NAIT | About the Program

The Dental Assisting Program is designed to provide students with the education, technical knowledge, and clinical experiences to perform treatment support procedures, patient care procedures, assist with general and specialty dental procedures, manage dental practices and coordinate laboratory services.

The program offers students experiences in communications, understanding and application of anatomy, radiology, safe working practices, and employment skills as well as varied opportunities to develop as a professional with critical thinking and decision making abilities. Students interact with patients and members of the dental team in the NAIT Dental Clinic and in their two professional experiences courses.

The Dental Assisting program was featured in Project President, where students instructed NAIT President Dr. Glenn Feltham on how to place a dental dam on a mannequin. See the full story and photo gallery.

Did you know?
In 2012, Dental Assisting students had a 100% success rate on the National Dental Assisting Board exam for the 13th straight year. NAIT students scored 10% higher than the national average for first-time takers of the exam.

Curriculum Revision
The Dental Assisting program is undergoing a curriculum revision as part of NAIT’s commitment to program excellence. Beginning in the fall of 2014 program length may move from a one-year certificate program to a two-year diploma program. Revised course descriptions will be posted to the program web page when available.

Entrance Requirements

Academic Requirements

Grade 12 English / Biology 30 / Chemistry 30 / One of: Science 30, Math 30 (Pure or Applied) or Math 30-1 or 30-2, Math 31, Physics 30, Social Studies 30-1 or a 30-level language other than English

Competitive Entrance: 75% overall average

Non-Academic Requirements

Certifications - Proof of Standard First Aid and Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider (HCP) CPR Training including AED will be required on the 1st day of class.
Immunizations - Student Immunization Requirement Form will be required on the 1st day of class. Once you apply to the program, start your immunization requirements immediately as it make take several months to complete. Required immunizations are measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), Hepatitis B and Hepatitis B titre test and Tetanus/Diptheria/Pertussis (dTap). Documentation is required for all immunizations. Your on-site or off-site clinical placement may be restricted, limited or denied if you do not have current and complete immunizations.
Computer literacy - You must have basic computer literacy, which includes basic word processing, spreadsheets, Internet and email.

Additional Requirements and Information
Any prospective students with serious skin disorders such as psoriasis, dermatitis or latex allergy should consider this carefully before applying to this program. Those with back, arm or neck problems or significant health challenges are advised to consult with the Program Chair. As well, students are required to be patients for fellow students in a clinical setting. Official documentation from a physician or dentist must be presented if a student is unable to be a patient.

English Language Requirements

As English is the language of instruction in all programs at NAIT, you must have an adequate knowledge of written and spoken English as a prerequisite for admission. Regardless of country of origin or citizenship status, you must demonstrate English-language proficiency prior to being accepted. For more information, please see English Language Proficiency.

Advanced & Transfer Credit

For advanced credit to be awarded you need to meet with the course instructor to have your course equivalency assessed. To request advanced credit, you need to have transcripts, course outlines, course objectives, and previous courses taken. For more information, see Contacts.

Practicum/Co-op/Work Experience

Students are required to successfully complete 2 practicums during the second Semester.

Professional Experience I
Consists of a half day weekly clinical opportunity at the University of Alberta Dental Clinic.

Salary: none
Dates: January to April
Relocation: not required

Professional Experience II

Length: 4 weeks (160 hours)
Salary: none
Dates: May to June
Relocation: not required

Dental practice experience may involve working evenings and weekends. Students are responsible for any transportation expenses they incur.

Accreditation & Industry Certification

The NAIT Dental Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada. After successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to write the National Board Examination. Graduates must successfully complete this examination to register with the College of Alberta Dental Assistants. Students must be registered in Alberta and certified in Canada to gain employment in Alberta.

Fees & Expenses (Year One)

Tuition: $3960.00
Tuition International: $12400.00
Books & Supplies: $3180.00
NAITSA: $236.00
UPAS: $280.00
Recreation & Athletics Fee: $140.00
Health & Dental: $238.00

Disclaimer: All fees are subject to change. This information is provided to help you estimate your costs for student financing.

Scholarships & Bursaries

Name	Value	Available
College of Alberta Dental Assistants - Day Program - Spring	$150	1
Available to a student completing the Dental Assisting program with a high standard of general proficiency and clinical excellence. The student must exhibit qualities of maturity, initiative and empathy for others. Application: None required. Program selects recipient in the Spring. [hide detail]
Alberta Dental Association & College - Spring	$225	1
Available to students of the Dental Assisting program. Awarded on the basis of clinical proficiency, and academic achievement. Application: None required. Program selects recipient in the Spring. [hide detail]
Dr. Michael E. Shewchuk Award - Spring	$250	2
Available to graduating students of the Dental Assisting program who have displayed a high level of professional conduct. Students must demonstrate initiative, a positive attitude, good communication and interpersonal skills, team spirit and a commitment to the career of Dental Assisting. Application: None required. Program selects recipient in the Spring. [hide detail]
Edmonton Dental Assistants' Association Award - Day Program - Spring	$150	1
Available to an E.D.A.A. Student Member in good standing registered in the NAIT Day Program who demonstrates participation, professionalism, and clinical proficiency during the current term. As well, the nominee will meet the following: outstanding teamwork, willingness to help others, initiative to complete assigned duties quickly and efficiently, friendly towards and accepting of others, and participation in extra-curricular activities that are for the benefit of others. Application: None required. Program along with the EDAA selects recipient in the Spring. [hide detail]
Comfort Dental Award of Excellence - Spring	$300	1
Available to a student who has successfully completed, but not necessarily with honours, the Dental Assisting program at NAIT. Awarded to a student who demonstrates the best work ethics and an excellent chair-side manner with patients. Recipients must be a resident of Edmonton and/or the surrounding area for the past two years. Application: None required. Program selects recipient in the Spring. [hide detail]
Edmonton Dental Assistants' Association Award - Independent Study - Spring	$150	1
Available to an E.D.A.A. Student Member in good standing registered in the NAIT Independent Study program who demonstrates participation, professionalism, and clinical proficiency during the current term. As well, the nominee will meet the following: outstanding teamwork, willingness to help others, initiative to complete assigned duties quickly and efficiently, friendly towards and accepting of others, and participation in extra-curricular activities that are for the benefit of others. Application: None required. Program along with the EDAA selects recipient in the Spring. [hide detail]
College of Alberta Dental Assistants - Independent Study Program - Spring	$150	1
Available to a student completing the Dental Assisting Independent Study program within the prescribed period and who has attained outstanding academic achievement during the courses of study and a high standard of clinical proficiency during the practical evaluation. Candidate must be an Alberta resident. Application: None required. Program selects recipient in the Spring. [hide detail]
Coca-Cola Bottling Ltd. Scholarship	$500	4
Available to first year students in the schools of Business Administration and Health Sciences. This award is based on outstanding academic achievement in the first semester marks. Deadline: 1/31/2013 Application: Available online at www.nait.ca/scholarships January 1st. [hide detail]
Kingsway Oral Surgery/Murray E. Mickleborough Award of Excellence - Spring	$1000	1
Available to a graduate of Dental Assisting. Awarded in recognition of high academic standing as well as excellence in clinical proficiency and exemplary patient skills. Application: None required. Program selects recipient in the Spring. [hide detail]
Hilda Hanson Memorial Fund - Spring	$500	1
Awarded to a student in the NAIT Dental Assisting Day Program who best exemplifies the characteristics demonstrated by Hilda in her many years as a dental assistant, as an instructor at NAIT and as a wife and mother. The candidate for this award should show personal qualities of maturity, warmth, friendliness and empathy towards others, as well as a sense of humor. This individual should be willing to help others, work as a member of a team, complete tasks quickly and efficiently and must demonstrate a genuine interest and commitment to the profession of dental assisting. Application: None required. Program selects recipient in the Spring. [hide detail]
The Affinity Dental Group Award - Spring	$500	1
Available to a graduating student enrolled in the Dental Assisting Certificate program at NAIT. Awarded on the basis of exceptional academic and clinical performance during the program. Application: None required. Program selects recipient in the Spring. [hide detail]
Dentalchoice.ca Award - Spring	$1000	1
Available to students enrolled in the Dental Assisting program at NAIT. Awarded on the basis of the most improved student in terms of the practical application of the program during the first and second semesters. Application: None required. Program selects recipient in the Spring. [hide detail]

For general application and special selections, ranging from $500 to $5,000, see Scholarships & Bursaries.

Programs & Courses / Dental Assisting

About the Program