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: Closed

International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit: Closed

Other International Applicants: Closed



Program Availability: Fall 2025 Term

Canadian Applicants: Open

International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit: Open

Other International Applicants: Open


Get your certificate in Dental Assisting


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 LEARNING OUTCOMES


Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  1. Maintain a safe environment for patients, families, and team members.
  2. Display professional and ethical behavior appropriate to a dental setting.
  3. Apply critical thinking processes for problem-solving and decision-making within the dental practice. 
  4. Communicate effectively with patients, families, and team members.
  5. Demonstrate the clinical competencies of an entry-level dental assistant.
  6. Provide instruction regarding disease prevention, post-operative care, nutritional counselling, and oral health education to patients, families, and community groups.
  7. Use effective time management and organization skills to support the efficient functioning of the dental office.
  8. Participate in lifelong learning activities that promote career growth and personal development.

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:

2024/2025 Academic Year

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

Fees are Course Based

1 Year

Canadian

International

Tuition $6,022 $12,022
Fees $1,028 $1,778
Other Costs $2,300 $2,300
Total $9,350 $16,100
/

Canadian Cost Breakdown

Tuition & Fees

1 Year 

Tuition $6,022
Student Union $178
Health Insurance Fee $470
Fitness Centre Fee $80
Graduation Fee $100
     Total payable to Holland College $7,050
   
1st installment due first day of first semester $3,558
2nd installment due first day of second semester $3,492
   

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 $850
Materials/Supplies $200
Equipment/Tools/Uniforms $500
Exam $750
     Total $2,300
   
Grand Total $9,350

 

International Cost Breakdown

Tuition & Fees

 
Tuition* $12,022
Student Union $178
Health Insurance Fee $1,220
Fitness Centre Fee $80
Graduation Fee $100
     Total payable to Holland College $13,800
   
1st installment due first day of first semester $10,308
2 nd installment due first day of second semester $3,492
   

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 $850
Materials/Supplies $200
Equipment/Tools/Uniforms $500
Exam $750
     Total $2,300
   
Grand Total $16,100

*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, and coronal 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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