Watch video
Next information session
There are no events scheduled for this program. Please visit the link below to see all upcoming and on-demand information sessions.
This program will be delivered in a blended format (OA, OS, OR and OF/CLAS) for the Fall 2021 semester.
Some courses will be delivered online while others occur on-campus.
Learn more about our course delivery options
Overview
Learn to educate dental patients and assist dentists and hygienists in chair-side procedures by becoming a dental assistant for private dental clinics, specialists’ offices or health centres.
The Dental Assisting program focuses on patient-centred care in support of improving oral health as a key to personal health and well-being.
As vital members of the dental health team, dental assistants work in private dental clinics, specialists’ offices and community health centres. Skills and content covered include clinic operations, chair-side procedures, intra-oral procedures, patient education and interpersonal skills.
The program is divided into two 15-week semesters and one eight-week semester. Students are required to attend classes on SAIT campus for this program. Classroom learning is integrated into a dental clinic setting. The clinical components include patient education, radiographs, selective rubber cup polishing and fluoride application.
This program includes one unpaid four-week practicum in the third semester at a dental office which may be outside of Calgary. Students in this program require access to a personal computer and the internet to facilitate the completion of required online courses.
Is this the right fit for me?
Students with higher secondary or post-secondary marks usually experience greater success in SAIT programs.
Basic computer skills are advantageous to dental assistants. Students who experience success in this program have effective communication skills in English. Health care practitioners are detail-oriented in the care they provide and enjoy working in a team environment.
Accreditation
The Dental Assisting program delivered by SAIT is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.
Credentials
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Dental Assisting certificate.
Graduates must write the National Dental Assisting Examining Board examination to be registered in Alberta. Graduates are licensed by the College of Alberta Dental Assistants as Registered Dental Assistants once they have passed the National Dental Assisting Examining Board examination.
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities as a registered dental assistant in:
- private dental clinics
- specialist offices
- community health centres
Related careers include:
- dentist
- dental hygienist
- dental technologist
Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $8,655
Year 1 (International): $24,259
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Full costs
Tuition and financial aid
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications for fall 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020 until Aug. 20, 2021.
- Applications for spring 2022 open June 14, 2021 until March 31, 2022.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 | June 24, 2022 |
| Spring 2022 | May 9, 2022 | Feb.23, 2023 |
SAIT's Dental Assisting program
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.This 10-month certificate program prepares dental assistants in the skills of clinic operations, chair-side procedures, intra-oral procedures, patient education and interpersonal skills to enable them to become effective members of the dental health team.
Admission Requirements
Admission and selection
- Fall 2021 start: applications are open Oct. 7, 2020, until Aug. 20, 2021.
- Spring 2022 start: applications are open June 14, 2021 until March 31, 2022.
Admission requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents with an overall average of at least 60%:
- Math 30-1 or Math 30-2 or Pure Math 30 or Applied Math 30, and,
- English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2, and,
- Biology 30, and,
- Chemistry 30.
- All applicants to SAIT must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Dental Assisting and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Log in to mySAIT.ca to check your admission status and monitor changes to your application status.
Communication during selection
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add hps.info@sait.ca and the sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Additional requirements
Student information and dental health examination required by the first day of class.
Practicum requirements
The School of Health and Public Safety has many practica partners located within Alberta and across Canada. Practicum placements in Calgary are limited and students may be required to relocate outside of Calgary for practicum.
Successful candidates will be informed of the allocation of their practicum placement by the program. There is no guarantee that students will be placed at their desired practicum location. Special considerations of personal circumstances will not be given in regard to assigning practicum placements.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, successful candidates will be requested to provide proof of the following requirements:
- Current Heart and Stroke Foundation Health Care Provider Level (C) CPR
- Updated immunization records
- Security clearance - Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Check
- Health and wellness status
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Semester 1
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| DENT-201 | Clinical Foundations | 1.5 |
| DENT-202 | Preventive Procedures I | 3.0 |
| DENT-206 | Restorative Procedures I | 3.0 |
| DENT-207 | Dental Emergencies & Records | 3.0 |
| DENT-237 | Oral Anatomy & Histology | 3.0 |
| INFC-215 | Infection Prevention & Control | 1.5 |
| XRAY-200 | Dental Radiography I | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 total | 18.0 | |
Semester 2
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| DENT-227 | Dental Specialties I | 1.5 |
| DENT-252 | Prosthodontics I | 3.0 |
| DENT-262 | Preventive Procedures II | 1.5 |
| DENT-263 | Practice Management | 3.0 |
| DENT-276 | Restorative Procedures II | 1.5 |
| NUTR-230 | Nutrition | 1.5 |
| XRAY-250 | Dental Radiography II | 1.5 |
| Semester 2 total | 13.5 | |
Semester 3
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| DENT-278 | Prosthodontics II | 1.5 |
| DENT-294 | Dental Specialties II | 1.5 |
| DENT-297 | Preventive Procedures | 3.0 |
| PRAC-278 | DA Practicum | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 total | 9.0 | |
| Program total | 40.5 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Transfer options
Once completed, this SAIT credential may be eligible for transfer credit at another post-secondary institution. Visit Transfer Options to learn more about the transfer agreements currently available to SAIT graduates and incoming students.
Have questions? Write to us at transfer.options@sait.ca.
Costs
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7,322 | $793.20 | $288.77 | $252 | $8,655 |
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22,926 | $793.20 | $288.77 | $252 | $24,259 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $183.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $150
Student technology fee: $150
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $252
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
- CPRS 001 BLS Provider (Level C) CPR course. Annual update required (CPRS 002 BLS Renewal [Level C] CPR). All CPR courses must be from the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Call SAIT Life Support Training at 403.210.4009 for further information.
- Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practicum including relocation costs.
- There is a fee associated with obtaining a Police Information Check (including Vulnerable Sector Check), payable to the police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
- National Dental Assisting Examining Board exam fee is approximately $450.
- College of Alberta Dental Assistants annual dues are approximately $300.
- Books, supplies and uniform are approximately $1,500.
- Personal protective equipment (Rx safety glasses, face shields) may range from $100 - $750 depending on individual requirements.
- Students must have their immunizations reviewed by the SAIT Health Clinic. There is a $75 charge to review vaccine history. Any vaccines to be administered will result in additional charges.
- There is a fee, approximately $50-$100, associated with an Electronic Student Permit Checking submission which is required for clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
- For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
✅ Plan ahead ❗️
You are required to complete several health, confidentiality and consent forms before starting your program. All completed and signed paperwork is needed on orientation day.
Ensure you complete all three steps below ahead of orientation.
Fall 2021
Orientation
Your program orientation will take place on Aug.31. Watch your inbox for the time and location.
Learn more about our SAIT-wide orientation activities.
We are expecting to meet you at student orientation. Important program information is discussed to ensure you are prepared to begin classes that begin on day one. Orientation is a mandatory part of your learning experience to ensure student success.
How to register for classes
You'll follow an adjustable block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required forms
Your dentist will need to complete the following dental health form. Please email your completed for to julie.mcruvie@sait.ca on orientation day.
Required certification
Practicum placements and patient care clinics require students to provide proof of completion of the Heart and Stroke Basic Life Support (BLS)Provider course. Students need to maintain current BLS certification throughout the practicum. Proof of completion must be provided to the school of Health and Public Safety prior to the first practicum visit or patientcare clinic.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE) and uniform
The industry-approved PPE and uniform you'll need will be discussedduring your orientation.
Personal protective equipment will be $50 or higher depending onindividual requirements. Dental assistants must wear safety glasses or faceshields during dental procedures. Glasses must have solid side shields andcannot be regular prescription glasses. Prescription lenses can be placedin safety glass frames, or the dental assistant can wear safety glasseswhich fit over prescription glasses or a face shield over safety glasses.
Preparation courses
To support your success, you’ll be automatically registered in two short courses to prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.