Dental Assisting banner image Dental Assisting banner image Dental Assisting banner image

Dental Assisting


Start Date: September


Location: Prince of Wales Campus


Length: 1 Year


Credential: Certificate, Dental Assistant Level II


Program Availability: Fall 2024 Term

Canadian Applicants: Waiting list

International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit: Waiting list

Other International Applicants: Closed


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.

We collaborate 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.

This program is located in the Charlottetown Centre Take a virtual tour

PROGRAM OUTCOME STATEMENTS


The Holland College Dental Assisting program offers current theoretical and practical training designed to graduate dental assistants who display competence consistent with all skills required to work safely, effectively and ethically within a dental practice. Graduates will be able to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitudes required by industry for entry level dental assistants to ensure consistent safety and competency in dental practice.

The Holland College Dental Assisting program develops graduates who are able to:

  1. Maintain a safe environment for both patients and co-workers
  2. Display professional conduct appropriate to a dental setting
  3. Compile and maintain patient records
  4. Apply principles of practice management in a dental professional setting
  5. Demonstrate competence in all Intra Oral Dental Assisting core national skills
  6. Provide instruction regarding disease prevention, post-operative care, nutritional counseling and oral health education to patients and community groups
  7. Perform required dental laboratory procedures as a member of the dental health care team
  8. Maintain patient care clinic and laboratory equipment to prescribed health and safety standards

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.

  • Grade 12 or equivalent with credits at or above the general level
  • Grade 12 academic English, minimum of 65%
  • Grade 11 or 12 academic biology, minimum of 65%
  • Standard First Aid and CPR Level Certificate from a recognized First Aid/CPR providerThis training must be taken in person, NOT online.
  • Completion of Immunization Verification Form  (required after acceptance) (This is a PDF and will open in a new window)
  • Current Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS) Certificate
  • Résumé including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates, membership in groups, associations or athletics, awards and distinctions, and any other information about yourself relevant to the program
Notes:
  • If you are accepted to this program, you can book your immunizations through our Health Clinic. To book an appointment, please email npclinic@hollandcollege.com or call 902-566-9392. You will need your health card and your vaccination record.
  • We recommend that you spend a day observing in a general practice dental office before attending this program.
  • Computer skills are considered an asset.
  • Don’t have the courses you need to get into this program? Upgrade, earn high school credits, or get your GED in Adult Ed. It’s free!
  • If your first language is not English please review our English Language Requirements page.

2023/2024 Academic Year

Tuition, fees, and other costs are listed in Canadian dollars. International tuition includes the International Student Fee.

1 Year

Canadian

International

Tuition $5,892 $10,992
Fees $797 $1,547
Other Costs $2,130 $2,130
Total $8,819 $14,669
/

Canadian Cost Breakdown

Tuition & Fees

1 Year 

Tuition $5,892
Student Union $172
Health Insurance Fee $445
Fitness Centre Fee $80
Graduation Fee $100
     Total payable to Holland College $6,689
   
1st installment due first day of first semester $3,467
2nd installment due first day of second semester $3,222
   

Other Costs
Please note: the cost of books, exams, materials, and supplies are included here for your information only, this amount is not payable to the college. Do not include this amount in your tuition payment.

 
Books $800
Materials/Supplies $100
Equipment/Tools/Uniforms $500
Exam $730
     Total $2,130
   
Grand Total $8,819

 

International Cost Breakdown

Tuition & Fees

 
Tuition* $10,992
Student Union $172
Health Insurance Fee $1,185
Fitness Centre Fee $80
Graduation Fee $100
     Total payable to Holland College $12,539
   
1st installment due first day of first semester $9,317
2 nd installment due first day of second semester $3,222
   

Other Costs
Please note: the cost of books, exams, materials, and supplies are included here for your information only, this amount is not payable to the college. Do not include this amount in your tuition payment.

 
Books $800
Materials/Supplies $100
Equipment/Tools/Uniforms $500
Exam $730
     Total $2,130
   
Grand Total $14,669

*Includes the International Student Fee.

  • Private dental offices
  • Provincial dental offices
  • Hospitals
  • Dental assisting schools
  • Dental schools
There are employment opportunities for graduates in Atlantic Canada and across the country.

Course Code

Course Name & Description

Credit Values


Course Code:SAFE-1005

PEI Occupational Health and Safety

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

Dental Anatomy

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

Foundations of Dental Assisting Theory

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

Clinical Procedures

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

Restorative Dentistry Theory

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

Dental Charting

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

Oral Health and Nutrition

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

Dental Office Management

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

Dental Radiography

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

Dental Specialties

Students examine various specialties in the dental field, inlcuding orthodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, and pedodontics.

Credit Value:5


Course Code:DENT-1215

Dental Lab Skills

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

Pharmacology and Medical Emergencies

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

Preventative Dental Procedures

Students gain the knowledge and skills to provide patient care in specific areas such as vital whitening techniques, enamel sealants, desensitizing agents, anticariogenic agents, coronal polish, and amalgam polish.

Credit Value:2


Course Code:PRAC-1105

Dental Assisting Practicum I

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

Dental Assisting Clinical

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

Dental Assisting Practicum II

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


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