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Overview
Our Dental Assisting program emphasizes patient-centered practices to enhance oral health and well-being.
Dental assistants are key players in the dental health team, and our program is tailored to ensure you’re ready to work in various settings, including private practices, specialist offices and community health centers.
You will combine classroom theory with hands-on learning in a dental clinic setting at SAIT campus.
In this program, you will:
- learn the principles of providing compassionate care that respects the individual needs of patients
- learn how to perform intra and extra-oral imaging
- perform laboratory procedures
- learn about infection prevention as well as control and safety protocols
- practice management skills
Attending your classes is mandatory to successfully complete the program. Your active involvement in both theoretical and practical sessions is expected.
At graduation, you will emerge as a skilled dental assistant, ready to positively impact patient health and confidently step into your professional role to meet the demands of the dental industry.
Dental assistants tend to be methodical, social and objective.
You need:
- attention to detail
- fine motor skills
- the ability to put patients at ease
- good communication and people skills
- the ability to remain calm under pressure
- critical thinking skills
- the ability to be organized and manage time well
- to be comfortable sitting for long periods
- the ability to work as part of a team
- professionalism and the ability to regulate your emotions
- to be comfortable around human blood and tissue
- knowledge of disease transmission and infection control.
Some dental assistants work extended hours and shifts, including nights and weeks.
You are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for dental assistants to ensure you can successfully meet the occupational requirements for the program and profession.
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring into this program or gain credit for previous postsecondary courses may be available.
There may also be opportunities to further your education once you graduate.
Learn more about program and institution transfer options.
In this program, you will complete a four-week practicum in a dental office, where you will apply the skills you have learned in class in a real-world setting.
You will be assigned practicum placements with consideration given to your preference of location. However, due to limited availability in Calgary, it might be necessary for you to travel or relocate outside the city.
Special considerations will not be accommodated. You will be responsible for covering the associated fees of the practicum, including entrance requirements, relocation, and travel costs.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, you will be required to provide specific documentation before you can participate in your practicum. Find out what requirements you need for this program.
Your pre-practicum requirements and dental health examinations are required by the first day of class.
The Dental Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.
Graduates must write the National Dental Assisting Examining Board exam to be registered in Alberta. Graduates are eligible to obtain a provisional licence upon completion of the program.
After successfully completing this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Dental Assisting certificate.
Careers and opportunities
Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni.
98% graduate employment rate
$48,230 average starting salary
Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 33100, 32111, 32112.
Career counselling and support
Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.
You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.
Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.
Services and workshopsCourses
The Dental Assisting certificate requires 40.5 credits (18 courses) to complete.
The program spans one year, with three semesters.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Clinical Foundations provides an overview of the armamentarium and procedures for general operations of a dental office and the SAIT Dental Clinic. |
1.5 |
|
Preventive Procedures 1 provides learners with theoretical knowledge and opportunities for developing the dexterity required to perform dental assisting preventive intra-oral skills. The theory component provides evidenced-based knowledge in preventive procedures, the etiology of dental diseases, patient education principles, anticarious agents and desensitization in relation to patient assessment and the process of patient care. The laboratory component provides a solid clinical foundation for performing dental inspections, selective coronal polishing, full mouth probing, fluoride treatments and the application of desensitizing agents. |
3 |
|
This course introduces the initial stages of a restorative dental procedure. Topics include the dental assistant's role, pain control, isolation techniques, instrumentation, dental liners, bases and matrices. These foundational skills will support students’ ability to explore additional elements of restorative procedures in more depth subsequently in the program. |
3 |
|
This course presents the basic principles of pharmacology. Learners will develop the skills to accurately obtain and record vital signs, investigate health histories, and identify and manage medical emergencies common to the dental environment. In addition, learners will critically analyze, maintain, and accurately complete dental records and clinical charts. Legal and ethical professional codes of conduct are also discussed concerning documentation and confidentiality. |
3 |
|
Dental Specialties 1 introduces the learner to various disciplines in dentistry. Learners will be exposed to orthodontic, pedodontic, endodontic and other specialty procedures through supporting theory and clinical observations. Pre-requisites:
|
1.5 |
|
This course introduces basic terminology related to the head, neck and oral cavity structures. Tooth structure, the function of dental tissues in health, and pathological conditions will be discussed. Learners will apply the theory of the dental care process in a lab setting. |
3 |
|
This course introduces dental assisting procedures for fixed prosthetics. Learners will have opportunities to work with materials associated with these procedures in the SAIT Dental Clinic and dental lab. Pre-requisites:
|
3 |
|
This course will provide clinical sessions for learners to develop competencies in assessing, implementing and evaluating preventive intra-oral services for patients. Learners will practice critical thinking skills in applying patient history, clinical observations, oral health education, rubber cup polish, desensitizing, and fluoride treatments. A dental assisting plan for treatment will be completed in each session to adapt dental assisting care to the patient's individual needs. Pre-requisites:
|
1.5 |
|
Practice Management provides an overview of dental office procedures and management skills, focusing on assisting learners in developing the skills required to be contributing team members. Topics will include conflict management, problem-solving, decision-making, developing patient/client relations, leadership and legal and ethical issues in the dental workplace. Pre-requisites:
|
3 |
|
Restorative Procedures 2 builds upon the basic restorative procedures covered in Restorative Procedures 1 and will introduce various types of restorative materials. |
1.5 |
|
Prosthodontics 2 introduces assisting procedures associated with removable prosthetics. Learners will develop competency working with materials involved in a removable prosthodontic procedure. Pre-requisites:
|
1.5 |
|
This course is a continuation of Dental Specialties 1 and provides additional knowledge of various disciplines of dentistry. The students will be exposed to periodontic and oral surgery procedures through supporting theory and clinical observation. Pre-requisites:
|
1.5 |
|
Preventive Procedures provides theory and clinical sessions for learners to attain competency in applying enamel sealants. Learners will use various isolation techniques to apply sealants on mannequins and patients. Other topics include self-evaluation and patient education. Pre-requisites:
|
3 |
|
The chain of infection and methods of preventing and controlling microorganisms, including blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), will be reviewed. Immunization, routine practice, additional isolation precautions, sterilization and disinfection, safety and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) are also covered. |
1.5 |
|
Nutrition examines the relationship between nutrition and dental health. Focus will be placed upon identifying patient needs and providing nutritional advice to support optimal oral/dental health. Pre-requisites:
|
1.5 |
|
DA Practicum requires learners to complete a four-week practicum in a dental office where they will apply their learning and skills in a dental setting. Focus will be placed on patient-centered care and becoming practice-ready. Pre-requisites:
|
3 |
|
Dental Radiography 1 presents theoretical considerations underlying dental radiologic practices. Techniques for exposing various radiographs and the processing and mountings of films will be covered. Emphasis will be placed on radiation hygiene and safety procedures. |
3 |
|
Dental Radiography 2 allows learners to develop competency and efficiency when providing radiographic services for clients in a clinical setting. Pre-requisites:
|
1.5 |
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 >
Explore your options!
Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies. You can complete courses via Open Studies to get a head start on your education, reduce your course load once accepted into a credentialed program, or determine which career path best suits you before you fully commit.
You may also take courses for general interest or personal and professional development.
Available Open Studies coursesAdmission requirements
Applicants educated in Canada
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and complete 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.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.
Student information and dental health examinations are required by the first day of class.
All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English Language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.
SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
Academic Upgrading
Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.
Upgrade
English language proficiency
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
Learn moreAvailable intakes
Spring 2024
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Closed
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Application deadline: Feb. 23, 2024
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- International students: Closed
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Application deadline: Jan. 22, 2024
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Fall 2024
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Closed
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Application deadline: June 28, 2024
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- International students: Closed
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Application deadline: May 28, 2024
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Costs
2024/25 tuition and fees
The following estimated costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.
Domestic students
*You will be ineligible for the UPass during the third semester of your first year.
*You will be ineligible for the UPass during the third semester of your first year.
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
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 is required this term.
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 cost $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.
Additional fees
- A fee is associated with obtaining a Police Information Check, payable to the police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
- The National Dental Assisting Examining Board exam fee is approximately $730. The College of Alberta Dental Assistants’ annual dues, including insurance, is approximately $400.
- 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.
- A fee of approximately $50 – $100 is associated with an Electronic Student Permit Checking submission required for clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
2023/24 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective until June 30, 2024.
Domestic students
Financial aid
Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.
Learn more
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
Application process
Ready to apply?
Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.
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.
Begin your application
Apply now using the online application portal.
Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants or $150 for international applicants.
Apply nowInformation sessions
Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details to decide your future path.
Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:
- What sets SAIT apart
- An introduction to the program and area of study
- Admission requirements
- Future career paths
- Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.
Contact us
School of Health and Public Safety Advising
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Phone - 403.284.8500
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Email - hps.info@sait.ca
International Student Advising
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Phone - 403.284.8852
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Email - international@sait.ca
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