In Canada, dental assistants are crucial to public health, assisting dentists in various procedures and educating patients on proper oral care. If you’re interested in the dental field and want a meaningful career that allows you to help people care for their health, this could be an excellent career path for you. Before you start pursuing a dental assistant path, we thought you might benefit from a comprehensive and current guide to the process of becoming a dental assistant in Canada. Keep reading for a sneak peak into your career journey.  

1. Wondering How to Become A Dental Assistant? Start With Training 

In Canada, dental assistants are required to complete a college diploma that’s at least eight months in length. The 60-week dental assistant diploma program at Medix College provides a thorough and hands-on education in all of the key competencies required for success in any dental setting. Medix College has collaborated with a number of partners in the dental industry to design a curriculum that reflects the current demands of a dental assistant position.

You’ll learn general dental science theory, clinical dental assisting, preventative dental procedures, pharmacology, emergencies, dental specialties procedures and how to care for the oral health of patients in a comfortable, safe manner. Our program also provides students with a 150-hour externship that enables them to perfect their chairside skills and build professional connections. If you’re wondering how to become a dental assistant, be sure to start the process by researching programs at least eight months in length within your area. Try to find a program with a practical component to enrich your learning. 

2. Land Your First Dental Assistant Job

So, how long does it take to become a dental assistant in total? Depending on what province you live in, approximately one to two years. Dental assisting is a regulated occupation in most Canadian provinces (except for Ontario and Quebec). If necessary, your first move after graduation is to register with a regulatory board. If you’re located in Ontario or Quebec, it’s time to start your job search. As a Medix College student, you’ll be equipped with 150 hours of professional dental assistant experience which will appeal to prospective employers who are looking for capable candidates. In addition, Medix College offers a competitive advantage with our strong industry relationships.

3. Continue To Advance Your Career  

A major advantage to a dental assistant career is the vast opportunity for advancement. If you find yourself wanting change, you have plenty of options. After our dental assistant program, you can seek higher education in the following fields: 

• Dental Assistant/Administrator
• Dental Office Manager
• Intra-Oral Dental Assistant 
• Dental Assistant/ Receptionist
• Dental Treatment coordinator 
• Dental Sales representative 
• Dental hygienist 
• Dental lab technician

By combining the knowledge and skills you’ll gain in our program with our unrivaled career support, we’re confident that you’ll be able to build an illustrious dental assistant career that allows you to find security and fulfillment. 

FAQs:

How do I become a dental assistant in Canada?

In Canada, dental assistants are required to complete a college diploma that’s at least eight months in length. The 60-week dental assistant diploma program at Medix College provides a thorough and hands-on education in all of the key competencies required for success in any dental setting. Medix College has collaborated with a number of partners in the dental industry to design a curriculum that reflects the current demands of a dental assistant position. 

How long does it take to become a dental assistant in Ontario?

Depending on what province you live in, approximately one to two years. Dental assisting is a regulated occupation in most Canadian provinces (except for Ontario and Quebec). If necessary, your first move after graduation is to register with a regulatory board. If you’re located in Ontario or Quebec, it’s time to start your job search. As a Medix College student, you’ll be equipped with 150 hours of professional dental assistant experience which will appeal to prospective employers who are looking for capable candidates. In addition, Medix College offers a competitive advantage with our strong industry relationships.

Are you ready to start dental assistant courses? 

Contact Medix College to learn more!

Dental assisting is an often overlooked but highly promising, not to mention stable career.  A dental assistant career offers a unique opportunity for you to impact people’s lives positively while enjoying wholesome personal growth. In addition, oral health, being a persistent healthcare necessity, can foster workplace sustainability and generate additional opportunities.

Dental assistants play a crucial role in dental practices, supporting dentists and hygienists to provide quality oral healthcare to patients. In order to work as dental assistants in Ontario, students are required to complete a dental assisting program recognised and approved by the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB). Graduates of a recognised program, such as the one offered at Medix College, are also encouraged to write the Intra-Oral Level II exam, which is another requirement for working in Ontario. As part of Medix College’s commitment to quality, all students are registered with the Ontario Dental Assistants Association (ODAA) and enjoy all the benefits and services that come with membership. 

If you’re seeking a profession that combines job stability, a sense of purpose, and opportunities for personal growth, a dental assisting career might be the perfect fit for you. And a dental assisting course at Medix College can provide the perfect springboard to your goals. In this blog post, we’ll explore reasons why you should consider a dentist assisting course as a precursor to a rewarding career in the Canadian healthcare system.

Short Training Period During The Dental Assistant Course and Good Job Stability Thereafter 

A popular misconception is that completing a dental assisting course costs substantial amounts of money, not to mention effort and time, but the reality is quite different. One of the most attractive perks of pursuing a dental assisting career is the relatively short training period compared to other healthcare professions. A dental assisting course online can be completed in a year or thereabouts, allowing you to enter the job market quickly. This means you can start earning and gaining valuable experience sooner, without the burden of an extended educational commitment.

Additionally, if you’re considering furthering your education later on, your experience as a dental assistant can open doors to advanced roles in the dental or healthcare field. The demand for dental assistants has been steadily increasing in recent years and is projected to continue growing. As the population continues to age and dental health becomes a greater priority, dental practices will require more skilled professionals to meet patients’ needs. This high demand translates into job stability and a strong career outlook for dental assistants. Whether you choose to work in a private dental office, a clinic, or a specialized dental facility, you can be confident of finding employment opportunities almost anywhere you go.

Opportunities for Advancement

Dental assisting is not a dead-end job; it’s a stepping stone to various exciting career paths within the dental industry. As you gain experience and proficiency, you can explore opportunities for career advancement. Some dental assistants go on to become dental hygienists, dental office managers, or dental sales representatives. Others may choose to specialize in areas like orthodontics, endodontics, or oral surgery. The knowledge and skills you acquire during a dental assisting course create a solid foundation for continued growth and development throughout your career.

Fulfilling and Rewarding Career

Beyond the practical benefits, a dental assisting career can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. You have the chance to make a positive impact on people’s lives by promoting oral health and helping patients feel more comfortable during their dental visits. Building strong relationships with patients, dentists, and fellow dental team members can create a sense of camaraderie and purpose in your work. Knowing that you are contributing to improving someone’s smile and overall health can bring immense satisfaction and pride to what you do.

FAQs To Consider

Q: How do I become a dental assistant in Canada? 

A:  In order to work as dental assistants in Ontario, students are required to complete a dental assisting program recognised and approved by the National Dental Assistant Examining Board (NDAEB). Graduates of a recognized program, such as the one offered at Medix College, are also encouraged to write the Intra-Oral Level II exam, which is another requirement for working in Ontario. 

Q: How long is a dental assistant course in Canada?

A: A dental assisting course online can be completed in a year or thereabouts, allowing you to enter the job market quickly. 

Do you want to find out more about our dental assisting admission requirements?

Contact Medix College for more information.

To use the age-old adage, when it comes to people’s oral health, a stitch in time does save nine. To apply it in this case, identifying and preventing dental problems from deteriorating makes it easier to maintain a healthy mouth and prevent a lifetime of pain and regret.

Preventive dental procedures are comprehensive and holistic examinations carried out by dentists and dental assistants with the aim of identifying and treating dental problems at their early stages before they become full-blown issues. If you’re considering a career as a Dental Assistant, understanding the importance of preventive procedures can help make you more efficient and valuable in any future engagement. Read on to discover more.

Oral Examinations

In order to maintain good oral health, regular dental checkups are essential. During check-ups after your Dental Assistant training, you may be tasked with examining the teeth and gums of clients for any signs of disease or decay. By detecting these problems early, you can assist your dental team with the provision of the necessary treatment to prevent small problems from becoming more serious. Regular dental check-ups are also important for maintaining good oral health and preventing dental problems from developing in the first place.

Dental cleaning is another important preventive dental health procedure. During a dental cleaning, a dental professional removes plaque and tartar from the teeth, which can help prevent the development of cavities and gum disease. Dental cleanings are recommended at least twice a year, although some people may need them more frequently, depending on their individual oral health needs.

Fluoride Treatments and Dental Sealants

Fluoride treatments are a preventive measure that helps to strengthen teeth and prevent decay. Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in water and certain foods. It works by strengthening tooth enamel and making it more resistant to decay. Fluoride treatments are recommended for people of all ages, and they are especially important for children whose teeth are still developing.

Depending on the client’s circumstances, dental sealants can also be used. As you’ll discover during your Dental Assistant diploma program, sealants are a thin, protective coating that is applied to the surface of the teeth to help prevent decay. They are typically applied to the back teeth, where cavities are most likely to develop. Dental sealants are an effective way to prevent decay and maintain good oral health.

The Role of Dental Assistants After Dental Assistant Training

In addition to these preventive procedures, dental assistants also play an important role in educating patients about good oral hygiene practices. Dental assistants can provide information on proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as the importance of a healthy diet in maintaining good oral health. By educating patients on these important topics, dental assistants can help prevent dental problems and promote good oral health.

As a Dental Assistant, it’s critical to understand the importance of these procedures and to educate patients on the benefits of good oral hygiene practices. By doing so, Dental Assistants can help prevent dental problems and promote good oral health for their patients.

Do you want to become a Dental Assistant? 

Contact Medix College to learn how you can get started.

Are you considering a dental assistant career? It’s a great path that puts you at the centre of dental care, helping patients feel healthier and more comfortable with their smiles. There are plenty of duties you may be asked to perform in this role, including sterilizing equipment, scheduling appointments, greeting patients, and assisting with dental procedures. If you’re excited to become a dental assistant, you may be wondering what a regular day on the job looks like. Keep reading to learn about some of the daily duties you’ll perform. 

Start by Reviewing the Day’s Patient Schedule and Prepare Records

As a dental assistant, one of the first tasks of the day will be to review the day’s schedule and make sure the patient records of those coming in for dental appointments are readily available to the dentist. This part of your job should be completed well before the first patient arrives so as to stay ahead of the game on busy days. Providing a debrief for your dentist first thing in the morning will be well appreciated. Getting these minor tasks done about half an hour before the office opens will not only help your team stay on the same page but also gives you a chance to prepare your work for the day ahead. Planning ahead is a great habit to develop after dental assistant training!

Get Treatment Rooms Ready for Appointments After Dental Assistant Training

After reviewing the day’s schedule, you’ll have a clear picture of what each treatment room should look like. When working in a busy dental office, minimizing time spent looking for the necessary tools and instruments is helpful in maintaining order in the workplace. Dental health professionals like to have sterile, ready-to-use instruments within arm’s reach. Prepare treatment rooms by cleaning your surroundings and organizing the equipment in a manner that facilitates easy access by you and the dentist. 

Welcome Patients and Assist With a Variety of Dental Procedures 

As patients start arriving, your principal objective should be to greet them, guide them to the right exam room, and assist the dentist with a variety of dental procedures. You’ll likely perform cleanings, x-rays, and hand instruments to the dentist as they carry out treatments. Work after completing a dental assistant course will require a variety of other patient-facing duties, such as educating patients on oral hygiene, providing a comfortable environment for them, and answering their questions about treatments and future appointments.

The dental assisting diploma program at Medix College will teach you the skills you need to effectively provide chair support to dentists, take and develop x-rays, schedule appointments, prepare invoices, and properly sterilize instruments. If this brief look at an average dental assistant’s day inspired you, start the process today and enroll now! 

Ready to earn your dental assistant diploma? 

Contact Medix College to learn more! 

Imagine spending each and every day helping people gain confidence in themselves and their smiles. Working within the dentistry field is not only a rewarding career but also provides an exciting, fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. 

There is no better time to consider becoming a dental assistant. Job Bank Canada states that there will only be a growing demand for this rewarding career over the coming years, especially in Ontario. Furthermore, it suggests that candidates with intra-oral dental assistant certification will have further improved job prospects. 

If you are considering a career as an intra-oral dental assistant, you may be curious to know how an externship will give you a competitive advantage over others when you graduate. Keep reading to see how our 150-hour off-site placement allows you to further advance the fundamental skills you’ve learned with a real-world experience in a dental facility. 

Gain Technical Skills in Dental Assistant School

Your intra-oral dental assistant training will provide you with comprehensive knowledge about the tools and procedures you’ll be responsible for in your new career. From theory to practice, one of the greatest skills you’ll develop during your externship will be your technical skills.

Preparing dental materials, making impressions, taking x-rays, disinfecting tools and rooms, and anticipating the tools or assistance needed during complex dental procedures are just some of the technical skills you’ll build. Your externship will also test and build your dexterity and hand-eye coordination, as oral care procedures require you to work on a small section of the body using very precise instruments. 

Hone Your Interpersonal and Communication Skills 

As a Dental Assistant, you’ll be working closely with patients and co-workers. During your externship, you’ll gain real-world experience communicating in order to fulfill your duties such as gathering a patient’s medical history, educating them about oral health, explaining procedures and aftercare, breaking down billing and insurance matters, and making sure they’re comfortable in the chair. 

You’ll also build the communication skills that are essential to effectively work alongside the other members of the dental team, particularly listening skills. You’ll follow directions from your supervisors to complete tasks and use professional equipment. 

Develop Good Administrative Skills

Part of a dental assistant career includes office work, such as maintaining patient files, scheduling appointments, and answering phones. By getting the full experience during your externship, you’ll have the opportunity to utilize your time management, organization, multi-tasking, and technology skills while experiencing the administrative side of the career. 

Build Networking Skills and Make Industry Connections

Not only will you be able to include your externship on your resume, but you’ll have the chance to build a professional network with leaders in the industry before you even graduate from dental assistant school. You’ll work side by side with experts in the field, allowing you to network and make valuable connections within the industry that can enrich your future career opportunities. If you make a lasting impression during your externship there is also always the possibility that your supervisors will consider you if a job opening becomes available.

Overall, your externship will build on a variety of skills that you’ll need to be successful in your new career. You’ll become comfortable in a real-world dentistry environment by working alongside professionals, treating real patients, and gaining confidence in your abilities. With our comprehensive in-class theory, clinic practices, and 150-hour externship, you’ll be job-ready for your new, exciting, and rewarding career.

Are you ready to begin dental assistant college?

Contact Medix College to learn more about our program.

If you’re considering a future as a dental assistant, your ability to spot trends within the dental industry will help you to become an invaluable member of any dental practice. Today, advancements in technology and changes within the healthcare market have both been influential in shaping the trends affecting the dental industry. What’s more, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumer preferences have largely altered the approach of dental practices to the patient experience, something that will be seen in more dental offices going forward. 

After completing your dental assistant training at Medix College, you’ll be qualified to pursue a career as a dental assistant, educating patients about oral hygiene and supporting dentists in performing a variety of procedures. Below, discover a few dental industry trends which you can expect to see throughout your career.

3D Dental Printing is Making a Splash

3D printing technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in many different industries, offering advantages for more than just engineering or design professionals. Many dental products can be printed quickly and accurately using 3D technology, including clear teeth aligners, dental models, dentures, dental crown substructures, resins and surgical guides. While many dental practices have traditionally contracted third-party services for their 3D needs, today, more dental offices are adopting their own 3D printing materials. As these products become more affordable, you’re likely to see an influx of 3D printing technology after dental assistant training.

After Dental Assistant College, You’ll See a Growing Demand for Natural Dental Products

Given the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers have become increasingly health-conscious. Within the dental industry, this has led to a demand for natural dental products. Examples include oral health supplements, sugar and artificial additive-free toothpaste, oral probiotics, herbal mouthwash and bamboo toothbrushes. As more consumers will be likely to choose dental practices which rise to meet this demand and adopt the use of environmentally friendly products and practices, it’s important that dental offices can adapt in the future.

Digital Marketing Will Become More Important

When you’re looking for a restaurant, do you check their Google rating and reviews first? Today, more dental practices are finding that this is how patients are making a decision about their dentist as well. As more consumers put their trust in online reviews and an organization’s online presence, dental practices are beginning to invest in digital marketing, boosting their social media efforts and outreach methods. After completing dental assistant college, it’s likely that you’ll see more dental offices monitoring the reviews that patients leave, and investing in marketing technology to reach their target audience.

A Focus on the Patient Experience Will Be Noticeable

One industry trend that appears to be here for good is the increased attention that dental offices are giving to the patient experience. As consumers become more health-conscious, they’re likely to prioritize dental offices which provide a cleaner and more comfortable environment. Anxiety surrounding dental procedures also plays a role, and more dental practices are striving to accommodate the needs of patients through the installation of televisions near the dentist’s chair, sedation dentistry and even virtual reality technology. In the future, it’s likely that the dental practices which invest in their patient’s comfort will be the most successful. 

Automation Will Affect Patient Management Systems

Communicating with dental patients used to take place exclusively over the phone. However, more options for automated patient outreach are becoming integrated within the dental industry. As technology advances, more dental practices are adopting chatbots which help patients to make appointments, find answers to questions or leave a message for someone. Additionally, more dental practices are using software to remind patients about upcoming appointments. As this automated technology becomes more commonplace, it’s likely that this trend is here to stay within the dental industry.

Are you considering dental assistant school?

Start training with a program at Medix College today!