Prepare for a career that combines hands-on patient care, technical skills, and teamwork to make a meaningful impact in oral health care
Get the skills to launch a career as a dental assistant in just one year. You'll start by building your knowledge in semester one through online learning, then practice your skills on manikins and your classmates in the college's dental clinic during on-campus labs on select weekends in semester two. You'll round out your training in semester three by completing a placement in a dental office.
This combination of theory and practice will give you the required knowledge and practical experience through a multi-disciplinary approach working with dental hygienists, dentists, and other health care professionals in the clinical environment and in community placements.
If you are currently working or have previously worked in a dental office, you may be eligible to receive credit for your work experience through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).
Program highlights
- In Semester One, you will complete theory-based coursework fully online on your own schedule while meeting established course deadlines
- In Semester Two, you will complete five intensive clinical and laboratory sessions on campus, each five days in length (these are scheduled across weekends, Thursday through Monday)
- Labs and clinical courses in Semester Two are delivered at the Cambrian College Dental Clinic and simulation labs
- In Semester Three, you will complete a 6-week placement in a dental office
- Be job-ready in 10 months
- Learn from experienced dental health care professionals in a supportive, hands-on environment
- Gain real-world experience by supporting patients in a dental clinic and during an off-site practicum
- You will be HARP certified when you graduate
Program of study for 2026-27 Academic Year
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| DEN 1260 | Health Promotion | 3 |
| DEN 2500 | Introduction to Dental Assisting | 4 |
| DEN 2502 | Dental Office Management | 3 |
| ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
| BIO 1130 Anatomy Physiology and Oral Science | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| DEN 1266 | Lab Practice and Dental Materials | 3 |
| DEN 2503 | Dental Assisting Theory | 4 |
| DEN 2505 | Dental Radiography Techniques | 4 |
| BIO 1225 Pharmacology | 3 | |
| DEN 1275 Clinical Applications in Dental Assisting | 8 | |
| Credits | 22 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| DEN 2506 | Clinical Experience | 6 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 44 | |
Admission requirements
For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:
- Any grade 12 English (C)or (U)
- Any grade 11 (U) or (C) or grade 12 biology (U)
Please note: A minimum of 60% is required in each prerequisite course
Program delivery
2025-2026
Winter term start
SEMESTER 1: Winter 2026
SEMESTER 2: Spring 2026
SEMESTER 3: Fall 2026
College or university degree opportunities
If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian's college and university agreement details for further information.
Employment opportunities
Upon successful completion of the NDAEB examination, graduates may find employment as a Level II Dental Assistant in general and specialty practices, community health settings, dental sales, and dental supply companies.
Please note: Cambrian College strives to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. Please note that the academic curriculum is continually reviewed and revised to ensure that Cambrian's programs and courses remain relevant. The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.
