Dental Assisting

Location(s): Regina

Today’s dental practices are using sophisticated equipment and advanced techniques. As a member of the dental care team, the dental assistant promotes oral health by providing direct client care, chair-side assistance and dental education.

SIAST’s Dental Assisting certificate program provides a solid foundation of knowledge and practical skills, enabling you to work both independently and also as part of a dental team that assists dentists, dental hygienists and dental therapists in the provision of quality care.

You will learn how to:

provide chair-side support for diagnostic, assessment, restorative and specialty procedures

counsel patients in regard to maintaining oral health

perform business and reception procedures

perform intraoral procedures as specified by Saskatchewan legislation

Hands-on learning in our dental clinic at SIAST Wascana Campus (Regina) is a highlight of the program. The clinic gives you a chance to build your skills and confidence under the supervision of licensed professionals. Three clinical experiences round out the program, giving you on-the-ground training in an actual dental practice.

Note

International applicants are not currently considered for admission to this program.

Did you know?

This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada. As a graduate, you are eligible to write the National Dental Assisting Examining Board exam. Examination success will permit you to license with the Saskatchewan Dental Assistants’ Association as well as work anywhere in Canada.

How does it fit?

Because there are so many facets to the job, dental assisting makes a good career choice for people who enjoy variety. Good “people skills” and manual dexterity are a must. Attention to detail, commitment to high standards, good decision-making skills – all are important elements in building a successful career in dental assisting.

Length: 40 weeks

Career Opportunities

Dental assistants can work in a variety of settings: private dental offices, community health clinics, educational facilities or health care institutions. You might also find employment with dental insurance and dental supply companies. Typically, most graduates work in general dental practices where job duties range from assisting chair-side during dental procedures and taking and developing dental x-rays to providing client education and office reception.

For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the SIAST campus nearest you.

Program Details

Start Date(s): August

Apply Now

Admission Requirements

Grade 12 with a minimum overall average of 65% in English Language Arts A30, English Language Arts B30, Biology 30, and the highest grade in either 20 or 30 level mathematics *

English Language Requirement

Note

Standard First Aid and CPR HeartSaver "C" AED or equivalent are required prior to entry into the Dental Assisting program and must be current to the year of the program.

*Revised Mathematics Curriculum Requirement
(Effective July 1, 2013)

Highest grade in Foundations of Math 20 or Foundations of Math 30
(replacing highest grade in a 20 or 30 level math above)

All other admission requirements remain unchanged

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER^© cut scores and Post Secondary Success Requirements for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.

ACCUPLACER ^©

ACCUPLACER^© Cut Scores
for this program

70	Arithmetic
85	Reading
85	Sentence
5	WritePlacer

Post-Secondary Success

Post-Secondary Success Requirements
for this program

One year post-secondary studies including a post-secondary English, plus Biology 30

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

Tuition and Fees

For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.

Classroom

Clinical/Practicum

Shop/Lab

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

More about PLAR

Transfer Credit

Many SIAST students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. To learn more, visit our transfer credit web page.

Semester 1
expand/contract all

APHY 160 Structure and Function

You will become familiar with the basic structure and functions of the human body and learn that it is an integrated structure. You will focus on the head and neck region. The course content includes cells, tissues, senses, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, digestive, urinary, respiratory and reproductive systems.

3.0 Credit Units
45.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

Equivalent Course(s): APHY 162

BUS_ 160 Dental Practice Management

You will focus on the dental assistant’s role in practice management. You will develop skills to maintain a positive environment, manage telephone calls and process mail.

Using a computerized dental office management system, you will learn how to manage dental records, claims and accounts, control inventory and supplies and schedule appointments.

3.0 Credit Units
45.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

Equivalent Course(s): OPRO 133

DENT 160 Dental Materials

Through lecture and labs, you will study the properties and clinical use of dental materials. The course content includes the manipulation of treatment lining, restorative and luting materials.

3.0 Credit Units
38.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

DENT 163 Preventive Dentistry 1

You will be introduced to the concepts of preventive dentistry. You will learn the relationship between dental biofilm and oral disease. You will study the appropriate use of and indications for oral care aids and products designed to prevent and control oral disease, including fluoride. Your studies will help you develop the knowledge, skill, and attitude to practice excellent personal oral health.

2.0 Credit Units
35.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

DENT 166 Oral Embryology, Histology and Anatomy

You will learn, through lectures and laboratory/clinical experiences, the basic anatomy of permanent and deciduous teeth, their sequence of eruption, the basic structures of the oral cavity and the supporting dental structures. You will study prenatal and postnatal development and factors that affect normal and abnormal development of the face, palate, teeth and related structures of the oral cavity.

3.0 Credit Units
45.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

DNTL 162 Treatment Liners

You will learn to place liners, bases and bonding systems in basic cavity preparations without pulpal exposures. You will apply treatment liners on a manikin in the laboratory setting.

2.0 Credit Units
24.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

Equivalent Course(s): DENT 1604

DNTL 166 Dental Care Delivery

You will learn to assist with a dental examination. Working on manikins and peers in the SIAST Dental Assisting Clinic will prepare you to practice ergonomically within the dental operatory, use four-handed dentistry and develop instrumentation skills. You will take and record vital sign measurements.

2.0 Credit Units
30.0 Lab hours

Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

DNTL 167 Infection Prevention

Your studies will focus on infection prevention in the dental office. You will learn to implement policies and procedures necessary to protect yourself, clients and co-workers and to prevent transmission of disease in the dental office.

2.0 Credit Units
30.0 Lab hours

Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

DNTL 168 Moisture Control

You will be introduced to a variety of moisture control methods used in dentistry. Working on manikins and peers in the SIAST Dental Assisting Clinic, you will apply and remove a dental dam and apply other isolation techniques required for dental procedures. You will learn how to maintain a clear operating field for dental procedures.

2.0 Credit Units
30.0 Lab hours

Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

DNTL 169 Permanent Restorative Procedures

Through lectures and practice in a simulated environment, you will develop skills to prepare the operatory and assist with permanent restorative procedures. You will apply topical anesthetic and assist with the administration of local anesthetic. You will also learn to use the Tofflemire TM Matrix system.

4.0 Credit Units
60.0 Lab hours

Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

DNTL 170 Dental Records

You will learn the importance of consent, privacy and confidentiality in relation to dental records. You will learn how to use oral health information in a dental record as well as in a computerized system. The dental assisting process of care will be introduced to provide a framework for providing quality care for clients.

1.0 Credit Units
15.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

RDGR 160 Clinical Radiography 1

You will prepare dental bitewing radiographs for diagnostic purposes. You will be introduced to radiographic film processors and digital imaging software.

1.0 Credit Units
15.0 Lab hours

Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

Prerequisites:
DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

SEM_ 160 Orientation Seminar

You will learn how the dental assistant functions within the dental health team, the workplace and society. You will be introduced to employability skills required to be successful in the dental profession. You will participate in seminars to develop study and life management skills that will help you become a successful adult learner. The course content includes an introduction to professional portfolio development and SIAST student policies.

1.0 Credit Units
18.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

Semester 2

COM_ 199 Dental Assisting Communications

You will study communication processes, marketing the practice, reporting suspected abuse and advocating for special needs clients as related to your role as a dental assistant. You will discuss the application of professional standards and plan for employment.

3.0 Credit Units
45.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

Equivalent Course(s): COMM 164

DENT 161 Dental Technology 1

You will study the physical properties of materials used for taking alginate impressions and for fabricating diagnostic casts with dental stone. You will learn to take upper and lower alginate impressions with a bite record, and fabricate and finish diagnostic casts.

3.0 Credit Units
50.0 Lab hours

Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

Prerequisites:
DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 167 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 168 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 169 Minimum Grade of 60

DENT 261 Dental Technology 2

You will study the physical properties, materials and techniques used to fabricate matrices for provisional crown fabrication, custom provisional crowns, custom mouthguards and whitening trays. In the laboratory setting, you will produce a matrix, mouthguard, and whitening tray, as well as fabricate, cement and remove custom provisional crowns on a manikin.

1.0 Credit Units
20.0 Lab hours

Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

Prerequisites:
DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60

DENT 282 Dental Specialties

You will be introduced to prosthodontic, endodontic, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontic and periodontic procedures performed within a general dental practice. You will also discuss dental care for pediatric and geriatric clients. Your studies will focus on the specialized equipment, materials and procedures as it relates to your role as the dental assistant.

4.0 Credit Units
60.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

Prerequisites:
DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 167 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 168 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 169 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 170 Minimum Grade of 60

DNTL 160 Clinical Dental Assisting 1

You will integrate the skills and knowledge learned in preclinical courses to prepare you to assist with clinical dentistry in the SIAST Dental Assisting Clinic. You will learn how to implement infection prevention procedures and communicate with clients and colleagues. You will learn to follow protocols on deportment, managing medical emergencies and providing dental office reception duties.

2.0 Credit Units
24.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

Prerequisites:
BUS 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 163 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 162 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 167 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 168 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 169 Minimum Grade of 60 and RDGR 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and SEM 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 170 Minimum Grade of 60

DNTL 260 Clinical Dental Assisting 2

You will continue to develop clinical dental assisting skills in the SIAST Dental Assisting Clinic and will progress towards the competence required of an entry level dental assistant. You will also further develop dental office reception skills.

7.0 Credit Units
112.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

Prerequisites:
DNTL 160 Minimum Grade of P (concurrent) and PRAC 263 Minimum Grade of P (concurrent)

DNTL 261 Preventive Dentistry 2

You will acquire the knowledge and skills required to assess, plan, implement and evaluate personal oral self care plans for clients in a clinical setting. You will develop a dental assisting care plan specific to client needs with emphasis on oral self care and nutritional recommendations. You will use oral health promotion strategies to meet the needs of a community group.

3.0 Credit Units
45.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

Prerequisites:
DENT 163 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 262 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and DNTL 160 Minimum Grade of P (concurrent)

DNTL 262 Client Care Procedures

You will develop skills to perform clinical dental assisting procedures. You will learn to apply products that remove stain, prevent dental decay, whiten teeth and decrease tooth sensitivity through classroom and lab experiences on manikins and peers.

3.0 Credit Units
38.0 Lab hours

Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

Prerequisites:
DENT 163 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 167 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 168 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 169 Minimum Grade of 60

NUTR 262 Nutrition

You will learn the basics of nutrition as it relates to general/oral health and disease. You will develop a basic understanding of the functions and dietary sources of the major nutrients; discuss the nutritional needs throughout the lifecycle as well as nutrition-related oral health issues.

1.0 Credit Units
20.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

Equivalent Course(s): NUTR 160

Prerequisites:
DENT 163 Minimum Grade of 60

PATH 262 Pathology

You will explore common diseases of the body and oral cavity and the medication used to treat common medical conditions. The dental implications of common medications will be emphasized.

3.0 Credit Units
50.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

Prerequisites:
APHY 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60

PRAC 263 Dental Assisting Practicum 1

You will spend one week observing and/or assisting in a general dental practice to help you integrate theory to practice and become familiar with the functioning of a dental office. You will focus on professionalism, the role of the dental assistant in the dental health team and the qualities of an effective dental assistant.

2.0 Credit Units
35.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

Prerequisites:
APHY 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and BUS 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 163 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 162 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 167 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 168 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 169 Minimum Grade of 60 and RDGR 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and SEM 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 170 Minimum Grade of 60

PRAC 274 Dental Assisting Practicum 2

You will assist and/or participate in a general dental practice to enhance the development of your clinical skills. You will focus on employability and chairside dental assisting skills and the dental assisting process of care.

5.0 Credit Units
70.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

Equivalent Course(s): PRAC 265

Prerequisites:
PRAC 263 Minimum Grade of P (concurrent) and DNTL 262 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)

PRAC 275 Dental Assisting Practicum 3

You will perform the role of the dental assistant in a general dental practice to prepare you to transition to an employment situation. You will work under the mentorship of an experienced dental assistant who, in partnership with the dentist, will offer feedback and evaluate your dental assisting skills.

2.0 Credit Units
35.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

Prerequisites:
COM 199 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and DENT 161 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and DENT 261 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and DENT 282 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and DNTL 160 Minimum Grade of P (concurrent) and DNTL 260 Minimum Grade of P (concurrent) and DNTL 261 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and DNTL 262 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and NUTR 262 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and PATH 262 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and RDGR 261 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and RDGR 263 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and PRAC 263 Minimum Grade of P (concurrent) and PRAC 274 Minimum Grade of P (concurrent)

RDGR 261 Radiography

You will study the principles of radiation physics, biology, chemistry and safety. You will also study the theory supporting exposing, processing and interpreting dental radiographs. You will discuss methods to manage various clients who require radiographs.

1.0 Credit Units
20.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory