Willis College
Dental Radiography (HARP Approved)
Willis College is Proud to Offer Dental Radiography
Program Length:
4 weeks
Credential:
- ON Certificate
Program Hours:
75
Cost per Credit:
$
Online Learning:
N/A
Start Dates
September 7, 2026
October 12, 2026
November 9, 2026
Job-Ready
October 3, 2026
November 7, 2026
December 5, 2026
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Willis College is Proud to Offer Dental Radiography
This program does not require approval under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.
(HARP APPROVED CERTIFICATION)
The Dental Radiography Harp Certification course will allow a qualified healthcare professional to expose, process, and mount dental radiographic images following HARP certification guidelines under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.
Own or manage a dental clinic? Discover how Willis College can support your clinic through upskilling, practicums and recruitment Click here to learn more.
Within 75 hours of a combination of a self-directed, college-paced theory course (40 hours) and an Instructor-led practical course (35 hours), you will earn your Dental Radiography HARP Approved Certification. The 35 hours of practical application will be conducted at our Willis College Dental Lab in Ottawa. Theory content will be accomplished online. Students will be expected to attend the Ottawa campus Dental Lab for practical training and assessment. This takes place over a series of five classes.
This program does not require approval under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.
$25.00
Average Wage/HR$30.00
High Wage/HRProgram Outline
Please click on the course title to see the course description.
This theory-based, self-directed course prepares the dental assistant to expose and process intra-oral and extra-oral dental radiographic images according to HARP standards. The dental assistant will be introduced to basic physics and principles of radiography, safety precautions, quality assurance protocols and the operation of the dental x-ray unit. Instruction will be provided on recognizing dental errors and solving problem situations, along with patient education and management. This course will provide the dental assistant with the theoretical knowledge to apply during the clinical practical courses, DRP1 and DRP2.
These hands-on courses prepare the students to expose, process and mount intra-oral and extra-oral dental radiographic images according to HARP standards. A review of the basic physics and principles of radiography, safety precautions and the operation of the dental x-ray unit will be provided. Within the dental lab setting, the dental assistant will expose digital radiographic images using Paralleling and Bisecting techniques on radiography manikins under the direct supervision of the HARP Approved Clinical Instructor. Instruction will be provided on recognizing dental errors and solving problem situations, patient education and management. Quality assurance procedures are emphasized as well as observation of all safety protocols.
Job Market
Due to the rising number of dental practices across Ontario, there is now a shortage of dental assistants in the province. According to jobbank.gc.ca, the outlook for dental assistants projects growth for the following number of years. Upon successfully completing the HARP certification, students will be awarded a certificate recognizing the HARP requirements to administer X-rays in a dental setting.
Admissions Requirements
In order to ensure that graduates can be successful in this program, applicants must satisfy the admissions requirements in education, experience, and language.
Education
Applicants must have a minimum amount of education to enroll in the program:
- Minimum of a High School Diploma or complete an alternative admission test (Willis College uses Wonderlic SLE or SLE-Q)
Experience
Applicants must have a minimum amount of theoretical and practical experience within the dental profession. This can be proved through one of the following:
- Foreign Dental Degree (eg. DDS or equivalent)
- RN or RPN degree
- Dental Assistant Level I diploma
- Experience working in a dental office for 3 years
Language
Applicants must be able to demonstrate an ability to study in English. At the discretion of the College, a language test may be required.
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Frequently Asked Questions
HARP stands for Holders of Annual Renewal Permit. In Ontario, the Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act requires that any dental professional taking x-rays must hold a valid HARP certificate. Willis College offers an approved HARP dental radiography certification course.
The HARP Dental Radiography course at Willis College is a short certification program designed to fit around your work schedule. Contact Willis College for current scheduling and start dates.
Any dental assistant or dental hygienist in Ontario who takes dental x-rays (radiographs) is legally required to hold a valid HARP certificate under the Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act. Dental offices are responsible for ensuring their staff are certified.
This program is an excellent fit for:
- This certificate course will allow a qualified health care professional to expose, process and mount dental radiographic images following HARP guidelines under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.
Why choose the Dental Radiography (HARP Approved) program?
- Theory content will be accomplished online!
- 35 hours of practical application will be conducted at our Willis College Dental Lab in Ottawa.
Save time & money
- Finish most programs and become job-ready in less than a year!
- Get the skills you need to get hired with programs that cut the extras and give you the skills you need to get hired.
- With career support for life with Willis College, our experts will help find you employment no matter how long ago you graduated.
- You don't need three to four years of school to enter the workforce with the skills to start a great paying career!
Exceptional flexibility
- Learn online with instructor-led programs that will prepare you for the career of your dreams.
- On-Campus program availability is also an option for select programs in Ottawa.
- Start school NOW with most program intakes happening every six weeks (no need to wait!)
- No waiting lists, even in our most-popular programs. We'll get you the job training you need to start your career ASAP.
Career-relevant education
- Our programs are programs aligned with real-world, in-demand occupations. We will get you job-ready!
- Most Willis College programs include practicum experience so you can hit the job search running with a great education AND experience.
- Willis College has 160 years of skills training excellence.
- We have real relationships with employers who are waiting to hire qualified Willis College graduates!
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What Our Graduates Are Saying
Willis College is so flexible for students! My program allowed me to complete all my courses online. I got to choose when I wanted to attend my live lectures which was incredibly helpful around my daily life. This program made it possible for me to pursue a career as a single mom!
Taylor McElroy
Veterinary Medical Assistant