Dental Assisting

• 10-month certificate
• Fall start
• Includes Dental office practica
• Graduates in high demand
• Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada

Program Description

The Dental Assisting program focuses on patient-centered care in support of improving oral health as a key to personal health and well-being. As vital members of the dental health team, dental assistants work under supervision in private dental clinics, specialists’ offices and community health centres. The Dental Assisting program prepares dental assistants in the skills of clinic operations, chair-side procedures, intra-oral procedures, patient education and interpersonal skills to enable them to become effective members of the dental health team.

The program is divided into two 15-week semesters and one eightweek semester. Students are required to attend at SAIT campus for this program. Classroom learning is integrated into the dental clinic setting. The clinical component includes assisting in the operation of an on-campus dental clinic for the public that provides preventive dental care including; patient education, radiographs, selective rubber cup polishing and fluoride application. This program includes two unpaid two-week practica in the second and third semesters at a dental office which may be outside of Calgary. Students in this program require access to a personal computer and the Internet to facilitate completion of required online courses.

Your Career

Graduates find work as registered dental assistants under the supervision of dentists in private clinics, specialists’ offices and community health centres.

Admission Requirements

An Alberta High School Diploma or equivalent with a combined overall average of 60% in the following courses or their equivalents:

• Pure Math 30 or Applied Math 30 or Math 30-1 or Math 30-2, AND,
• English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2, AND,
• Biology 30, AND,
• Chemistry 30.
• All applicants to SAIT Polytechnic must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada. For more information, please see English Proficiency.
• View High School Course Equivalencies Admission Equivalencies by Province.

Selection

There are no additional selection requirements. Admission to this program will be offered on a first-qualified, first-accepted basis. However, applicants who are successful in gaining admission may be requested to provide proof of the requirements below prior to the start of classes/practicum.

1. Heart and Stroke Foundation, Health Care Provider Level (C) CPR must be completed by all SAIT Dental Assisting students. This CPR requirement must be valid from October 1 – July 1, 2012. SAIT offers the above CPR course on a continuous basis (CPRS 212). Please note: we will not accept CPR certification from any other training provider other than the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
2. Updated Immunization Records. Details are included in the orientation package for successful candidates.
   Please note: Most practicum sites require students to demonstrate updated immunization status prior to attending practicum. Failure to do so could jeopardize your ability to complete the practicum portion of your program
3. Security Clearance: According to the Protection for Persons in Care Act, our practicum sites require that students obtain a criminal records check prior to going on practicum. Any criminal code offence for which a pardon has not been received, may be a deterrent to a student’s entry into practicum, and therefore will result in an uncompleted program, or non-graduating status.
4. Student information and dental health examination is required by first day of class.

Student Success

• Students with higher secondary or post-secondary marks usually experience greater success in SAIT programs.
• Basic computer skills are required.
• Students who experience success in this program have effective communication skills in English.
• Health care practitioners are detail oriented in the care they provide and enjoy working in a team environment.

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Credentials

• After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT certificate in Dental Assisting.
• Graduates must write the National Dental Assisting Examining Board examination to be registered in Alberta. The current examination fee is $350 and the annual professional association dues (includes student membership and licensing fee) are $300 (fees are subject to change).
• Graduates are licensed by the College of Alberta Dental Assistants as Registered Dental Assistants – Level 164 once they have passed the National Dental Assisting Examining Board examination.

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.

Tuition And Fees (Subject To Change)

• Please refer to the Tuition and Fee Table.
• International Students, please refer to International Student Fees.
• For student funding, please refer to Financial Assistance.
• CPRS 212 Health Care Provider course in CPR. Annual update required – CPRS 222 Health Care Provider Renewal. All CPR courses must be from the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Call SAIT Life Support Training at 403.210.4009 for further information.
• Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practicum including relocation costs.
• The cost for a criminal record check, which is a requirement for practicum, is up to $40 or more.

Books And Supplies (Subject To Change)

• Books and instruments are approximately $1,500.
• Personal Protective Equipment (Rx safety glasses, utility gloves, face shields) may range from $100 - $750 depending on individual requirements.
• Students are required to have access to a personal computer with the specifications listed in Fees and Expenses.

Program Outline

• To find the course description for a course shown below, please go to our Course Finder and enter the course acronym and numbers (i.e., DMST-202) into the Quick Search by Course Code field.
• This program is being reviewed and could undergo changes.

For More Information

Information: 403.284.8500
Email: hps@sait.ca
Web: School of Health and Public Safety
Academic Chair: Carmen Sheridan

Transfer with Certificate to...

Transfer options may be available at post-secondary institutions where credits from SAIT programs could be evaluated on an individual basis. Interested students should contact the post-secondary educational institute of their choice for more information.

To learn more, visit Transfer Options.

Related Links (Internal):

• School of Health and Public Safety
• Student-For-A-Day
• Academic Calendar
• Academic Upgrading
• International Students
• Mature Students
• Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition