Dental Assistant
If you’re looking for a secure career with good income potential and opportunity for growth that is also personally fulfilling, look no further. Dentists, hygienists and patients all rely on professionally trained Dental Assistants. In only 10 months, our Dental Assistant program can prepare you to write the National Dental Assisting Examining Board exam prior to registering with the College of Dental Surgeons of BC.
Our spring Preventative Clinic sees over 200 patients each year, providing you with plenty of hands-on experience. You will also take part in two, three-week practical experiences in a dental clinic which will further prepare you for this rewarding career.
Individuals in this occupation should:
- Be approachable, relaxed and trustworthy
- Have strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Have well-developed fine motor skills
- Enjoy working with people and as part of a team
Program Overview
Our ten-month full-time program combines face-to-face and online learning practice and clinical based training to prepare you for a career as a Dental Assistant.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada. Program graduates are eligible to write the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) exam which, upon successful completion, allows graduates to obtain registration and licensure with the Dental Assisting Regulatory Authorities. Registration and licensure in each province is required to work as a CDA in Canada.
Program Completion Requirements
View admission requirements, program completion requirements and individual course information.
Note: The information for this program is currently set to display information for the 2026/27 academic year. To view other years, choose from the sort feature from the “select calendar” drop-down.
View official program outline.
Additional Requirements
- Dental Office Observation
- Dental Screening Form
- CPR Level C certification, current for the duration of the program. Acceptable CPR courses must include a face-to-face component and may be combined with a first aid course
- BCCDC Immunizations for BC Health Care Workers
- Annual influenza immunization
- COVID-19 vaccination
- Negative TB testing results, must be completed no earlier than 6 months before the beginning of the CDA Program
- Computer literacy is recommended
Practicum Information:
Where possible, students will complete their requirements for practicum in their own communities. If they are not able to complete practicum requirements in their own communities, students must be prepared to travel elsewhere, and will be responsible for their own transportation as well as any travel and living expenses.
*Practicum based learning is an essential component of this program. A criminal record may reduce an applicant’s access to the program and/or to required practicum opportunities. Applicants disclosing a criminal record are guided to explore other options. Depending on the nature of the offense, options may include applying for a pardon. Any associated cost is the responsibility of the student.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements:
- Secondary school graduation or equivalent
- Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
- ENST 12 – English Studies 12
- ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
- ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level
- Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
- ATPH 12 – Anatomy and Physiology 12
- BIOL090 – Biology-Provincial Level (Human Biology)
English Language Proficiency Requirements:
- All international applicants must provide an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test as part of their application in order to meet the licensing requirements to practice. An IELTS Academic test result with a minimum of all bands 6.5 and overall score of 6.5 is required.
- It is the applicant’s responsibility to arrange this assessment through Student Services or an Education Advisor at the College.
Non-Academic Admission Requirements
- Certified Dental Assistant Program Requisite Skills and Abilities Declaration
- Criminal Record Check (CRC) through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
- Notice of Collection, Use and Disclosure Agreement
Additional Admission Requirements:
- Dental Office Observation
- Dental Screening Form*
- CPR Level C certification, current for the duration of the program. Acceptable CPR courses must include a face-to-face component and may be combined with a first aid course
- BCCDC Immunizations for BC Health Care Workers
- Annual influenza immunization
- COVID-19 vaccination
- Negative TB testing results, must be completed no earlier than 6 months before the beginning of the CDA Program
- Computer literacy is recommended
* A dental screening form to be completed and signed by a dentist and returned to Dental Faculty on the first day of class (form in the admissions package). This is required to enable students to act as patients for each other during clinical sessions.
Thank you for your interest in applying to be a student in one of our Health and Human Services programs at the College of the Rockies. As a successful applicant, you will receive or have received a request to provide documentation confirming you are current in immunizations and First Aid/CPR.
Immunizations:
Immunization services in BC are in flux as Public Health Departments must regularly reprioritize resource distribution. Public Health agencies will do their best to accommodate College of the Rockies student immunizations by individual appointment. Immunizations are also available through local pharmacists and Travel Clinics. We recommend that students continue to pursue obtaining required immunizations to complete program admission and practicum placement requirements as soon as available.
It is the responsibility of the student to continue to actively seek to obtain and complete these requirements.
Obtaining and completing these admission requirements can be more difficult, your admission into the Health and Human Services programs will not be held up while you wait to complete these requirements.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter
First Aid/CPR:
In accordance with provincial/territorial public health authorities, in-person training options are now available in certain jurisdictions. Red Cross Training Partners will adopt safe classroom protocols to promote the safety of all participants. Please check for blended delivery options as well to support your training needs. College of the Rockies accepts blended format CPR certifications (online theory supported by face-to-face practical application), but does not accept certifications obtained exclusively online. Students are expected to continue to seek CPR recertification, as courses come available, and to update their certification as soon as possible.
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Level C or a higher level of CPR certification, current for the duration of the program. Certificate must indicate the level of CPR and when it expires. Acceptable CPR courses must include a face-to-face component and may be combined with a first aid course. Please check with the course provider prior to enroling, and ensure that the course is CPR Level C. CPR Level A and Level B are not accepted.
Graduation Requirements:
Students must complete each course of the Certified Dental Assisting
program with a minimum passing grade of 70%.
Tuition and Fees for Domestic Students
For the 2025/26 academic year (2025/SU, 2025/FA, 2026/WI, 2026/SP)
| Application Fee: | $30.00 |
| Tuition: | $4,570.80 |
| Dental Toolbox Rental Fee: | $400.00 |
| Student Association Fee: | $92.00 |
| Bus Pass Fee: | $111.00 |
| Health and Dental Fee: | $240.00 |
*Tuition and Fees for domestic students are estimates and are subject to change. Depending on course electives there may be additional lab fees. Tuition and Fees do not include textbook costs or supplies. Tuition fees include student technology fees, student activity fees, and alumni fees. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.
Additional Costs:
Books and Supplies
Required textbooks, modules and clinic kit are available at the Bookstore at a cost of approximately $1,700.00
Students are responsible for providing uniforms, safety glasses and duty shoes. Specific information regarding the textbooks and supplies will be sent to students in June of the year in which they are enrolled.
Travel within the Program
Practice experiences are essential in the Dental Assistant program. It may not be possible to arrange practice experiences in the location and at the time preferred by students. Students must arrange their own transportation. Travel and accommodation arrangements and costs associated with practice experiences are the responsibility of the student.
Computer
In the Dental Assistant program, teaching and learning strategies incorporate the use of technology through various platforms such as online learning and communication. Students must have access to a computer in order to engage in this learning.
Tuition and Fees for International Students
For the 2025/26 academic year (2025/SU, 2025/FA, 2026/WI, 2026/SP)
| International Application Fee: | $100.00 |
| One-time International Education Fee: | $100.00 |
| Tuition: | $17,040.00 |
| Dental Toolbox Rental Fee: | $400.00 |
| Student Association Fee: | $92.00 |
| Bus Pass Fee: | $111.00 |
| Health and Dental Fee: | $240.00 |
| Guard.me Insurance: | $270.00 |
*Tuition and Fees for international students are estimates and are subject to change. Depending on course electives there may be additional lab fees. Tuition and Fees do not include textbook and supplies. Tuition fees include student technology fees, student activity fees, and alumni fees. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.
Refer to: International Education Fees Schedule for 2026/27 tuition.
Additional Costs:
Books and Supplies
Required textbooks, modules and clinic kit are available at the Bookstore at a cost of approximately $1,700.00
Students are responsible for providing uniforms, safety glasses and duty shoes. Specific information regarding the textbooks and supplies will be sent to students in June of the year in which they are enrolled.
Travel within the Program
Practice experiences are essential in the Dental Assistant program. It may not be possible to arrange practice experiences in the location and at the time preferred by students. Students must arrange their own transportation. Travel and accommodation arrangements and costs associated with practice experiences are the responsibility of the student.
Computer
In the Dental Assistant program, teaching and learning strategies incorporate the use of technology through various platforms such as online learning and communication. Students must have access to a computer in order to engage in this learning.
Career Info and Pathways
Dental Assistants can typically enjoy a regular schedule in a clean, well-lit office. When you become a certified Dental Assistant, you can work as a:
With additional education and/or experience, some examples of career opportunities include:
* High Opportunity Occupation
Gain further insights into job expectations, career prospects, salary, and additional information through WorkBC and the CDA Alliance.
Low-cost Preventative Patient Care Clinic
Open annually in April/May
Every spring, the Certified Dental Assisting Program offers an affordable Preventative Patient Care Clinic. Dental care is provided by our Certified Dental Assistant students, under the supervision of qualified faculty. Registered Dental Hygienists are also available to provide minimal debridement in selected cases.
Our Patient Care appointments consist of two visits. The first visit is a screening exam performed by a dentist. The second visit patients receive the prescribed preventative care and hygiene services.
Screening Exam
The screening exam is approximately 45 minutes. At this appointment, the patient is provided with a dental exam by a dentist.
Hygiene Appointment
The hygiene appointment will take approximately 1.5 hours. At this appointment, the patient will receive oral hygiene instruction, preventative oral health services, as prescribed by the dentist, such as polishing, fluoride and pit & fissure sealants. They will also receive scaling by a hygienist, if prescribed by the dentist.
Services Offered
- X-rays
- Oral Hygiene Instruction
- Polishing of teeth
- Pit & Fissure Sealants
- Desensitizing
- Fluoride application
Fees
- Screening exams: $20.00/person up to $60.00/family
- Hygiene appointment: $15.00/unit of scaling
Payment Methods
We accept VISA, Mastercard, Interac and cash.
Contact Information
We accept calls in February/March at 250-489-2751 x3364
Dental Assistant Certificate – Block Transfer Agreements
| To Institution | Program | |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian Armed Forces | Dental Technician Note: BC DEAS, 10 Months – Dental Technician (For currently CDAC accredited Dental Assisting programs) 119094 – Approval Date: Wednesday 7th of December 2011. |
Program Details
Delivery Method:?
On-campus, Off-site
Credential:
Certificate
Categories:
Health & Human Services
Interests:
Care for Others, Get in, Get out, Get a Job, Not Have a Desk Job, Work With My Hands
Contact Details
Cranbrook
2700 College Way,
Box 8500, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 5L7
Phone: 250-489-2751
Toll-free: 1-877-489-2687
Email: info@cotr.bc.ca
