Dental Assisting students wearing scrubs, safety glasses, masks and latex gloves preparing molds for patient mouth simulators

Provide oral health care as a dental assistant

Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) Ontario College Certificate program

Benefit from many professional placement opportunities. This valuable hands-on experience will get you noticed by professionals in the field.

Program code DNAS
Duration 1 Year
Credential Ontario College Certificate
Program Delivery Full-time
Program delivery method(s) In person What does this mean?

Program information

Program description

Students in this program prepare to assume positions as certified dental assistants, level II. Corresponding with the level of study and in accordance with current legislation, students of this program experience a variety of practical experiences including placements in the Georgian College Oral Health Clinic and in the community, involving all clinical roles, specialty practice, education, health promotion, business administration and treatment coordination. Students also learn to fabricate dental appliances and manipulate a variety of dental materials. To emphasize how dental assistants are vital members of the oral healthcare team, students explore the meaning of professionalism, and develop their own professional identity.

Please Note: Students require a completed Clinical Preparedness Permit prior to week 12 of semester 1 (see Additional Information section of the program outline). 

Intake information

Start dateCampus
Fall 2024 Barrie
Winter 2025 Barrie

Tuition and fees

Work-integrated learning

  • This program includes field placement and clinical placement components. Gain practical, hands-on work experience in your field, including learning opportunities under the supervision of a registered or licensed professional.
  • Learn about types of work-integrated learning at Georgian.

What are the admission requirements for the Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) program?

Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) admission requirements

OSSD or equivalent with

  • 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, there is also a 4 to 5 day placement at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry in semester two (Fall intake) or semester three (Winter intake). Students are responsible for the costs related to transportation and accommodation if needed. Please direct inquiries to the program coordinator.

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 mix various materials using repetitive wrist motions. Applicants with back/neck/wrist or visual problems should discuss individual concerns with the program coordinator.

What career paths can I take in dental assisting?

Your Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) certificate gives you many career opportunities

Graduates of this program are qualified to assume positions as dental assistants, capable of working interdependently and collaboratively with healthcare professionals in a variety of settings including general or specialty dental practices. Graduates may find work in a dental hygiene practice, a denturism practice, a community oral health clinic, a public health unit, the military, an insurance company, or as a sales representative with a dental supply company.

What courses are included in the Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) certificate program?

Course overview

11 Program Courses
1 Communications Course
1 General Education Course
4 Clinical Placements
1 Field Placement

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) program outline.

  • BIOL 1014 – The Essential Body
  • DENT 1027 – Orofacial Anatomy
  • DENT 1059 – Clinical Support Procedures
  • DENT 1061 – Developing a Professional Identity in Dental Assisting 1
  • DENT 1041 – Clinical Assisting – Operative Theory and Restorative Preclinic
  • DENT 1060 – Dental Radiography
  • Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.

Your course delivery method(s)

In person

This program is delivered fully in person and requires you to attend campus.

Please note, delivery methods are based on planning for the upcoming semester and are subject to change.

Do you have questions about Dental Assisting (Levels I and II)? Contact us!

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