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.
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 an unpaid practicum at a dental office.
Is this the right fit for me?
Students who experience success in this program and profession:
- Have higher secondary and/or post-secondary grades
- Possess basic computer literacy
- Are effective at communication in the English language
- Are detail-orientated
- 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.
Get important updates about our health and medical programs
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*
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $9,931.50
International 2022/23
- Year 1: $25,468.52
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits a student takes per semester.
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 are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Applications for spring 2022 are open from June 14, 2021, until March 31, 2022.
- Applications for fall 2022 are open from Oct. 6, 2021, until Aug. 20, 2022.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year end date |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2022 | May 9, 2022 | Feb. 23, 2023 |
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | June 30, 2023 |
Dental Assisting
SAIT's one-year Dental Assisting certificate program will prepare you in the skills of clinic operations, chair-side procedures, intra-oral procedures, patient education and interpersonal skills to enable you to become an effective member of any dental health team.
Admission requirements
Application dates
- Spring 2022 start: applications are open from June 14, 2021, until March 31, 2022.
- Fall 2022 start: applications are open from Oct. 6, 2021, until Aug. 20, 2022.
Program 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. 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 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 admission
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 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
| 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
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer in, within or on from SAIT is available. Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2021/22
Domestic tuition and fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health and dental plan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7,322 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $8,655 |
International tuition and fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health and dental plan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22,926 | $1,045.20 | $287.77 | $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 of this time frame.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $183.20
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $310
- Student support fee: $150
- Student technology fee: $150
Health and dental fees
Domestic students
- Health plan: $122
- Dental plan: $130
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
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.
The National Dental Assisting Examining Board exam fee is approximately $450. College of Alberta Dental Assistants' annual dues are approximately $300.
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.
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 computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $198
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | $8,019 | $1,214 | $698.50 | $9,931.50 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $581.63
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | $23,556.02 | $1,214 | $698.50 | $25,468.52 |
*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*
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.
The National Dental Assisting Examining Board exam fee is approximately $450. The College of Alberta Dental Assistants' annual dues are approximately $300.
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.
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 computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
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.
Spring 2022
Orientation
Your program orientation will take place on the SAIT campus on Friday, May 6 from 9 am-noon. Watch your inbox for further details.
Learn more about campus orientation.
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 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, 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.
