Dental Assisting

Certificate

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The Dental Assisting certificate program provides career education to meet the needs and expectations of the dental industry in alignment with applicable legislation. Students will learn chairside (treatment support) procedures to support the delivery of dental services related to both general and specialty practice, as well as direct patient (independent) entry to practice skills. The program includes communication and emergency care skills, anatomy and dental records, preventive oral health education and procedures, infection prevention and control, patient care procedures, radiography, and work integrated learning onsite in the NAIT Dental Clinic as well as in private dental practice.

This 38-week full time program contains two 15-week semesters and an 8-week intersession.

Graduates of this program will find employment in general dental practice, specialty practice, community health, public health systems, the health insurance industry, and dental sales, as well as institutional and educational settings.

As this is a high-demand program, the application deadline for this program has changed for Fall 2023 and beyond. For more information, view the Admission Requirements tab on this page.

Upcoming Intakes

Select your preferred intake to see relevant program information. Program details, including tuition and course information, may vary by intake.

Selection Start Date Delivery Mode Time Campus Length Domestic Status International Status
Sep. 02, 2025 (Fall) In-person Weekdays - Daytime Main 1 Year (Full-time) Open Open
 
             
 

Swipe table to view more information for each intake.

Delivery Mode

  • In-person - All your class activity will be delivered in person, on campus.
  • Online - All your class activity will be delivered online.
  • Hybrid - Your classes will be a mixture of in person and online learning. You must be able to come to campus and participate remotely online.
  • Your choice - Your program offers a variety of class delivery options (in person, online, or a mixture of both) and you can select which type of classes to take. If you wish, you can complete your entire program either in-person or online.
  • HyFlex - All your classes are delivered for simultaneous participation in person and online. You can choose daily to attend your classes in person or join remotely online.

Time

  • Your choice - You can select class times and days that fit your schedule. There are a variety of class options for you to choose from including daytime, evening, weekdays or weekends.
  • No set time - No set class days or times, content is access on-demand. You can complete your studies on your own schedule within the scheduled class dates; may have set due dates and deadlines.
  • Evenings & Weekends - Classes are scheduled after 5 p.m. on weekdays or anytime on weekends.
  • Weekdays - Daytime - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start before 6 p.m.
  • Weekdays - Evening - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start after 6 p.m.
  • Weekends - Classes are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays.

Campus

Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at this campus location.

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Length

  • Full-Time - This is the standard length to complete the program, with a full course load per term.
  • Part-Time - Students follow a structured schedule of classes so they can progress in their studies part-time while balancing everyday life.

Domestic Status

The program availability status for domestic applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

International Status

The program availability status for international applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Limited - For international applicants, the program intake is now only available if you already have a valid study permit.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

Credit programs that accept international applicants also meet the eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, including programs with a Hybrid delivery mode. Each student is responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.

Hands-on, industry relevant training

Our training approach emphasizes practical experience backed by strong theoretical knowledge in the skills and technology necessary to be a successful Dental Assistant. Our program features the following: 

  • 38-week full-time program: two 15-week semesters and an 8-week intersession.
  • small group learning, which allows for the optimum student-to-instructor ratio
  • practical, hands-on approach to learning in labs, as well as through clinical placements within the dental community
  • providing treatment to both peers and the general public in our fully equipped onsite dental clinic
Dental Assisting students in clinic with x-ray

Career Outcomes

Dental Assistants are a vital member of the dental health care team. As a graduate, you will perform a wide variety of oral health care services and contribute to optimal patient care.

Upon graduation, you will be eligible to write the National Board Examination. Graduates must successfully complete this examination to register with the College of Alberta Dental Assistants to practice in Alberta.

Build your resume before you even graduate

Explore work experience opportunities that help grads get hired even sooner.

View Work Integrated Learning

Work Experience Placements

Scholarships & Awards

NAIT awards over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 4,000 students each year, with the support of donors and the government. A variety of awards are available, including ones for academics, community involvement, equity/diversity grants, bursaries for financial need, program-specific awards and more!

Learn how to apply for awards

International Applicants

This program is not eligible for a post-grad work permit.

Want to learn more about this program?

Thank you for your interest! We want to get you in contact with the right person to answer your questions. If you are a current or recently admitted student you can find program and course information as well as contact details for your program on the My Program page on the MyNAIT Portal.








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