Dental Assisting Levels 1 & 2 (Thunder Bay Campus)

Program highlights

• In Semester One, you will complete theory-based coursework fully online on your own schedule while meeting established course deadlines
• In Semester Two, you will complete five, in-person intensive clinical and laboratory sessions, each five days in length (these are scheduled across weekends, Thursday through Monday)
• Labs and clinical courses in Semester Two are delivered in Thunder Bay, Ontario in a dental clinic and lab setting
• In Semester Three, you will complete a 6-week placement in a dental office in your preferred area
• Be job-ready in 10 months
• Learn from experienced dental health care professionals in a supportive, hands-on environment
• Gain real-world experience by supporting patients in a dental clinic and during an off-site practicum
• You will be HARP certified when you graduate

Admission requirements

For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:

• Any grade 12 English (C)or (U)
• Any grade 11 (U) or (C) or grade 12 biology (U)

Please note: A minimum of 60% is required in each prerequisite course

You will learn clinical/laboratory skills on manikins followed by practice sessions where you can perform these learned skills on a partner. You must be prepared to be a client in these practice sessions. You will then proceed to treatment of clients. You are responsible for all costs incurred as part of your placement experiences, including travel, parking and so on. Clinical rotations and classroom experiences will include evening scheduling.

You are required to complete mandatory medical and non-medical clearances in Semester 1 of the program in order to participate in clinical activities.

This program is not accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC).

Graduates of non-accredited programs are eligible to become certified through the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB). This process requires successful completion of the Clinical Practice Evaluation (CPE) followed by the Theoretical Examination in order to receive the NDAEB Certificate.

Fees apply for these examinations and are the responsibility of the student. For current costs and full details, visit the NDAEB.

Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.

Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor and course outlines for further information.

Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.

Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.

Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!