Prepare yourself for a career in a sector of health care that’s expected to offer excellent job opportunities. Dental assistant schools can offer you the training needed to activate bright employment prospects.
The Canadian Dental Assistants Association estimates that over 25,000 dental assistants practice in Canada. And the vast majority have received their certification or license with help from an accredited training program. As a dental assistant, options for work settings include private dentist offices, hospitals, and regional health clinics.
Get tips on choosing the right school and read more about this field by checking out the detailed FAQ section on dental assisting training and careers. Or start your journey now by using the convenient postal code-based search tool below to help you discover a nearby school!
Dental Assistant Schools
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Sprott Shaw College
Abbotsford, BC
Chilliwack, BC
East Vancouver, BC
Maple Ridge, BC
New Westminster, BC
Richmond, BC
Surrey, BC
Vancouver – Pender, BC
- Dental Assistant
Medix College
Brampton, Ontario
Scarborough, Ontario
Toronto, Ontario
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Dental Assisting FAQs
Are There Prerequisites For Dental Assistant Programs in Canada?
To begin most dental assistant programs, you must have completed high school and have some familiarity with biology and chemistry. Some programs will also require a current Level C CPR certification.
What Will I Learn in a Dental Assistant Program?
Once you have been admitted to a dental assisting program, you will take general courses in nutrition, professional ethics, anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry. These courses will be supported by core courses such as orofacial anatomy, general and oral microbiology, dental radiology, dental health education, and clinical practice.
You should be well prepared to take the certification and license examinations when you complete your program.
What are the Certification and Licensing Requirements for Dental Assistants?
Certification and licensing requirements for dental assistants in Canada vary by province. In most regulated jurisdictions, aspiring dental assistants must complete an accredited dental assisting program and obtain certification through the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB).
The NDAEB administers the national certification examination for dental assistants. In most Canadian jurisdictions, an NDAEB certificate is required for registration, certification, or licensure. Regulatory requirements are overseen by the Canadian Dental Assisting Regulatory Authorities (CDARA), and requirements may differ depending on where you plan to work.
Some provinces may require additional registrations, credentials, or assessments. Before enrolling in a dental assistant program, it is a good idea to review the requirements of the regulatory authority in the province where you intend to practice.
What is the Job Outlook for Dental Assistants in Canada?
According to Job Bank:
- The placement rate for dental assistants is strong, and the unemployment rate within this sector in Canada is quite low.
- The median annual salary for dental assistants in Canada is $56,160 as of June 2026, although wages vary based on province, experience, and employer.
- The field is dominated by women, with 98% of dental assistant positions in Canada filled by women.
What Does a Dental Assistant Do?
The duties required of a dental assistant include, but are not limited to:
- Gathering and registering patient information
- Organizing dental instruments and equipment
- Facilitating patient care
- Preparing dental materials
Other duties may include:
- Providing emergency care to patients
- Diagnosing oral problems
- Preparing a plan of treatment
- Fitting fixed or removable dental appliances
- Managing patient records
- Managing patient care during dental procedures
Find the Right Dental Assistant School for You
In order to work toward a position as a professional in this promising field, you must look for a school that can prepare you to become licensed and certified. Dental assisting programs strive to do this by teaching the essentials of the field, such as how to prepare patients for procedures and maintain their records. You could even learn to take on more advanced responsibilities like performing and processing x-rays.
Training to become a dental assistant can lead you to good long-term job prospects, steady employment, and a good income. The first step on this career path is choosing the school that will best suit your needs as a student and best prepare you for the specialization you wish to take on.
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