5.3 Program: Dental Assisting
A career as a level II dental assistant requires dynamic technical and interpersonal skills to provide patient care and chair-side support assisting dentists before, during and after a wide variety of procedures including fillings, crowns and extractions. If you’re looking for a career providing dependable, patient centred care, our dental assisting program is for you! (Fanshawe College, n.d.-b, para. 1).
Video: Dental Assisting (Levels I and II)
Video: “Dental Assisting (Levels I and II)” by Fanshawe College [1:00] Transcript Available.
About the Profession
A dental assistant works with the dentist and hygienist to assist a variety tasks including before and after care procedures with the patient. More detailed information on the role of the dental assistant can be found on the Career in Dental Assisting page.
Places you may find yourself employed include
Private practice dental offices, community health agencies, hospital clinics, dental insurance companies, dental and denture labs, or dental supply companies.
Program Fit
What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?
- Ability to accept & apply constructive feedback
- Able to make decisions/problem solve quickly and confidently
- Willing to handle situations involving blood and oral debris
- Good coping skills
- Ability to put patients at ease
- Steadiness, the ability to remain calm under pressure and in emergencies
- Able to pay strong attention to detail
- Maintain honesty & integrity
- Ability to accept & comply with industry (professional) standards & expectations – i.e. wear uniform, follow rules
- Able to cope in busy/changing environments
- Ability to co-operate and work as part of a team
- Ability to multi-task
- Time management & personal life organization
- Self-directed, take initiative
Typical working conditions for this kind of work:
- Work in an office environment
- May work full or part time; evening or shift work may be required
- Dental assistants work with small instruments in the mouth, fine motor skills and dexterity are needed
- Working in close proximity to members of the public
Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace
As chairside assistants, dental assistants:
- Receive and prepare patients for treatment
- Sterilize, prepare and set out dental instruments and materials
- Process x-rays
- Assist dentists during dental procedures
- Record dental procedures performed
- Educate patients
As administrative assistants, dental assistants may:
- Answer telephone calls
- Co-ordinate appointment schedules
- Keep records of bank transactions, treatment plan procedures and payroll
- Use and maintain dental computer software
- Maintain an inventory of supplies
- Co-ordinate treatments for patients
As intra-oral assistants, dental assistants who have appropriate training and registration may:
- Chairside Dental Assisting
- Exposing Radiographs (X-rays)
- Preliminary Impressions
- Rubber Dam Placements
- Selective Rubber Cup Polishing of Teeth
- Oral Hygiene Instruction
- Dietary Counselling
- Fluoride Application
- Pit & Fissure Sealant Application
- Application of Topical Anaesthetic
- Desensitization of Teeth
- Take & Record Vital Signs
- Fabricate & Insert Bleaching Trays
- Fabricate Mouthguards
- Fabricate Occlusal Rims
- Recall Consultations with Dentists
- Assessing and Reporting Oral Health Status
Dental assistants work as part of a dental health care team that may include dentists, dental hygienists, dental lab technicians and denturists. See a full list of skills from ODAA website.
Becoming a Dental Assistant
The Dental Assistant program at Fanshawe College is a 3 term, 36 week Ontario College Certificate program starting in September each year. The program workload is considered to be heavy with:
- Nine courses in your first semester
- One hour of study/practice required for each hour in class
- 25-27 hours of class (50-54 hour/week commitment)
The courses you would take at Fanshawe College can be found on the Dental Assisting Levels I and II page.
Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity
Graduates are prepared to write National Board certification exams for Level II Dental Assisting.
Ontario Dental Assistants Association (ODAA)
Canadian Dental Assistants Association (CDAA)
National Dental Assisting Examination Board (NDAEB)
Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.
Opportunities for Further Development or Education
Graduates may apply to the Dental Hygiene program.
A dental assistant often works alongside a dentist, completing different tasks with supervision and helping the dentist do their job. Dental hygienists work directly with patients in the dental office, including conducting examinations and providing cleanings.
Fanshawe Pathfinder: Dental Assisting © Fanshawe College used with permission, All Rights Reserved
Admission requirements:
Dental Assisting Levels I and II Admission Requirements
There are other programs in the Province that offer this program, here is the guideline recommended by the Ontario Dental Assistants Association:
Certification Requirements:
- Graduate from an approved dental assisting program.
- Successfully complete all National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) examination requirements.
- Maintain ODAA membership in good standing.
- Commit to the Code of Ethics.
- Commit to maintaining certification by paying annual dues and submitting proof of continuing education.
PHS Graduates:
Graduates of the PHS2 Pre Health Science – Pathways to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees with a minimum 2.5 GPA and a grade no lower than 2.0 in ANAT 1002, ANAT 1009, BIOL 1003 and BIOL 1009 may apply for advanced credit in Anatomy and Physiology. Refer to program coordinator at start of program for eligibility.
Jennifer Cooper
RDH, BSc, MSc
| Current Employer |
Fanshawe College |
| Skills You Use Professionally |
Communication, hands-on skills, organization |
| Favourite thing about your job | Watching students as they develop their skills throughout the year |
| Credentials/Past Professional Experience | Dental Assisting (Levels I & II)
Dental Therapy Dental Hygiene, BSc, MSc |
| One think you would tell your student self |
Although it feels like a long program, at the end you’ll be amazed at how fast it goes. Buckle down and work hard! |
