How to Become a Dental Assistant in Ontario: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you passionate about health, helping people, and working in a fast-paced environment? A career as a dental assistant might be the perfect fit for you! Whether starting a new job or looking to transition into the dental field, becoming a dental assistant in Ontario offers a fulfilling and dynamic opportunity. 

In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about becoming a dental assistant in Ontario, including critical steps, required education, potential job roles, and how Cestar College’s dental assisting program in Toronto can help you achieve your career goals.

What is a Dental Assistant?

A dental assistant is a vital member of any dental team, providing crucial support to the dentist and the office. Dental assistants help with administrative tasks and work alongside dentists to ensure procedures run smoothly. The specific tasks of a dental assistant vary depending on the type of dental practice, but typical duties include:

• Preparing Patients for Procedures: Ensure patients are ready and informed before dental procedures begin.
• Sterilizing and Organizing Dental Tools: Maintain clean and orderly dental tools to ensure a safe and efficient working environment.
• Assisting During Dental Procedures: Support the dentist during procedures to ensure smooth and effective treatment.
• Managing Office Administration: Handle administrative tasks to keep the dental office running smoothly.
• Providing Post-Operative Care Instructions: Explain care instructions to patients to aid in their recovery after procedures.
• Taking Dental Impressions: Capture accurate dental impressions to create dental appliances.
• Managing Dental Supplies: Oversee inventory and ordering dental supplies to ensure the office is always well-stocked.

The job of a dental assistant is diverse, making every day an opportunity to learn and grow.

What High School Credentials Do You Need To Be a Dental Assistant?

Having your Ontario Secondary School Diploma is an essential first step toward beginning your education and career as a dental assistant. Here are the main courses you’ll need: 

• Grade 12 English
• Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry or Biology
• Grade 12 Math

If you are an adult student or haven’t completed these requirements, don’t worry! Ontario offers adult learning programs to help you meet the qualifications needed to enroll in a dental assisting program.

The next step to becoming a dental assistant in Ontario is enrolling in an accredited school like Cestar College. After graduating, you must also obtain your certification from the Ontario Dental Assistants Association (ODAA) to practice dental work.

The Levels of Dental Assisting in Ontario

Ontario has two levels of dental assistants, each with distinct roles and responsibilities. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

• Level I Dental Assistant

A Level I dental assistant focuses primarily on chairside assistance. They prepare patients, sterilize instruments, maintain dental supplies, and provide post-procedure care. These assistants are the dentist’s right hand during routine procedures.

• Level II Dental Assistant:

A Level II dental assistant has advanced training and certification, allowing them to perform more clinical tasks. These include taking dental impressions, applying fluoride treatments, and administering desensitizing agents. Completing a dental assisting program and obtaining certification is required to become a Level II dental assistant in Ontario.

What Skills Will You Learn in a Dental Assisting Program?

A dental assisting program provides theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on experience. There’s also a variety of dental assisting skills that employers are looking for that should be showcased on your resume when applying for jobs. At Cestar College, our dental assisting program covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Dental Anatomy and Physiology: Explores the structure and function of teeth and oral tissues.
• Dental Radiography (X-rays): Involves taking and interpreting X-ray images for dental diagnosis.
• Patient Care and Communication: Focuses on providing excellent care and effectively interacting with patients.
• Preventive Dental Care: Concentrates on measures to prevent dental diseases, including regular cleanings, fluoride treatments, and patient education on oral hygiene.
• Pharmacology: Studies the use of medications in dental care, understanding drug interactions, side effects, and how they affect dental treatment.
• Office Management: Involves the administrative tasks of a dental practice, such as scheduling, billing, patient records management, and ensuring efficient office operations.
• Dental Care Ethics: Examines the moral principles and professional standards governing dental practice, emphasizing patient rights, confidentiality, and ethical decision-making.

In addition, students in our dental assisting program have the opportunity to develop essential dental assisting skills through clinical placements. During these placements, they can apply their knowledge in real-world settings and build the experience needed to succeed in their future careers.

Preparing for the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB)

Once you’ve completed a dental assisting program, the next step is passing the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) exam, a requirement for all dental assistants in Ontario. The exam covers critical topics like professional conduct, patient care procedures, and clinical support. Passing this exam is essential to becoming a certified dental assistant in Ontario.

Field Experience and Networking Opportunities

One of the most important aspects of your education as a dental assistant is field experience. This hands-on training allows you to develop your dental assisting skills in a real-world setting. By working in a clinical environment, you can network with dental professionals, build relationships, and potentially secure job offers once you graduate.

In addition to clinical placements, our dental assisting program at Cestar College offers opportunities for professional development, including oral health education seminars and workshops designed to prepare you for the challenges of the dental field.

Career Outlook for Dental Assistants in Ontario

The career prospects for dental assistants in Ontario are excellent. Dental care is a growing field, and there is always a demand for skilled dental assistants in private practices and clinics. Dental assistants with certification, experience, and specialized dental assisting skills can expect to earn competitive salaries.

Level I dental assistants typically start at $20.34 per hour, while Level II dental assistants can expect around $22.42 per hour.

Whether you are starting as a chairside assistant or moving into advanced roles, the opportunity for career growth is significant.

Key Steps to Becoming a Dental Assistant in Ontario

1. Complete Your High School Requirements: Obtain an Ontario Secondary School Diploma, focusing on relevant credits like biology, chemistry, and English.
2. Enroll in a Dental Assisting Program: Choose a certified dental assisting program like Cestar College, which offers hands-on training and academic support.
3. Field Placements: Gain practical experience through field placements and networking with professionals in the dental industry.
4. Pass the NDAEB Exam: After completing your dental assisting program, pass the National Dental Assisting Examining Board exam to obtain your certification.
5. Start Your Career: Once certified, begin applying for jobs as a dental assistant. Many graduates find work quickly, thanks to Ontario’s growing demand for dental assistants.

The Importance of the Ontario Dental Assistants Association (ODAA)

The Ontario Dental Assistants Association (ODAA) is the professional body representing dental assistants in Ontario. By joining the ODAA, you gain access to industry resources, professional development opportunities, and a supportive network of peers. Membership in the ODAA can help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends in how to provide oral health services and further advance your career as a dental assistant.