Dental Assisting

Certificate

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NAIT’s 1-year Dental Assisting certificate program will give you the knowledge and skills necessary for direct entry to dental practice. From infection prevention and control to all chairside restorative and specialty procedures, as well as direct patient care and dental practice administration, our program will prepare you to be an integral member of the dental health care team.

In our program, students obtain knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for a successful career in dental assisting.

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. 03, 2024 (Fall) In-person Weekdays - Daytime Main 1 Year (Full-time) Upcoming 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, before 5 p.m.
  • Weekdays - Evening - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, after 5 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 - Part-time programs provide students the flexibility to study. Set schedule typically has 2-3 courses per term.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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. 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

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Scholarships & Awards

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.

General inquiries

Please contact the Student Service Centre for general inquiries such as:

  • Student application support
  • Program entrance requirements, tuition & fees, and how to apply
  • Program admissions process
  • Enrolment support
  • Student funding options
  • Fee and refund inquiries
  • General program and course withdrawal procedures
  • Navigating nait.ca and MyNAITPortal

Contact Student Service Centre

Program-specific questions

Please fill out the form below if you have any program-specific questions relating to:

  • Program details
  • Work-integrated learning and cooperative education
  • Advance credit and Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
  • Program and course withdrawal



The personal information on this form is being collected under the authority of the Post-secondary Learning Act and section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP). The information will be protected by the provisions of FOIP, and will be used for the purpose of registration and administration of the event. If you have any questions or concerns about the collection, use, security or disclosure of the personal information, please contact General Council at 780.471.7664 or legal@nait.ca.

This program is a part of the School of Health and Life Sciences.

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