There are two levels of dental assisting in BC:
Certified Dental Assistants (CDA) are trained in diploma courses held in colleges throughout the province. They are trained to assist the dentist during treatment of the patient and are qualified to carry out some procedures on patients under the direction of the dentist.
Dental Assistants require no formal training because training will be provided “on the job” by the dentist. The duties that can be performed by a chairside assistant are limited, and unlike those of certified dental assistant, do not include procedures carried out on the patient.
Camosun CollegeVictoria
CDI CollegeBurnaby, Surrey and Victoria
College of New CaledoniaPrince George
College of the RockiesCranbrook
Okanagan CollegeKelowna
University of the Fraser ValleyAbbotsford
Vancouver Community CollegeVancouver
Vancouver Island UniversityNanaimo
Discovery Community College Surrey
*contact schools for specific entrance requirements