Dental assistants play many roles, from chair-side assisting to client education to office reception. It’s a client-focused, team-based work environment. This makes attention to detail, commitment to high standards, good decision-making skills and good communication skills a must.
Start date
AugustLength
40 weeksLocations(s)
ReginaAs part of a dental team, you’ll assist dentists, dental hygienists and dental therapists in the provision of quality care either in private dental practices or in various community-based settings such as health care or educational institutions.
International applicants are not currently considered for admission to this program.
Sask Polytech's nationally accredited, one-year Dental Assisting certificate program is offered at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Regina Campus. You’ll learn from experienced instructors using up-to-date dental equipment and techniques. You’ll develop knowledge and skills in:
- providing chair-side support for diagnostic, assessment, restorative and specialty procedures
- performing intra-oral procedures as specified by Saskatchewan legislation
- performing business and reception procedures
- counselling patients in regard to maintaining oral health
Are you a fit for our program?
- Self-directed:
- You take initiative and are proactive in your approach to learning and problem-solving.
- Critical thinker:
- You don’t just accept things at face value. You ask questions, evaluate evidence and make informed decisions.
- Efficient time manager:
- You’re adept at managing time efficiently to juggle multiple responsibilities.
- Excellent communicator:
- Whether in writing or speaking, you can convey complex ideas clearly and effectively. Your interpersonal skills make you a team player and a joy to work with.
- Detail-oriented and organized:
- You pay attention to the small details, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. Your organizational skills are top-notch, making you efficient and reliable.
- Thrives under pressure:
- A demanding workload in a fast-paced environment? That's where you shine! You have a track record of maintaining excellence even when the stakes are high.
- Practical application:
- Our hands-on training sessions require students to perform tasks that demand fine motor skills and precision.
Real world training
Learning environment
- 65 students accepted each year
- As a student, you will experience a combination of classroom, lab instruction, practicum placements and clinical in the newly renovated on-campus Dental Clinic.
- Our enclosed and individualized operatories, upgraded ventilation, lighting, dental chairs and equipment provide a great environment for both students and clients.
- Class hours are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily with 30-40 hours of homework each week outside of class time.
- All courses have an online course system, Brightspace, that provides powerful tools to help supplement your learning.
- Lab courses involve instructor demonstration, hands-on participation and peer group activities.
- Regular attendance is expected, as well as active participation in group work and effective course management.
Serve in the Canadian Armed Forces
Career and salary information
Your career
When you graduate, you’ll be qualified to work in many different settings including private dental offices, community health clinics, educational facilities, health care institutions and insurance and dental supply companies.
Potential careers
| Sample job title | NOC classification |
|---|---|
| Dental assistant (Registered, licensed or certified) | Dental assistants & dental laboratory assistants (33100) |
| Chairside assistant - dental | Dental assistants & dental laboratory assistants (33100) |
| Intra-oral dental assistant | Dental assistants & dental laboratory assistants (33100) |
| Dental clinical assistant | Dental assistants & dental laboratory assistants (33100) |
Admissions
Admission requirements
- Grade 12 with a minimum of 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* (For Special Admission purposes, Grade 12, or GED, or equivalent is required in addition to ACCUPLACER).
- English Language Requirement
Note
- Standard First Aid and CPR Heartsaver "C" AED or equivalent are required prior to entry into the Dental Assisting program and must be current to the year of the program.
- Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of 2015 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 your responsibility.
*Previous Saskatchewan mathematics requirement also accepted:
- Highest grade in a 20 or 30 level math
Alternative admission
Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through an alternative admission assessment. Applicants are automatically considered for alternative admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met.
ACCUPLACER©
Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Alternative Admission using Accuplacer.
- 250 Arithmetic
- 256 Reading
- 250 Writing
- 5 Writeplacer
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 AdmittedThe 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
$14,520
Courses
Get credit for what you know
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.
See link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.
Transfer credit
Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.
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.
Accreditation
Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada
This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada. As
a graduate, you’re eligible to write the National Dental Assisting Examining Board
exam. Examination success allows you to license with the Saskatchewan Dental Assistants’
Association as well as to work anywhere in Canada.
Dental Assisting program mission, mandate and goals
- The Dental Assisting program is an innovative and responsive program providing adults with dental assisting education which prepares them to participate fully in present and future career opportunities in the dental profession and the community at large.
- To provide students with the opportunity to develop the dental assisting knowledge
and skills:
- Which meet the requirements of the provincial licensing national certification bodies.
- Required to meet the oral health needs of clients and the community.
- Teamwork, collaboration and respect
- Excellence, advancement and innovation
- Diversity
- Success and academic accountability
- Continued professional development
- The goals of the Dental Assisting program are to educate dental assistants who will:
- Integrate basic dental and applied scientific knowledge into the performance of dental assisting duties;
- Use problem solving and self-evaluation skills to competently perform all the procedures for which they are formally educated;
- Assume and discharge dental assisting responsibilities in a professional manner;
- Appreciate the roles of, and work cooperatively with other members of the oral health team and other professionals.