Dental assisting certificate
Certified Dental Assisting Certificate
Facts checked 7 September 2026
Report a mistake·How we check facts
Part of the route toCertified Dental Assistant·Certificate
A 10-month CDAC-accredited college certificate training you in chairside dental assisting, digital radiography, and preventive care.
Ways to get this paid for
Government money that can cover this course. Check who qualifies before you pay.
Free adult upgrading
FreeGrade 11 and 12 courses and English classes are free at public colleges and school districts. This covers the Grade 11 and 12 prerequisite courses, not the program itself.
WorkBC training funding
Up to $7,500 tuitionIf you are out of work or underemployed, a WorkBC case manager can approve and pay for this training. Get approval before you pay.
Canada Training Credit
Half your tuition back, up to $5,000 in your lifeFederal tax credit. $250 a year builds up from age 26. Claim it on your tax return.
BC Access Grant
Up to $4,000 a yearFor low and middle income students in full-time programs under two years at public schools. Assessed when you apply through StudentAid BC.
THE ROUTE
How this program works, step by step
Grade 11 to the job. Open any step to see what is inside.
The route (8 steps)
For the best view, open the map full screen.
STEP BY STEP
Step by step
The same route as the map, as a list.
Step 1 of 8
Grade 11
⏱ 1 school year- Chemistry 11. Requirement varies by school (Vancouver Community College, Camosun College). Strictest requirement: C.
- Foundations of Math 11. Requirement varies by school (University of the Fraser Valley, College of New Caledonia). Strictest requirement: C.
- Life Sciences 11. Requirement varies by school (Okanagan College, Vancouver Island University, College of the Rockies). Strictest requirement: C.
- English 12 with C+ (or English 11 with B)
Step 2 of 8
Grade 12
⏱ 1 school year- BC High School Graduation (Dogwood Diploma). Requirement varies by school (University of the Fraser Valley, Okanagan College, Vancouver Island University, and 1 others). Strictest requirement: C.
- Biology 12. Requirement varies by school (University of the Fraser Valley, College of New Caledonia, Vancouver Island University, and 3 others). Strictest requirement: C.
- English Studies 12. Requirement varies by school (University of the Fraser Valley, College of New Caledonia, Vancouver Community College, and 1 others). Strictest requirement: C.
- Grade 12 or mature student status
Step 3 of 8
What you need to get in
- Current CPR-C / BLS certificate and clear criminal record check
- Volunteer or observation hours in a dental clinic
- CPR-C / BLS and Criminal Record Check
- Minimum 20 documented hours of dental office observation
- CPR Level C / BLS and Criminal Record Check
Step 4 of 8
How to apply
- Apply online via EducationPlannerBC to Vancouver Community College or Camosun College
- Applications typically open October 1 for the following September intake
- Submit academic transcripts and completed health clearance paperwork
- Participate in department information sessions or applicant questionnaires
Step 5 of 8
Dental assisting certificate
⏱ 10 months (40 weeks)- Four-handed dentistry: instrument transfers, moisture control, and restorative procedures
- Dental radiography: taking and mounting diagnostic intraoral and panoramic digital X-rays
- Preventive dentistry: coronal polishing, topical fluoride application, and pit/fissure sealants
- Dental materials: mixing cements, alginate impressions, and fabricating temporary crowns
- Supervised clinical placements in community dental clinics and private practices
Step 6 of 8
Where to take it
⏱ 7 schools in BC- Camosun College — 10 months (Tuition not yet verified)
- College of New Caledonia — 10 months (About $7,200 for the whole program)
- College of the Rockies — 10 months (About $4,700 for the whole program)
- Okanagan College — 10 months (About $5,500 for the whole program)
- University of the Fraser Valley — 10 months (Tuition not yet verified)
- Vancouver Community College — 10 months (About $11,300 for the whole program)
- Vancouver Island University — 10 months (Not published on the school page)
Step 7 of 8
Exams and registration after
- National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Written Examination
- BCCOHP Jurisprudence Examination
Step 8 of 8
Leads to: Certified Dental Assistant
- Explore Certified Dental Assistant wages, job outlook, and career pathways
SCHOOLS
Where you can take this(7 schools)
Compare tuitions, campus locations, and delivery formats across approved institutions in British Columbia.
We have not checked this school's tuition yet. See the school's page.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 7 September 2026.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 7 September 2026.
We have not checked this school's tuition yet. See the school's page.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
Checked 7 September 2026; the school does not list a figure. Ask the school.