Dental Aide

The Dental Aide program is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge necessary for a rewarding career within the dental field. 

Recognizing the pivotal role dental aides play in the efficient functioning of dental clinics, the comprehensive curriculum encompasses a multifaceted approach to oral healthcare.

Throughout the program, students will learn fundamental dental subjects including anatomy, dental anatomy, infection prevention and control procedures, patient treatment protocols and the organizational dynamics of a dental practice including the collaborative dynamics of an oral healthcare team. Upon completion of the program students will possess a well-rounded understanding of various facets of dentistry, positioning them as competent professionals prepared to contribute meaningfully to a dental office.

Career and salary information

Your career

Dental aides are integral members of dental clinics, providing vital support to other staff members in the seamless operation of the practice. Their responsibilities encompass a diverse range of tasks, including helping set up for dental procedures, maintaining stringent infection control measures within the operatory, ensuring the sterilization of instruments and fulfilling various administrative and reception duties. Some dental aides may work within community health settings.

Part-time delivery

To graduate and receive a credential for this program, part-time students must apply to the program and be admitted prior to taking any courses. To register for individual courses, please view the part-time offerings available in the Courses section below.

Admissions

Admission requirements

  • Grade 12 with a minimum 70% in Biology 30 and a minimum overall average of 70% in English Language Arts A30, English Language Arts B30, Biology 30, and the highest grade in either Foundations of Math 20, Foundations of Math 30, or Pre-Calculus 30* 
  • English Language Requirement

Note

  • Accepted applicants are required to take Standard First Aid and CPR Heartsaver "C" AED or equivalent prior to beginning the Dental Aide program and must be current for the year of the program.
  • Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of 2015 Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS) Globally Harmonized System (GHS) certification upon admission into the program. Recertification will be required every three years to remain current. The cost of WHMIS certification is the student’s responsibility.

Previous Saskatchewan mathematics requirement also accepted:

  • Highest grade in a 20 or 30 level math

ACCUPLACER©

Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Alternative Admission using Accuplacer.

For Special Admission purposes: Grade 12, or GED, or equivalent is required in addition to ACCUPLACER.

Post-secondary

Some programs allow applicants to meet the admission grade level requirement using 15 approved post-secondary credits. Review additional information.

If the program applied to has specific course requirements, they may be met through alternative post-secondary courses. Review already approved courses that may be used for admission purposes for your programs.

Admission method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake. 

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year. 

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as approximate cost for books and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program.

2024-25 academic year

$10,460

Courses

Student awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

More about scholarships

Dental Hygiene

Dental Assisting

Dental Therapy