Dental Assisting
Health Studies
The Dental Assisting program is accredited and nationally recognized for its quality training.
Program theory is delivered to you in a classroom setting, and then you practise your skills in our dental lab, which includes fully functional dental operatories (working spaces) and digital radiography units.
The program has a ratio of approximately 10 students per instructor to ensure students receive the best guidance and expert advice. By the time you graduate, you will be competent in the entire core skill set recognized across Canada. With successful completion of the National Board Exam, you will be eligible for licensure in all Canadian provinces.
September 2026
Prince of Wales Campus
Program Length
1 Year
Credential
Certificate, Dental Assistant Level II
Canadian Tuition
International Tuition
Canadian Applicants
Waiting list
International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit
Waiting list
Other International Applicants
Waiting list
Notes:
This program has degree pathways, giving you the opportunity to receive credit for your Holland College diploma when you continue your education. For a complete list of agreements, visit the Degree Pathways page.
| Partner Institution | Credential | Details of Agreement |
|---|
Course Code:SAFE-1005
An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Prince Edward Island. Students examine the legislation, how PEI employees are protected while on the job and the responsibilities of employees and employers.
Credit Value:0
Course Code:ANAT-1105
Students are exposed to basic dental terminology, head and neck anatomy and physiology, the natural dentition, and the development of the teeth.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:DENT-1000
Students gain an overview of the dental assisting profession, including professionalism, effective communication, ethical and legal rights in the dental setting. Students gain a basic understanding of microbiology as it relates to infection control.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:DENT-1050
This course provides hands on training and offers students the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge while practicing in a clinical setting. Through role-playing and critical thinking exercises, students will gain knowledge of dental aesthetic, the application and removal of dental dams, matrix systems, and restorative procedures. Students will also apply knowledge of dental materials, dental handpieces, and restorative instruments through critical thinking and case study activities within the clinical setting.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:DENT-1100
Students will gain knowledge of dental anesthetic, the application and removal of dental dams, and various matrix systems. The course will also focus on providing students with a better understanding of dental materials and their uses, handpieces, restorative instruments, and restorative procedures.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:DENT-1105
Students gain competency in the skill of dental charting and managing information found within a patient chart. Students interpret information found within dental patient charts, transfer information delivered through verbal dictation into a patient chart and create graphic representations of existing and required treatment into a patient chart.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:DENT-1115
Students examine the oral disease process in order to teach patients about maintaining oral health. Students explore the importance of the interrelationships of nutrition to oral health and disease in order to assist dental clients in achieving optimum oral and general health.
Credit Value:4
Course Code:DENT-1200
Students gain knowledge and practical experiences related to basic dental office management. Students develop competencies in patient and office communications, appointment control, recall systems, patient accounts, dental claims, financial records, office corespondence, filing, and supply systems for the dental office setting.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:DENT-1205
Students focus on radiographic techniques as well as processing and mounting radiographs. Through a combination of theory and clinical experiences, students gain the knowledge and skills required to demonstrate the basic principles of radiography and safely operate radiography equipment.
Credit Value:4
Course Code:DENT-1210
Students examine various specialties in the dental field, inlcuding orthodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, and pedodontics.
Credit Value:5
Course Code:DENT-1215
Students take preliminary impressions and occlusal records and fabricate and trim dental models. Also, students fabricate custom trays, mouthguards, whitening trays and stents.
Credit Value:2
Course Code:DENT-1225
Students explore the importance of obtaining a detailed medical history and vital signs. They gain an understanding of medications and their possible interactions. Students interpret signs and symptoms of medical conditions that may lead to an emergency. Students acquire skills to assist with managing patients with special needs.
Credit Value:3
Course Code:DENT-1330
Students gain the knowledge and skills to provide patient care in specific areas such as vital whitening techniques, enamel sealants, desensitizing agents, anticariogenic agents, and coronal polish.
Credit Value:2
Course Code:PRAC-1105
Students observe procedures within a dental clinic as well as perform limited chairside skills. This practicum is designed for the student to integrate their knowledge and demonstrate competency in skills and knowledge gained thus far in the program.
Credit Value:1
Course Code:PRAC-1315
Through clinical experiences students build on learned and demonstrated completencies in coronal polish, anticariogenic agents, desensitizing agents, enamel sealants, and radiographs. Students provide dental clinic patients with oral health education and nutritional counseling.
Credit Value:2
Course Code:PRAC-1320
Students perform effectively as an Intra Oral Dental Assistant while exhibiting professional conduct in the work place. This practicum is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to integrate their knowledge and demonstrate competency in all skills gained throughout the program.
Credit Value:4
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
There are employment opportunities for graduates in Atlantic Canada and across the country.
The Holland College Dental Assisting program collaborates with local industry leaders, and educational organizations as well as National Dental Assisting organizations to ensure that graduates are able to meet all aspects of the profession of dental assisting.
Other dental-related courses are offered on an ongoing basis via distance delivery. For more information, refer to the Credit Courses page.
Having access to the same advanced tools and technology that we’ll be using in dental offices gives us the confidence and skills to ensure a smoother transition into our future careers. It means that when we graduate, we won’t just be ready for the workforce, we’ll be fully equipped to thrive in it.
Anika, class of 2026
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