Dental Assisting Certificate
Get your start in health care with a growing, in-demand profession for new graduates.
Application Window
Applications for the next intake (August 2027) will be open from October 1, 2026, to February 1, 2027. Seats are awarded competitively, not in the order received.
NEW: The application window has been changed to October 1 to February 1 each year.
*To ensure a quality learning experience, program offerings are subject to minimum enrollment. Admitted students will be promptly notified of any changes. ** Students will not be in class for all 12 hours. Class schedules vary each week.
About the Program
Over ten months, this accredited program combines theoretical and hands-on experiences. Our courses teach you about oral-facial science, dental materials, oral pathology, pharmacology, prosthodontics and other specialized dentistry topics to provide you with the real-world skills to become a dental assistant.
Accreditation Advantage
Dental assisting graduates must pass board exams to obtain licensure for practicing in Alberta. Graduating from an accredited program means you can skip the clinical exam and move straight to the theory exam. Accreditation for any program is paramount, as it provides a crucial third-party validation of our uncompromising commitment to quality programming and excellence in oral health education. This success is a testament to the rigorous standards we uphold for our students and the profession.
Courses
The program is designed to build on the knowledge you get in each course and to introduce you to the profession. Your classes will be a mix of classroom lectures, labs, and clinic time.
Foundational knowledge and skills will be developed in:
- Behavioral sciences
- Biomedical sciences
- Oral health sciences
- Dental assisting theory and practice streams
You will integrate learning from all four streams and understand the relevance of foundational learning to dental assisting. You will also have the opportunity to experience the Simulation Lab and Oral Health Clinic, where you can apply your knowledge in laboratory and clinical settings, respectively.
This course educates students on patient assessments, findings, and related procedures. You will integrate learning from all four streams to apply your knowledge in various lab and pre-clinical settings, building on your foundational learning.
This course builds on the foundational knowledge by emphasizing patient care and clinical procedures.
This course focuses on the ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate dental assisting procedures and patient care procedures. You will continue to apply foundational knowledge by assisting fellow students and patients within the Oral Health clinic and applying your skills to peers in a clinical environment.
The emphasis of this course is for you to apply behavioural, biomedical, oral health sciences and dental assisting theory and practice into clinical practice. You will apply your knowledge in office administration, treat patients in the Oral Health Clinic, and participate in an external practicum in a private dental practice.
University Difference
Our students have the advantage of receiving a quality education that a top 100-ranked, world-class university has to offer, alongside the benefits of a close-knit faculty and student/alumni community.
Our programs are among the best in Canada, and our faculty are recognized worldwide for their research and passion for teaching.
Our modern facilities include the only full-service student dental clinic in Alberta. In the second half of your program, you will practice in this real-world clinic with real patients alongside future dentists, dental hygienists, and specialists, giving you confidence as you move into your practicum and the industry.
Requirements
High School Applicants
These applicants are:
- Currently attending or have completed high school, AND
- Have not taken any post-secondary courses after graduation
A minimum grade of 65% in each of the following subjects:
- English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2
- Two of the following:
- Biology 30
- Chemistry 30
- Science 30
- One of the following:
- Math 30-1
- Math 30-2
- Pure Math 30
- Applied Math 30
Post-secondary Transfer Applicants
These applicants have either:
- Taken one or more post-secondary courses, OR
- Completed a degree
High school courses can be substituted with post-secondary equivalents, with a grade of C+ or above. The eligible courses are:
- English or writing (3 units)
- Biology (3 units)
- Chemistry (3 units)
- Any science (3 units)
- Mathematics or statistics (3 units)
Learn more about admission selection, program costs and more
Experience Our Unique Clinical Rotations
Student feedback underscores the impact of clinical rotations and is regularly cited as the program's highlight by graduates. Our 134-seat Oral Health Clinic creates a positive learning experience by providing quality oral health care that leaves students feeling confident in their skills. You will work with real patients, faculty from all dental professions, and assist students in various programs, exposing you not only to your scope of practice but also to the wider profession.
Clinical rotations start halfway through the program, happen multiple times a week, and are spaced out to align with your classroom learning. You will not begin your practicum without already experiencing real-world rotations in:
- Assisting with undergraduate and graduate student procedures
- Assisting in preventive care with pediatric patients
- Sterilizing with industrial equipment
- Operating CBCT machines
- Providing clinical services administration
Being a Dental Assistant
When you visit the dentist, the person you might actually spend the most time with is the dental assistant. They have specialized skills heavily relied on in dental offices to ensure the clinic runs smoothly and efficiently.
Responsibilities include:
- Supporting dentists, hygienists and specialists during dental procedures
- Performing sterilization and infection prevention and control procedures
- Providing pre-operative and post-operative instructions to patients
- Capturing and processing radiographs
- Assisting with restorations
- Taking impressions and creating laboratory models
- Preparing treatment rooms, dental instruments and materials
- Preparing patients for treatment
- Scheduling patients and other administrative duties
Average Salary
$52,400 per year*
*Source: Government of Alberta, Occupations in Alberta
Employers include:
General or specialist oral health-care offices, such as:
- Dentistry
- Dental hygiene
- Orthodontics
- Periodontics
- Prosthodontics
- Oral surgery
- Endodontics
- Pediodontics (pediatric dentistry)
- Dental equipment and supply companies
- Educational and research institutions
- Insurance
- Dental public health
Designations
Dental assisting is a regulated profession in Alberta. Graduates are eligible to write the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) exam, which must be successfully completed to register with the College of Alberta Dental Assistants and practice in Alberta.
Apply Now
See admissions information for application deadlines, admission requirements, admission selection, program costs and more. All applicants are in open competition for the available seats. Seats are not filled in the order applications are received.
Questions?
Contact dentistry admissions:
admissions.dentistry@ualberta.ca
780-492-1319