Dental Assisting Certificate
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Looking for a career in health sciences?
If you're passionate about helping people and have an interest in dentistry, a career in dental assisting could be for you. Dental assisting is one of the fastest growing healthcare professions and new graduates are in high demand.
THE 10-MONTH DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM
The University of Alberta School of Dentistry is pleased to offer a new full-time 10-month Dental Assisting program.
This program is open to anyone who meets the minimum high school requirements.
The program has two intake cycles – one in August and one in April.
Students take courses covering oral facial science, dental materials, oral pathology, pharmacology, prosthodontics and other specialized dentistry topics.
Classroom learning is combined with clinical experiences working in the School of Dentistry’s Oral Health Clinic as well as a two-week practicum in a community dental practice.
WHAT DOES A DENTAL ASSISTANT DO?
When you visit the dentist, the person you might actually spend the most time with is the dental assistant.
Dental assistants have specialized skills and are heavily relied on in dental offices.
Some of the tasks dental assistants are responsible for include:
- scheduling patients
- preparing treatment rooms, dental instruments and materials
- preparing patients for treatment
- supporting dentists and hygienists during dental procedures
- performing 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
- sterilizing and maintaining equipment and supplies
- performing other administrative duties
Dental assistants also educate patients on oral health care and ensure the clinic runs smoothly and efficiently.
Dental assistants play many roles in a dental practice. It’s a client-focused, collaborative work environment. This makes attention to detail, the ability to work well in a team and good decision-making and communication skills a must.
WHY CHOOSE THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA?
The Dental Assisting program is complementary to our existing Dentistry and Dental Hygiene professional programs.
As a student, you will learn and develop skills working alongside future dentists and dental hygienists in the School of Dentistry’s Oral Health Clinic, with real patients in a real-world dental practice.
Inside the School of Dentistry, you’ll build valuable connections with soon-to-be dentists, faculty, and alumni, creating a professional network before you graduate.
Additionally, you will receive training from experienced professionals and practice in state-of-the-art facilities with the latest equipment and technology.
When you graduate, you’ll receive a dental assisting certificate from the highly respected University of Alberta School of Dentistry.
BY THE END OF THIS PROGRAM, YOU WILL:
- Gain confidence in your professional dental assisting skills and your communication, interpersonal, job search and employment skills.
- Be ready to work effectively in dental offices, performing authorized skills.
- Be able to competently assist with preventative, restorative, and specialty procedures.
- Have the knowledge to educate and counsel patients on oral health care, disease prevention and post-operative care.
- Know how to work collaboratively as part of a dental health care team.
DEMAND FOR NEW GRADUATES
Dental assisting is one of the fastest growing healthcare professions and new graduates are in high demand.
Watch: Shortage of dental assistants in Canada only going to get worse, experts say from Global News.
Visit the alis.alberta.ca website for current information on dental assistant salaries in Alberta.
CONTINUE TO GROW
Once you’ve received your certification and are working, you can continue to learn and add to your skills through continuing education courses for dental assistants.
APPLications are now open!
The application deadline for the fall 2024 intake is May 1, 2024 .
All applicants are in open competition for the available seats. Seats are not filled in the order applications are received.
See Admissions Information for deadlines, admission requirements, admission selection, program costs and more.
For questions, contact Dentistry Admissions at:
admissions@dentistry.ualberta.ca Phone: 780-492-1319