Dental Assisting students wearing scrubs, safety glasses, masks and latex gloves preparing molds for patient mouth simulators

Provide oral health care as a dental assistant

Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) Ontario College Certificate program

Benefit from many professional placement opportunities. This valuable hands-on experience will get you noticed by professionals in the field.

Program code DNAS
Duration 1 Year
Credential Ontario College Certificate
Program Delivery Full-time
Program delivery method(s) In person What does this mean?

Program information

Program description

You prepare for a position as a Certified Dental Assistant (Level I and II) by focusing on professional standards. You have opportunities with a variety of practical experiences such as placements in the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Oral Health Clinic and in the community, including clinical and specialty practice, education, health promotion, and office administration. In addition to clinical skills, you develop hands on experience with dental materials including appliance fabrication.

Intake information

Start dateCampus
Winter 2025 Barrie
Fall 2025 Barrie

Tuition and fees

Work-integrated learning

  • This program includes field placement and clinical placement components. Gain practical, hands-on work experience in your field, including learning opportunities under the supervision of a registered or licensed professional.
  • Learn about types of work-integrated learning at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú.

What are the admission requirements for the Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) program?

Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) admission requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status 
  • Grade 12 English (C or U)
  • Grade 11 Chemistry (U) or Grade 12 Chemistry (C or U)
  • Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C or U)
  • Grade 11 or 12 Mathematics (C or U)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check

Placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to going out on placement. Students should obtain their criminal reference three months prior to placement; checks conducted earlier may not be considered current. As some jurisdictions require longer lead-time for processing, please check with the program coordinator to ensure you allow for sufficient turn-around time. It is the student’s responsibility to provide the completed document prior to placement start.

NOTE: Individuals who have been charged or convicted criminally and not pardoned will be prohibited from proceeding to a clinical or work placement.

Additional information

Clinical Preparedness Permit 
Students must complete the Clinical Preparedness Permit prior to week 12 of semester 1. To start the process, download the Clinical Preparedness Permit and the information package. 

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they submit the permit on time and that the information is kept up-to-date throughout the duration of the program.

Please Note: Some components of the permit, specifically the Vulnerable Sector Police Check, often require many weeks to complete. The college assumes no responsibility for costs incurred or missed clinic time related to late submission of the required documents.

Placement Requirements

In addition to a 4-week placement in semester three, students may be required to attend various dental offices/settings for additional learning experiences. Students are responsible for their own transportation. 

Physical Considerations

Applicants are advised that for the program’s clinical requirements and future employment situations, they must have good vision (with or without corrective lenses), be able to sit and stand for prolonged periods, and comply with ergonomic principles. Applicants with back/neck/wrist or visual problems should discuss individual concerns with the program coordinator.

What career paths can I take in dental assisting?

Your Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) certificate gives you many career opportunities

Graduates of this program are qualified to assume positions as dental assistants, capable of working interdependently and collaboratively with oral healthcare professionals in a variety of oral health settings. Employment opportunities may be found in general and specialty dental practices, public health, and industry settings.

What courses are included in the Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) certificate program?

Course overview

12 Program Courses
1 Communications Course
1 General Education Course
3 Clinical Placements
1 Field Placement

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the

  • BIOL 1014 – The Essential Body
  • DENT 1027 – Orofacial Anatomy
  • DENT 1060 – Dental Radiography
  • DENT 1067 – Dental Assisting Practice 1
  • DENT 1068 – Dental Assisting Sciences 1
  • DENT 1069 – Dental Assisting Lab/Clinic 1
  • Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.

Your course delivery method(s)

In person

This program is delivered fully in person and requires you to attend campus.

Please note, delivery methods are based on planning for the upcoming semester and are subject to change.

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Do you have questions about Dental Assisting (Levels I and II)? Contact us!

Thinking about applying to ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú?

Contact our student recruitment team to explore your study options.

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Connect with the Office of the Registrar for admissions-related questions.

Are you an international student?

Contact our international recruitment team to learn more about studying at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú. 

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