Dental Assistant (Distance) Level I & II

Become a Dental Assistant

Program Length:

44 weeks

Total Credits:

Credential:

ON Diploma

Program Hours:

1150

Online Learning:

N/A

Next Registration Deadline

March 1, 2024

Start Dates

May 27, 2024

August 12, 2024

September 30, 2024

Job-Ready

April 25, 2025

July 11, 2025

August 22, 2025

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Become a Dental Assistant

As a student in the Dental Assisting (Distance) program, you will learn to assist the dentist in all dental procedures performed in a general dental practice. You will also learn to administer individualized patient education and treatment as outlined under the scope of practice for dental assistants practicing in Ontario. Successful completion of the program’s online, clinical, and work term components will qualify the student to receive their Willis College diploma. Students will also be required to write and successfully pass the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Examination.

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Job Market

Successful graduates of this program may pursue a wide variety of interesting and rewarding professions, including:

Chairside Dental Assistant
Intraoral Dental Assistant
Dental Receptionist
Dental Treatment Coordinator
Dental Educator (With Further Training)

Salary Information

Average Wage ($/hr): $22.00
High Wage ($/hr): $30.00
National Occupation Classification (NOC) for this program: 3411

Source: www.jobbank.gc.ca

Program Outline

Please click on the course title to see the course description.

This course will examine professionalism and the legalities of all members of the dental team and will enable students to understand the expectations of the profession and the workplace. Students will consider their role on the dental team, identify other members of the team, develop an appreciation for being affiliated with a profession, and learn how to use a problem-solving approach to deal with conflicts that may arise within the dental team.

The first section of this course will introduce students to the proper handling of hazardous chemicals, employee safety, and waste management. In addition, students will learn how to avoid musculoskeletal disorders commonly associated with dental assistance. In the second section, students are provided with the fundamental knowledge of the biomaterials commonly used in the dental environment. Lectures will cover the physical and manipulative characteristics of the various dental products and the Laboratory Practical Procedures course (LABP) will prepare students to correctly manipulate these diverse materials.

Students will be introduced to a wide variety of instruments and procedures used in dentistry. This component will assist students in developing the chairside working knowledge required to facilitate smooth interactions with the dentist to provide quality care for various procedures. Students will learn the theory and practical elements (CDEP) of restorative dentistry. Emphasis is placed on the Dental Assistant’s role in operative procedures, including chairside assisting and the implementation of the dental materials used in dentistry.

This theory-based course prepares Dental Assisting students to expose and process intra-oral and extra-oral dental radiographic images according to HARP standards. Students are 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 students with the theoretical knowledge to apply during the clinical practical courses, DRP1 and DRP2. Successful completion of this course, along with DRP1 and DRP2, will permit the student to fully participate in prescribed radiographic procedures within the dental office upon graduation.

This hands-on course prepares students to expose, process and mount intra-oral and extra-oral dental radiographic images according to HARP standards. Students will review the basic physics and principles of radiography, safety precautions, and the operation of the dental x-ray unit. Within the dental lab setting, students will expose digital radiographic images using Paralleling 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. Successful completion of this course, along with DRAT and DRP2, will permit the student to fully participate in prescribed radiographic procedures within the dental office upon graduation.

This hands-on course prepares students to expose, process and mount intra-oral and extra-oral dental radiographic images according to HARP standards. Students will review the basic physics and principles of radiography, safety precautions, and the operation of the dental x-ray unit. Within the dental lab setting, students will expose digital radiographic images using 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. Successful completion of this course, along with DRAT and DRP1, will permit the student to fully participate in prescribed radiographic procedures within the dental office upon graduation.

This course will cover the key competencies related to office practices and administrative responsibilities of the Dental Assistant. This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills related to basic dental reception procedures. Topics will include the organization and management of patient records, appointment control, dental claims, financial procedures, and the utilization of dental management computer software.

This course is designed to give students an overview of the various dental specialties. Students will learn the theory in conjunction with the practical skills (CSPE) relating to the various disciplines. The role of the Dental Assistant will be examined in relation to these specialties. Lectures, reading assignments, and laboratory projects (CSPE) will provide a basic understanding of specialties and their unique requirements within the dental office. This information permits the student to understand the importance and unique requirements of the dental knowledge and equipment used in the specialty practice.

This course will provide an opportunity for students to learn about and discuss techniques and skills required to assist patients in the prevention and control of disease and injury to the oral tissues. Emphasis is placed on communication skills and methods of assessing, implementing, and evaluating individualized hygiene. Students will also be able to apply the knowledge of proper nutrition by referencing Canada’s Food Guide.

This course will provide students with the skills required by an Intra Oral Dental Assistant to perform direct patient care. An ethical decision-making framework will enable students to utilize problem-solving skills to plan for and manage direct patient care and to respond to patient-specific needs as they relate to the clinical practice of an Intra Oral Dental Assistant. The in-house clinic will provide an environment for students to apply and adapt the knowledge and skills obtained.

This course will provide students with the skills required by an Intra Oral Dental Assistant to perform direct patient care. An ethical decision-making framework will enable the students to utilize problem-solving skills to plan for and manage direct patient care and to respond to patient-specific needs as they relate to the clinical practice of an Intra Oral Dental Assistant. The in-house clinic will provide an environment for students to apply and adapt the knowledge and skills obtained.

Students will study the mechanisms of human behaviour (including learning, memory, cognition, motivation, and emotion) in the dental environment and how client behaviour can be modified towards habits that foster improved oral health. Verbal and nonverbal communication techniques will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on using the communication skills learned to work as part of a team in planning and completing a presentation project. Job preparedness and professionalism will also be discussed, with an emphasis on preparing an appropriate resume and cover letter for the dental profession.

Admissions Requirements

Admission Requirements:
Canadian High School diploma or equivalent. Willis College Admission’s Team uses the Wonderlic assessment tool.
For Mature Students:
If you don’t have a High School Diploma, we have admissions options specifically for you depending on which province you are in enrolling. Please contact us to see how our Admissions Team can help you achieve your new career.
English Language Proficiency (TOFEL or IELT) for international students
A signed agreement (Dental Clinic Verification form) with a sponsoring dentist verifying two days (10 hours) per week clinical dental assisting experience in general dental practice for the duration of the program
Admission interview either in person or phone call – Before any student can be accepted into the Dental Assisting Distance program, they must submit the following documentation to Willis College:
Official transcripts and educational documents as required by their course or program
A Criminal Record Check (Vulnerable Sector) under the Criminal Records Review Act
Proof of a negative TB skin test within the past 4 months as well as a completed immunization report
A current “C” certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid, or paid proof of registration for this certification. It is the student’s responsibility to provide Willis College with this certification upon completion.
A current resume

*Mature student is defined as 19 years or older.

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This program is an excellent fit for:

Anyone who is looking to upgrade their skills and become a licensed dental assistant.
Someone is a people person and has great customer service skills.
A person looking for a fast-paced and exciting career.

Why choose the Dental Assistant (Distance) Level I & II program?

A combination of online and in-class learning.
Upgrade your skills and gain new opportunities if you already work in a dental office!
Lifetime support of career services!

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 Winnipeg and 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 wil 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 150 years of skills training excellence.
We have real relationships with employers who are waiting to hire qualified Willis College graduates!

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Related News

All News

Feb 12, 2024

No Relocation Needed: Dental Assistant (Distance) Program

What Our Graduates Are Saying

Online schooling was helpful in working around my schedule. It allowed me to gain the education I needed from the comfort of my own home. Despite online classes, you receive a quick response when help is needed.

Daphne Phillips

Addictions & Community Services Worker

Dental Assistant (Distance) Level I & II

Become a Dental Assistant

Become a Dental Assistant

Are you looking to host a student?

Job Market

Salary Information

Program Outline

Admissions Requirements

Related Programs

This program is an excellent fit for:

Why choose the Dental Assistant (Distance) Level I & II program?

Save time & money

Exceptional flexibility

Career-relevant education

Is financing the only thing stopping you from attending school? We can help.

Related News

No Relocation Needed: Dental Assistant (Distance) Program

What Our Graduates Are Saying

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