Dental Assisting

Admission requirements

Application dates

• Spring 2023 start: applications are open from June 13, 2022, until March 30, 2023.
• Fall 2023 start: applications are open from Oct. 5, 2022, until Aug. 18, 2023.

Program requirements

Completion of the following courses or equivalents with an overall average of at least 60%:

• Math 30-1 or Math 30-2, 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. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions. Find more information here.

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.

• 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.

You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.

 This program meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for international students as long as the student is enrolled in the on-campus delivery mode or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for the blended option). International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the admission process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. 

We recommend you add hps.info@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages. 

Additional requirements

Student information and dental health examination are 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

First year

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

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

The opportunity to advance your education through transfer in, within or on from SAIT is available. Visit transfer options to learn more.

Costs 2022/23

Domestic tuition and fees

Cost per credit: $198

International tuition and fees

Cost per credit: $581.63

_{*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.}

SAIT fees

• Campus athletic and recreation fee: $294
• Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
• Student support fee: $300
• Student technology fee: $300

Saitsa fees

Student Association fee

• Maximum: $436.50

This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.

Health and dental fees

• Health plan: $127
• Dental plan: $135

Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.

For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.

Books and supplies*

Books, supplies and uniforms are approximately $1,500.

Personal protective equipment (Rx safety glasses, face shields) may range from $100 - $750 depending on individual requirements.

For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.

Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practicum, including pre-practicum requirements as outlined by the program, and relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary.

Additional fees 

• 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.
• The National Dental Assisting Examining Board exam fee is approximately $450. The College of Alberta Dental Assistants' annual dues are approximately $300.
• CPRS 001 BLS Provider (Level C) CPR course. Annual update required (CPRS 002 BLS Renewal [Level C] CPR). 
• 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.

Learn more 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.

Get started on pre-orientation requirements

Orientation

Program orientation (ORNT 118) will take place on campus on Aug. 31. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.

Learn more about campus orientation.

How to register for classes

Course registration opens on Tuesday, Nov. 15 for Winter 2023.

You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.

Learn more about how to register and the different registration methods used at SAIT.

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.

Dental health form

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 patient care clinic.

Required personal protective equipment (PPE) and uniform

The industry-approved PPE and uniform you'll need will be discussed during your orientation.

Personal protective equipment will be $50 or higher depending on individual requirements. Dental assistants must wear safety glasses or face shields during dental procedures. Glasses must have solid side shields and cannot be regular prescription glasses. Prescription lenses can be placed in safety glass frames, or the dental assistant can wear safety glasses which fit over prescription glasses or a face shield over safety glasses.

Preparation courses

To support your success, short courses are available to you to help 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.  

Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.

They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca. 

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.

Important Dates