Program Length
- 10 Months
Credential
- Certificate
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
Help brighten people’s smiles every day with a career as a dental assistant. Vancouver Island University’s Dental Assistant Certificate program offers students hands-on training with knowledgeable instruction to prepare them for this fast-paced, growing industry.
After completion of the ten-month Dental Assistant program, students must write a national board exam to be eligible to become a Certified Dental Assistant.
The Dental Assistant Certificate Program
This program is a Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) accredited program. The program provides students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and values necessary to be a member of the dental team; providing care, support and services for individuals of all ages.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be granted a certificate. Students must then write a National Board exam which, upon successful completion and combined with the certificate, makes them eligible to apply for registration and licensure with the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (as per their criteria) or in the province of their choice as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA – Level II).
| Year 1 | |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Credits |
| DENA 110T - (Professionalism I) | 1.5 |
| DENA 120T - (Applied Dental Sciences I) | 3 |
| DENA 130T - (Clinical Support Theory I) | 3 |
| DENA 140T - (Preventive Approaches to Dental Health I) | 2 |
| DENA 150T - (Dental Assisting Practice I) | 2 |
| DENA 171T - (Practicum I) | 0.5 |
| Semester 2 | |
| DENA 111T - (Professionalism II) | 1.5 |
| DENA 121T - (Applied Dental Sciences II) | 2 |
| DENA 131T - (Clinical Support Theory II) | 2.5 |
| DENA 141T - (Preventive Approaches to Dental Health II) | 1.5 |
| DENA 151T - (Dental Assisting Practice II) | 4 |
| DENA 161T - (Dental Office Management) | 1.5 |
| DENA 172T - (Practicum II) | 2 |
| DENA 173T - (Practicum III) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
- General admission requirements apply.
- English 12 with minimum “C” grade, or equivalent.
- Biology 12 with minimum “C” grade, or equivalent.
- Good personal health; 20-20 vision with correction is required.
Recommendations for Admission
- Chemistry 11 or 12.
- Basic computer skills.
Notes on Admission
- Indigenous students can apply for reserve seat by submitting the Access Initiative for Indigenous Students form.
- Note: The following documents are required for the first day of classes.
- A completed Immunization Requirements Form. The health immunization form must be signed by the public health nurse.
- Proof of WHMIS training.
- Evidence of current CPR Level C or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Criminal Record Check. Fieldwork and/or practicums will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. Criminal Record Checks are requested through VIU. The Registration Centre at VIU will contact prospective students by mail regarding the requirements for a Criminal Record Check. Criminal Record Checks are processed through the Ministry according to the Criminal Records Review Act. A check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act. A criminal conviction may interfere with eligibility for licensure.
- An interview may be required.
- Students with back problems or an inability to work freely in confined spaces may have difficulty meeting the physical demands of this profession.
- Skin allergies may be adversely affected by some dental materials.
Recommended Personal Characteristics
Before applying for the program, students should learn as much as possible about this career. We encourage students to spend at least one day in a dental office observing the CDA.
Students with the following characteristics can anticipate success in the program and in their future career as a Certified Dental Assistant:
- sensitivity to the needs of others
- good manual dexterity to enable safe, skillful use of instruments while working in the mouth
- a mature, positive self-image with high standards of personal and professional integrity
- ability to move freely in confined spaces
- ability to speak confidently with people of all ages
- ability to pay close attention to detail over considerable periods of time
- ability to work quickly with accuracy and neatness
- ability to manage time effectively and handle responsibility
- excellent oral and personal hygiene
- willingness to participate in a team environment
- being respectful of the ways in which others organize and execute their work
Graduates will work under the supervision of a dentist, and may find employment in various settings including general and specialty dental practices, hospital dental clinics, community health agencies, and educational institutions. Most Certified Dental Assistants are employed in private general practice.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (10 months x $499.20 per month) | 4,992.00 |
| Student Activity fee (4% of tuition) | 199.68 |
| Student Services fee (4.417% of tuition) | 220.50 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (10 months x $27.60 per month) | 276.00 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) | 265.00 |
| Books and supplies (approximate cost) | 2,000.00 |
| Total | 7,953.18 |
Students are responsible for travel expenses during the practicum and may also wish to travel to attend a Dental Conference.
Professional fees are the responsibility of students, e.g., registration and licensure, National Dental Assistant Board Examination.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (10 months x $2399.31 per month) | 23,993.10 |
| Ancillary Fee (10 months x $99.25 per month) | 992.50 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (10 months x $27.60 per month) | 276.00 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) | 265.00 |
| Books and supplies (approximate cost) | 2,000.00 |
| Total | 27,526.60 |
Students are responsible for travel expenses during the practicum and may also wish to travel to attend a Dental Conference.
Professional fees are the responsibility of students, e.g., registration and licensure, National Dental Assistant Board Examination.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$45.16
Waitlist:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Donna Kist Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 2526 Email: Donna.Kist@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Marianne Roden Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 6261 Email: Marianne.Roden@viu.ca |
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International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
Fall 2025
Application Fee:
$150.00
Waitlist:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Chair Contact:
Name: Marianne Roden Phone: 250.753.3245 ext. 6261 Email: Marianne.Roden@viu.ca
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Donna Kist Email: Study@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
Please note that seats in this program are limited and offered on a first-come-first-serve-basis. The seats are filled up very quickly. Please make sure to submit all necessary documents when you submit your application online.
Comments:
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to WorldVIU@viu.ca |
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Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Visit the Department WebsitePrevious versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.