Dental Assistant Program specifics
- 40-weeks in duration
- Level I and Level II
This is a full-time hybrid program with both synchronous and asynchronous classes. Theory classes and clinical practicum are held weekdays and weekends, with occasional evenings. SODC follows the curriculum established by the Ontario Dental Assistants Association and the NDAEB. Upon graduation the students write the NDAEB examination in order to be certified in Ontario.
Dental Assistant – Level I Program
In Level I, the students learn chair-side assisting duties. These duties include assisting both the dentist and dental hygienist, taking and developing X-rays, mixing dental materials, oral hygiene instruction, infection control, instrument sterilization and more.
Dental Assistant – Level II Program
Level II allows the student more intra-oral duties. They include taking impressions, pit and fissure sealants, applying anticariogenic agents, rubber dam placement, coronal polishing, and application of topical anesthetics. Included in Level Il is an in-office practicum.
COURSES
| Term 1 | Term 2 |
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| DA 101: Orientation to Dentistry and Ethics (30 hours)
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This course will give students the opportunity to learn about the early discoveries in dentistry, the educational and professional development of dentistry in the United States and Canada, as well as the history of dental assisting. Students will learn about the professional and legal responsibilities of all members of the dental team. Students will consider their role on the dental team, identify other members of the team, develop an appreciation for being affiliated with a profession and learn how to use a problem-solving approach to deal with conflicts that may arise within the dental team.
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RAD 02: Radiology Practical (52 hours)
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This course is intended for the Dental Auxiliary student studying to be and/or working in a dental practice in Ontario who wishes to be qualified under The Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act to expose prescribed dental radiographs on humans. In a clinical setting the student will demonstrate dental radiation safety in the practical application of exposure techniques, processing, mounting, and in the interpretation of x-rays. The student will develop the ability to produce diagnostically valuable radiographs while minimizing client and operator exposure.
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| DA 102: Environmental Health and Safety (10 hours)
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This course will introduce the student to the proper handling of hazardous chemicals, employee safety, and waste management. The student will also learn how to avoid musculoskeletal disorders commonly associated to dental assisting and learn how to work in an ergonomics setting.
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DA 105: Pharmacology (15 hours)
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This course introduces students to the basic principles of oral medicine. Students are provided with the terminology, medicinal use, physiological actions, adverse responses and classifications of drugs encountered in the dental office or commonly prescribed for clients.
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| RAD 01: Theoretical Foundations to Radiology (52 hours)
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This course is intended for the Dental Auxiliary student studying to be and/or working in a dental practice in Ontario who wishes to be qualified under The Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act to expose prescribed dental radiographs on humans. The student will investigate the fundamental scientific properties of radiation and principles upon which oral radiography is based. The student will examine dental radiation safety in relationship to exposure techniques, processing, mounting, interpretation of x-rays and develop the knowledge to produce diagnostically valuable radiographs while minimizing client and operator exposure.
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DA 106: Medical Emergencies (15 hours)
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This component provides the student with the knowledge and skills that are required to recognize and prevent medical and dental emergencies when working with diverse clients within the dental office. Students will participate in basic rescuer training including CPR, First Aid and the use of an AED, and will learn how to assist the Dentist in administering immediate care for the client in the dental office environment.
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| DA 105: Pharmacology (15 hours)
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This course introduces students to the basic principles of oral medicine. Students are provided with the terminology, medicinal use, physiological actions, adverse responses and classifications of drugs encountered in the dental office or commonly prescribed for clients.
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DA 109: Practice Management II (45 hours)
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Students will cover the key competencies related to office practices and administrative responsibilities of the dental assistant. This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills related to basic dental reception procedures. Topics will include the organization and management of patient records, appointment control, dental claims, financial procedures, and the utilization of dental management computer software.
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| DA 106: Medical Emergencies (15 hours)
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This component provides the student with the knowledge and skills that are required to recognize and prevent medical and dental emergencies when working with diverse clients within the dental office. Students will participate in basic rescuer training including CPR, First Aid and the use of an AED, and will learn how to assist the Dentist in administering immediate care for the client in the dental office environment.
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DA 110: Dental Office Placement (60 hours)
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This course will provide learners with the opportunity to integrate and demonstrate the foundational knowledge gained from supporting theory and preclinical practical courses into the clinical setting.
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| DA 107: Oral Pathology, Prevention and Nutrition (60 hours)
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In oral pathology the students will focus on the developmental disturbances and their clinical manifestations associated with the development of these structures and the pathology that can affect these structures throughout the life cycle. The student will recognize the normal and abnormal tissue anatomy as it relates to the role of the dental assistant. In Preventive Dentistry and Nutrition, they will focus on the concepts of oral self-care, concepts of health and disease, periodontal disease, hard and soft deposits, dental diseases, oral self-care devices, oral self-care agents, fluoride therapy, nutrition, and the learning and teaching process.
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DA 113: Clinical Dentistry Practical (255 hours)
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This course will provide learners with the opportunity to integrate and demonstrate the foundational knowledge gained from supporting theory and preclinical practical courses into the clinical setting.
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| DA 108: Practice Management I (45 hours)
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This course will equip the student with a strong combination of the office administrative skills and clinical knowledge necessary to work effectively in a dental practice. Students will study dental office procedures such as preparation and maintenance of client records, inventory systems, recall systems, appointment scheduling, dental insurance and protecting the privacy of Dental Clients.
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DA 114: Dental Materials (65 hours)
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The students will be introduced to topics related to restorative and esthetic dental materials, dental cements, impression and laboratory materials. The student will become acquainted with properties of dental materials, including mechanical properties, thermal changes, electrical properties, corrosive properties, solubility and application properties. Students will get the knowledge of indirect and direct restorations. Students will relate to the application of dental liners, bases and bonding systems. Students will become acquainted with the classification of dental cements and laboratory materials and procedures.
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| DA 109: Practice Management II (45 hours)
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Students will cover the key competencies related to office practices and administrative responsibilities of the dental assistant. This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills related to basic dental reception procedures. Topics will include the organization and management of patient records, appointment control, dental claims, financial procedures, and the utilization of dental management computer software.
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DA 115: Dental Records and Charting (30 hours)
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This course will give the student the opportunity to learn about the dental examination and the diagnostic techniques used for client assessment in both theory and practice. The student will gain the knowledge needed to record the dental examination and chart the dental diagnosis. Students will also gain foundational knowledge of treatment plans and their presentation.
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| DA 111: Dental Sciences (75 hours)
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Students are provided with an understanding of normal anatomy and physiology beginning with an orientation to the body and a basic understanding of the workings of the human body. The student will learn detailed anatomy of the head, neck and teeth. The student will examine the normal development of the oral cavity and facial complex, as well as the teeth and periodontium.
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DA 116: Microbiology and Infection Control (60 hours)
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This course will give the student the opportunity to learn the basics of microbiology and the major groups of microorganisms, including bacteria, algae, protozoa, fungi, viruses and prions. The student will also be introduced to viral and bacterial diseases and methods to prevent transmission of diseases in the dental office.
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| DA 112: Clinical Dentistry Theory (60 hours)
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Students will be introduced to a wide variety of instruments and procedures used in dentistry. This component will assist students in developing the skills and recognizing the importance of co-operative interaction with the dentist providing quality care while working chairside for various procedures. Students will learn the theory and practical elements of restorative dentistry. Students will be placed in the dental assistant’s role in operative procedures. This includes chairside assisting, as well as the implementation of the dental materials used in dentistry.
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DA 117: Dental Specialties (60 hours)
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Students will be introduced to a wide variety of instruments and procedures used in specialty dentistry. This component will assist students in developing the practical skills to interact with dental specialists during various dental procedures. Students will learn both the theory and practical elements of specialty dentistry and will practice practical skills in operative procedures. Students will practice chairside assisting, as well as the implementation of the dental materials used in specialty dentistry.
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| DA 113: Clinical Dentistry Practical (255 hours)
Read More
This course will provide learners with the opportunity to integrate and demonstrate the foundational knowledge gained from supporting theory and preclinical practical courses into the clinical setting.
|
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| DA 114: Dental Materials (65 hours)
Read More
The students will be introduced to topics related to restorative and esthetic dental materials, dental cements, impression and laboratory materials. The student will become acquainted with properties of dental materials, including mechanical properties, thermal changes, electrical properties, corrosive properties, solubility and application properties. Students will get the knowledge of indirect and direct restorations. Students will relate to the application of dental liners, bases and bonding systems. Students will become acquainted with the classification of dental cements and laboratory materials and procedures.
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| DA 115: Dental Records and Charting (30 hours)
Read More
This course will give the student the opportunity to learn about the dental examination and the diagnostic techniques used for client assessment in both theory and practice. The student will gain the knowledge needed to record the dental examination and chart the dental diagnosis. Students will also gain foundational knowledge of treatment plans and their presentation.
|
|
| DA 116: Microbiology and Infection Control (60 hours)
Read More
This course will give the student the opportunity to learn the basics of microbiology and the major groups of microorganisms, including bacteria, algae, protozoa, fungi, viruses and prions. The student will also be introduced to viral and bacterial diseases and methods to prevent transmission of diseases in the dental office.
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| DA 117: Dental Specialties (60 hours)
Read More
Students will be introduced to a wide variety of instruments and procedures used in specialty dentistry. This component will assist students in developing the practical skills to interact with dental specialists during various dental procedures. Students will learn both the theory and practical elements of specialty dentistry and will practice practical skills in operative procedures. Students will practice chairside assisting, as well as the implementation of the dental materials used in specialty dentistry.
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Academic Requirements
How to Apply
Pre-Admissions Testing
Fees
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Academic Requirements
Please choose the option that best fits your academic credentials.
Option One
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent
Option Two
Mature Students (21+) with no Secondary School Diploma
If you are age 21 or older as of the first day of classes, and do not have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, you may be considered for admission as a mature student. You must meet all specific admission requirements (courses, pre-admission testing, etc.) for the program to which you are applying.
All official transcripts and diplomas must be sent to the college in a sealed and stamped envelope directly from your High School and/or Post Secondary School. An electronic version can be accepted if sent directly from the school.
Outside of Canada
Education must be evaluated by WES or ICAS (academic level, showing GPA, course by course)
English Proficiency Test from IELTS (more than 6.0) or Duolingo (more than 95) – Academic Level
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How to Apply
Next Intake:
Accepting Applications:
Documents required:
- Official transcript
- Highschool or equivalent
- One letter of recommendation from a professional such as:
- Current or previous Manager
- Current or previous Supervisor
- Teacher
- Instructor
- Mentor
- Volunteer Coordinator
The letter of recommendation should reflect the applicant’s suitability to pursue studies in a career in the dental field. The letters will be uploaded to the applicant’s profile online; therefore, an email version will be accepted.
- Application fee – $150 (will be charged upon applying).
Here’s the SODC application process at its most basic:
Step 1. Online application form: click here
Step 2. Gather all the required documentation requested by Admissions. Wait for directions from our team to upload documents online.
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Pre-Admissions Testing
Applicants who meet our admissions requirements will be invited to complete pre-admission testing.
Testing:
- Reading and writing assessment
For Mature Student Status (if qualified)
- Online entrance exam
- Reading and writing assessment
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Fees
The Dental Assistant – Level I & II Program is 40-weeks in duration.
Application fee – $150 (will be charged upon applying).
Contact programinfo@sodentalcollege.com for tuition fees.
Tuition for this program includes:
- All required textbooks
- 1 pair of scrubs
- 1 lab coat
- 1 set of safety glasses
- In-class resource materials (handouts, etc.)
- One set of exam instruments
- One typodont
Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.
The Dental Assistant – Level I & II Program is 40-weeks in duration.
Application fee – $150 (will be charged upon applying).
Contact programinfo@sodentalcollege.com for tuition fees.
Tuition for this program includes:
- All required textbooks
- 1 pair of scrubs
- 1 lab coat
- 1 set of safety glasses
- In-class resource materials (handouts, etc.)
- One set of exam instruments
- One typodont
Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.
FAQ's
Is the program accredited and can graduates write the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) to be certified?
Currently, SODC is working towards accreditation.
Yes, SODC participates in the curriculum verification process which allows SODC graduates to write the NDAEB exam.
Yes, SODC participates in the curriculum verification process which allows SODC graduates to write the NDAEB exam.
How many intakes does SODC have per year?
There are two intakes per year: one in February and one in September.
How long is the program?
The program is 40-weeks in length.
Does the program offer any breaks or holidays?
Yes, there is a 1-week break in between term 1 and term 2.
Is there a co-op placement with this program?
Yes, it is the student’s responsibility to complete the 2-week co-op placement towards the end of the program.
What type of financial aid does SODC offer?
Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.
What are the employment prospects for a recently graduated dental Assistants?
According to Job Bank Canada the employment outlook will be good for Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants (NOC 33100) in Ontario for the 2024-2026 period. Majority employed in dental offices. The Dental Assistants in Ontario hold an hourly wage of approximately $20.00- $32.00, median being $26.00/hour.
Where can I get more information about living and studying in the Hamilton/Ancaster area?
Are you interested in applying for this program?
Contact us today.
Or Call us toll-free at 1-866-979-6334