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).
The outcomes and objectives upon which students will learn also include elements of dental assisting practice which are:
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
Earn up to $33.00* per hour as a Dental Assistant
All wages taken from the Canada Job Bank
High School Diploma or equivalent and proof of English Language Proficiency.
For English Language proficiency, domestic students are required to have completed Grade 10 English or successfully completed the College’s English language proficiency assessment.
International students will need to submit proof of English language proficiency by meeting one of the following requirements:
Note: Completion of grade 12 Science (especially Biology and/or Physics) is advantageous.
Prior to practicum start date:
All immunizations should be up to date, including: • hepatitis B • tetanus • measles/mumps/rubella • diphtheria • pertussis • varicella • polio • influenza (required annually)
1120 hours of instruction (40 weeks) including 160 hours work experience practicum (4 weeks).
COURSE NAME | HOURS |
---|---|
1. Applied Dental Sciences | 70 hours |
2. Clinical Practice I | 100 hours |
3. Infection Prevention, Quality Assurance and Waste Management | 40 hours |
4. Charting, Recording and Emergencies | 50 hours |
5. Diagnostic Procedures and Dental Radiography | 60 hours |
6. Clinical Practice II | 100 hours |
7. Preventive Dental Procedures and Radiography | 120 hours |
8. Prosthodontic & Laboratory Procedures | 100 hours |
9. Preventive Dental Procedures II & Community Health | 30 hours |
10. Preparation for Employment | 50 hours |
11. Dental Specialties | 120 hours |
12. Direct Patient Care | 120 hours |
13. Practicum | 160 hours |
Total | 1120 hours |
# | PARTICULARS | FEE | REMARKS |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Registration Fee | $250 | Domestic Students |
2 | Tuition Fee | $14000 | |
3 | Course Material | $500 | |
4 | Other Fee | $500 | |
Total | $15250 | ||
1 | Registration Fee | $250 | International Students |
2 | Tuition Fee | $19200 | |
3 | Course Material | $500 | |
4 | Other Fee | $500 | |
Total | $20450 |
This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
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.
Our dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you every step of the way.
While a basic understanding of math is important for dental assistants, the math involved in the job is generally not complex. Basic arithmetic skills and the ability to work with fractions and decimals are usually sufficient.
Most dental assistant programs take between 9-12 months to complete. However, the exact length of the program can vary depending on the educational institution and the specific program.
To become a dental assistant in BC, you typically need to complete a recognized dental assistant program and obtain certification from the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia. The length of the program can vary, but most programs take between 9-12 months to complete.
The salary of dental assistants can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and type of employer. In BC, the average hourly wage for dental assistants is around $25-30 per hour.
Like any healthcare job, working as a dental assistant can be stressful at times, particularly in fast-paced or high-volume dental practices. However, many dental assistants find the work to be fulfilling and enjoy helping patients improve their oral health.
The difficulty of the dental assistant program can vary depending on the individual’s aptitude for the subject matter and the rigor of the program. However, many students find the program to be manageable with hard work and dedication.
Some common duties of dental assistants can include preparing treatment rooms, taking patient histories, taking and developing dental x-rays, assisting the dentist during procedures, scheduling appointments, and educating patients on oral hygiene.
Some potential cons of being a dental assistant can include exposure to harmful chemicals, the risk of musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive tasks, and the possibility of being exposed to infectious diseases.
To study dental assistant, you typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may also require prerequisite courses, such as anatomy or biology.
Some potential risks of being a dental assistant can include exposure to harmful chemicals and infectious diseases, musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive tasks, and hearing damage from exposure to high-pitched dental instruments.
Some potential benefits of becoming a dental assistant can include job stability, the opportunity to work in a variety of dental settings, and the ability to help patients improve their oral health. Additionally, some dental assistant programs can be completed in a relatively short amount of time, making it a potentially attractive career option for those looking to enter the healthcare field quickly.
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Unit 201 8318 120 St
Surrey, BC V3W 3N4
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Unit 900 13761 96 Ave,
Surrey, BC V3V 0E8
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