Dental Assistant Certificate

Certificate
Type
Length
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Courses

Core Courses

DENT-150
Dental Assisting Foundations
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Pre Or Corequisites Group 1: MGT-154 minimum B-
  • Pre Or Corequisites Group 2: DENT-151, DENT-153 minimum C, DENT-157L minimum S
Description
This course introduces basic principles of dental assisting techniques and the assessment phase of client care. Theoretical knowledge pertaining to basic instrumentation, fundamental skills associated with dental assisting, and an introduction to biomaterials will be covered. In addition, students will receive information regarding the rationale for obtaining medical and dental histories, vital signs, dental charting, initial client observations, and isolation techniques. The course material includes the prevention and handling of complications and medical emergencies that may occur in the dental office.
DENT-151
Prevention I
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Pre Or Co Requisites Group 1: DENT-151, DENT-153, minimum C, DENT-157L minimum S
  • Pre Or Co Requisites Group 2: MGT-154 minimum B-
Description
This course emphasizes infection control and prevention of oral disease. Awareness will be placed on the nature of oral organisms, modes, and management of transmission for diseases of dental importance. This course also familiarizes the student with methods and materials used to prevent oral disease. Plaque, methods to control oral diseases, devices, and other components of preventive dentistry are covered.
DENT-153
Dental Sciences
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Pre & Co Requisites Group 1: DENT-150, DENT-151 minimum C, DENT 157L minimum S
  • Pre & Co Requisites Group 2: MGT-154 minimum B-
Description
A study of form, structure, and inter relationships of the head and neck. Also included is the study of histology, morphology, supporting structures, occlusion, identification, and anomalies as they relate to dentition. Anatomical landmarks and understanding of the relationship between structure and function will be provided.
MGT-154
Applied Human Relations
Typical Offerings
Timing All Terms, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Required Supporting Lab: MGT-154L
Description
This course focuses on the personal management and interpersonal skills that contribute to success in the business world. Areas covered include stress and time management, perceptions, effective communication, and assertiveness skills. Opportunities will be provided for the learner to practice and critique communication skills that are critical to the workplace.
DENT-160
Restorative Dentistry
Typical Offerings
Timing Spring Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisites Group 1: DENT-150, DENT-151, DENT-153 minimum C, DENT-157L minimum S
  • Corequisite Group 3: DENT-161, DENT-163, DENT-166, DENT-169 minimum C, DENT-167L minimum S
  • Prerequisites Group 2: MGT-154 minimum B-
Description
This theoretical component provides the student with background into dental anesthesia, cavity preparation and design, and restorative instruments. Knowledge of the dental materials utilized in the prevention and treatment of oral disease will also be covered. A series of lectures will be given dealing with the etiological fundamentals of dental caries and methods used to prevent caries.
DENT-161
Prevention II
Typical Offerings
Timing Spring Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Pre-Requisite Group 1: DENT-150, DENT-151, DENT-153 minimum C, DENT-157L minimum S
  • Co-Requisite Group 3: DENT-160, DENT-163, DENT-166, DENT-169 minimum C, DENT-167L minimum S
  • Pre-Requisites Group 2: MGT-154 minimum B-
Description
This course provides the student with knowledge regarding the potential of oral manifestations such as periodontal disease and caries. The student learns to prevent these diseases through clinical preventive procedures, understanding nutrition, and teaching the client oral self-care. An additional component has the student developing and presenting preventive oral health lesson plans to select members of the local community.
DENT-163
Dental Specialities I
Typical Offerings
Timing Spring Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Pre-Requisite Group 1: DENT-150, DENT-151, DENT-153 minimum C, DENT-157L minimum S
  • Co-Requisite Group 2: DENT-160, DENT-161, DENT-166, DENT-169 minimum C DENT-167L minimum S
  • Pre-Requisites Group 3: MGT-154 minimum B-
Description
This course has an emphasis on the dental specialties of oral surgery and prosthodontic dentistry. It provides the student with the knowledge of pre-surgical evaluation, pharmacological considerations, procedures, postoperation treatments, and the role of the certified dental assistant in the care of an oral surgery case. Students are also introduced to prosthetic procedures which are devoted to the restoration of function and the form of the dentition, including fixed and removable appliances and implants.
DENT-166
Professional Issues
Typical Offerings
Timing Spring Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Pre-Requisite Group 1: DENT-150, DENT-151, DENT-153 minimum C, DENT-157L minimum S
  • Pre-Requisites Group 2: MGT-154 minimum B-
  • Co-Requisites: DENT-160, DENT-161, DENT-163, DENT-169 minimum C, DENT-167L minimum S
Description
This course will provide the student with an overview of the dental profession and its organization. It will also introduce the student to dental jurisprudence, ethical dilemmas and problem solving. The BC Health Professions Act and duties of the graduate BC Certified Dental Assistant will be discussed.
DENT-169
Radiology
Typical Offerings
Timing Spring Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Pre Requisites Group 1: DENT-150, DENT-151,DENT-153 minimum C, DENT-157L minimum S
  • Co Requisite Group 2: DENT-160, DENT-161, DENT-163, DENT-166, DENT-167L
  • Pre Requisites Group 3: MGT-154 minimum B-
Description
This course has been designed to provide students with the theory of the technical aspects of radiation and principles of exposing, processing, and mounting dental radiographs. Clinical experience emphasizes radiation hygiene and technique.
DENT-173
Dental Assist Specialties II
Typical Offerings
Timing Intersession Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Pre-Requisite: DENT-190P minimum S
  • Co-Requisite: DENT-176, DENT-177L minimum C
Description
A theoretical course where emphasis is placed on the dental specialties of oral pathology, orthodontics, endodontics, geriodontics, pedodontics, and special needs clients.
DENT-176
Office Practice Management
Typical Offerings
Timing Intersession Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Pre Or Co-Requistie: DENT-173, DENT-177L minimum C
  • Prerequisites: DENT-190P minimum S
Description
This course will provide the student with an introduction to dental office practice procedures in relation to the clinical setting. The student will be involved in a combination of guided self-study, projects, and class discussions to complete this course.
DENT-177L
Dental Assisting Clinic III
Typical Offerings
Timing Intersession Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Pre-Requisite: DENT-190P minimum S
  • Co-Requisite: DENT-173, DENT-176 minimum C
Description
The last course in the clinical sequence, this clinic allows the student to build on previous experiences and to integrate new skills into clinical and laboratory activities. Clinical activities will include treating scheduled clients for prescribed services and providing dental health education to members of the community. Students participate in weekly guided discussions of their clinical experiences and cases.

Required Practicums

DENT-157L
Dental Assisting Clinic I
Typical Offerings
Timing Fall Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Pre & Co Requisites Group 1: DENT-150, DENT-151, DENT-153 minimum C
  • Pre & Co Requisites Group 2: MGT-154 minimum B-
Description
The first in a series, this clinic provides an opportunity for the student to integrate theory into clinical and laboratory experiences. The focus is on clinical asepsis, basic instrumentation, initial client observation, isolation techniques, and the manipulation of a variety of dental materials.
DENT-167L
Dental Assisting Clinic II
Typical Offerings
Timing Spring Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Pre Requisites Group 1: DENT-150, DENT-151, DENT-153 minimum C, DENT-157L minimum S
  • Co Requisite Group 2: DENT-160, DENT-161, DENT-163, DENT-166, DENT-169 minimum C
  • Pre Requisites Group 3: MGT-154 minimum B-
Description
The second course in the clinical sequence, the student's clinical knowledge, skills and attitudes build on the foundation from DENT 157 - Dental Assisting Clinic I and expands clinical and laboratory competencies. Students will begin to schedule patients and perform prescribed services. Students also participate in weekly guided group discussions of their clinical experiences and cases.Within this clinical course students will be scheduled to participate in an integrated practicum (approx.16 hours). This practicum experience furthers the opportunity the student has for dental assisting in a dental office. Emphasis on professionalism and communication skills continues. Advanced chair side assisting, direct patient care procedures, and laboratory skills may also be included in the experience. This course will continue to focus on the student's professional conduct, communication skills, clinical support procedures, assisting and practicing in a safe and competent manner according to HPA/ Dentist Act requirements.
DENT-190P
Dental Assisting Practicum I
Typical Offerings
Timing Spring Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Prerequisite: DENT-160, DENT-161, DENT-163, DENT-166, DENT-169 minimum C, DENT-167L minimum S
Description
This practicum experience provides the student with the opportunity to assist in a general dentistry office. The focus will be on professional conduct, communication skills, clinical support procedures, assiting and to practice in a safe and competent manner according to HPA/Dentist Act requirements.
DENT-191P
Dental Assisting Practicum II
Typical Offerings
Timing Intersession Only, Every Year
Locations
Requisites
  • Pre Or Co Requisite: DENT-173, DENT-176, DENT-177L minimum C
Description
This practicum experice futhers the opportunity the student has for dental assisting in a dental office. Emphasis on professionalism and communication skills continues. Advanced chair side assisting, direct patient care procedures, and laboratory skills may also be included in the experience. This course will continue to focus on the student's professional conduct, communication skills, clinical support procedures, assisting and to practice in a safe and competent manner according to HPA/Dentist Act requirements.

Entry Requirements

While it wasn’t always easy combining classroom time and field trips on top of the hours for studying and homework, it’s been great to gain so much hands-on experience during the courses.

Michelle Lindemann
Civil Engineering Technology

I like the problem-solving nature of millwrighting. I love how diverse the trade is. There’s always something new and different to work on.

Dusty Cathcart 2026
Vanderhoof Industrial Mechanic

This program gives you the ability to have a lot of hands-on time in the clinic where you can practice the skills you are learning and get a bit of an idea of what it is like to be a dental assistant.

Jordyn Karl
Dental Assistant Certificate Student

Taking this program is one of the most exciting things I could've done. It helped me grow into a professional, while also growing personally. I have carried my knowledge forward and will always hold the program and faculty close to my heart.

Janessa Sigurdson 2025
Accounting and Finance

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