community Health30 hours
10. Preparation for Employment50 hours
11. Dental Specialties120 hours
12. Direct Patient Care120 hours
13. Practicum160 hours
Total1120 hours

Our Academic Partners

We collaborate with leading Legal profession courses to ensure our curriculum is relevant and up-to-date, providing our students with valuable insights and connections.

Our Partners

Fee Structure

Tuition & Financing


We offer competitive tuition rates and flexible financing options to make your education at Western Community College both accessible and affordable.

This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.

Particulars (Expanded View)

Application Fee

$250

Tuition Fee

$14000

Course Materials

$500

Other Fee

$500

Particulars (Expanded View)

Application Fee

$250

Tuition Fee

$19200

Course Materials

$500

Other Fee

$500

Finance Options Available

Western Community College offers a variety of financial aid opportunities to ease students’ stress and allow them to focus on their studies. If you need extra support, we have flexible funding to accommodate all our students, no matter their financial situation.

BC Student Loan

In-house Financing

Student Line of Credit

Scholarships

Our dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you every step of the way.

Finance Options

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