Dental Assisting (Levels I and II)

Description

You prepare for a position as a Certified Dental Assistant (Level I and II) by focusing on professional standards. You have opportunities with a variety of practical experiences such as placements in the Georgian College Oral Health Clinic and in the community, including clinical and specialty practice, education, health promotion, and office administration. In addition to clinical skills, you develop hands on experience with dental materials including appliance fabrication.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program are qualified to assume positions as dental assistants, capable of working interdependently and collaboratively with oral healthcare professionals in a variety of oral health settings. Employment opportunities may be found in general and specialty dental practices, public health, and industry settings.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. maintain client and personal safety in the practice environment;
2. contribute to the development of a comprehensive client profile by using a variety of data collection methods in collaboration with the client and other health professionals and in compliance with privacy legislation;
3. contribute to the development of a comprehensive plan for oral health services and programs in collaboration with the client and other health professionals;
4. provide oral health services and programs, as identified in the comprehensive plan and as permitted within the scope of practice;
5. contribute to the evaluation and reporting of appropriate aspects of the oral health services and programs by using a variety of sources including the client profile;
6. act in a professional and competent manner;
7. maintain client records and manage office procedures in compliance with relevant legislation and regulations;
8. recognize and stress the importance of employing environmentally sustainable practices within the profession.

External Recognition

The Dental Assisting Program at Georgian College is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) and approved by the Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act (HARP).

Graduates of this program will be eligible to write the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) exam and apply for certification with the Ontario Dental Assistants Association (ODAA). Graduates are also approved to expose digital and traditional radiographs prescribed and supervised by a dentist. 

Program Progression

The following reflects the planned progression for full-time offerings of the program.

Fall Intake

• Sem 1: Fall 2025
• Sem 2: Winter 2026
• Sem 3: Summer 2026

Winter Intake 

• Sem 1: Winter 2026
• Sem 2: Summer 2026
• Sem 3: Fall 2026

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status 
• Grade 12 English (C or U)
• Grade 11 Chemistry (U) or Grade 12 Chemistry (C or U)
• Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C or U)
• Grade 11 or 12 Mathematics (C or U)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check

Placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to going out on placement. Students should obtain their criminal reference three months prior to placement; checks conducted earlier may not be considered current. As some jurisdictions require longer lead-time for processing, please check with the program coordinator to ensure you allow for sufficient turn-around time. It is the student's responsibility to provide the completed document prior to placement start.

NOTE: Individuals who have been charged or convicted criminally and not pardoned will be prohibited from proceeding to a clinical or work placement.

Additional Information

Clinical Preparedness Permit 
Students must complete the Clinical Preparedness Permit prior to week 12 of semester 1. To start the process, download the Clinical Preparedness Permit and the information package. 

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they submit the permit on time and that the information is kept up-to-date throughout the duration of the program.

Please Note: Some components of the permit, specifically the Vulnerable Sector Police Check, often require many weeks to complete. The college assumes no responsibility for costs incurred or missed clinic time related to late submission of the required documents.

Placement Requirements

In addition to a 4-week placement in semester three, students may be required to attend various dental offices/settings for additional learning experiences. Students are responsible for their own transportation. 

Physical Considerations

Applicants are advised that for the program's clinical requirements and future employment situations, they must have good vision (with or without corrective lenses), be able to sit and stand for prolonged periods, and comply with ergonomic principles. Applicants with back/neck/wrist or visual problems should discuss individual concerns with the program coordinator.

Graduation Requirements

12 Program Courses
1 Communications Course
1 General Education Course
3 Clinical Placements
1 Field Placement

Graduation Eligibility

To graduate from this program, the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, and to graduate is 60%. Additionally, a student must attain a minimum of 50% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester unless otherwise stated on the course outline.

Program Tracking

The following reflects the planned course sequence for full-time offerings of the Fall intake of the program. Where more  than one intake is offered  contact the program co-ordinator for the program tracking.

Plan of Study Grid

Semester 1		Hours
Program Courses
BIOL 1014	The Essential Body	42
DENT 1027	Orofacial Anatomy	42
DENT 1060	Dental Radiography	56
DENT 1067	Dental Assisting Practice 1	42
DENT 1068	Dental Assisting Sciences 1	42
Clinical Placements
DENT 1069	Dental Assisting Lab/Clinic 1	98
Communications Course
Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.		42
	Hours	364
Semester 2
Program Courses
DENT 1029	Dental Health Education	42
DENT 1062	Introduction to Dental Materials and Specialties	84
DENT 1070	Dental Assisting Practice 2	42
DENT 1071	Dental Assisting Sciences 2	42
DENT 1072	Intraoral Preventive Procedures	84
Clinical Placement
DENT 1073	Dental Assisting Lab/Clinic 2	42
General Education Course
Select 1 course from the general education course during registration.		42
	Hours	378
Semester 3
Program Courses
DENT 1074	Dental Assisting Practice 3	21
DENT 1075	Advanced Dental Materials	21
Clinical Placement
DENT 1076	Dental Assisting Lab/Clinic 3	49
Field Placement
DENT 1077	Field Placement - Dental Assistant	129
	Hours	220
	Total Hours	962

Graduation Window

Students unable to adhere to the program duration of one year (as stated above) may take a maximum of two years to complete their credential. After this time, students must be re-admitted into the program, and follow the curriculum in place at the time of re-admission.

Disclaimer: The information in this document is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. 

Program outlines may be subject to change in response to emerging situations, in order to facilitate student achievement of the learning outcomes required for graduation. Components such as courses, progression, coop work terms, placements, internships and other requirements may be delivered differently than published.