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?
Job expectations for success in this profession include:
- fine motor skills
- critical thinking
- communication (e.g. verbal, reading, writing, and listening)
- able to participate in classroom, lab, and practicum activities as scheduled by the program
- able to work well under stress
- able to use technology
- attention to detail
- able to maintain professional behaviour; emotional self-regulation
- able to wear Personal Protective Equipment for extended periods of time
- able to work extended hours, including nights and/or weekends and shift work
- able to tolerate the sight of human blood and tissue
- able to meet the physical demands of the job (e.g. spend most hours working on your feet, walking, repetitive bending, repetitive tasks)
- able to tolerate latex and disinfection chemicals
- able to sit for long periods of time (3-4 hours)
- comfortable with performing patient care procedures which may be sensitive or performed in close proximity
Prospective students are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for Dental Assistants, as well as the governing body’s competency profile for the profession, to ensure that they are able to successfully demonstrate the skills required to achieve all the competency-based objectives for the program and profession.
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
Estimated cost per year:
Domestic total 2023/24
- Year 1: $10,494.50
International total 2023/24
- Year 1: $26,057.03
Final costs are dependent on the number of courses a student takes per semester.
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
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
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.
Additional requirements
- Student information and dental health examination are required by the first day of class.
All applicants 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.
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
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 the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through mySAIT.ca.
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.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year end date |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2022 | May 9, 2022 | Feb. 23, 2023 |
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | June 30, 2023 |
| Spring 2023 | May 8, 2023 | Feb. 22, 2024 |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | April 28, 2024 |
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
Open Studies courses available
Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies.
Open Studies is a great way to explore a certain subject before diving into the full program. See what courses are offered by finding this program on the Open Studies courses tab.
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.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
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.
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
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.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year. *
Domestic students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | $8,464.50 | $1,262 | $768 | $10,494.50 |
International students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | $24,027.03 | $1,262 | $768 | $26,057.03 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic and international fee tables.
**.5 indicates a combination of full-time semester(s) and part-time semester(s) in the same academic year. In many cases, students are completing a practicum during their part-time semester. Part-time students are those taking less than nine (9) course credits in a semester.
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
Fees
Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)
Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
| Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
| SAIT fees | ||
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| UPass* | N/A | $160 |
| Total | $157 | $474 |
| Saitsa fees | ||
| Student association fee** | $16.22/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
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 your tuition and financial aid options
*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 March 1 through March 15 for Spring 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.
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.
