Get the Skills to Become a Level II Dental Assistant
Professional Dental Assistant Career Training in as Little as 60 Weeks
The Dental Assistant II Program from Discovery Community College provides the specialized hands-on training, practical experience, and necessary clinical skills it takes to become a professional Dental Assistant. As a graduate, you will be eligible to complete the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) written exam and their Clinical Practice Exam (CPE).
Delivered by industry experts, our comprehensive program combines classroom theory and clinical practice in our fully equipped on-site dental clinic. During your training, you will also work with real dental patients. And in your end of program Practicum, you will complete your training working in a busy dental practice. As a successful graduate you will enter the professional world with confidence after gaining so much “real world” experience working with actual patients.
This program is currently being offered on-campus in: Surrey
This program has been reviewed and approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training.
What is the Role of a Level II Dental Assistant?
There is never a dull day in the office for a Dental Assistant. That’s because their role is super versatile. Dental Assistants do everything from taking x-rays to teeth impressions. They perform tasks on patients independently and assist the Dentist or Hygienist during specific procedures. Beyond that, they do administrative work too.
Level II Dental Assistants perform more intra-oral duties, such as:
- Take and develop X-rays
- Polish teeth and clinical crowns
- Apply fluoride and sealant
- Take preliminary impressions for diagnostic casts
- Make temporary crowns and restorations
- Remove stitches from wounds
- Take and record vital signs as needed
- Apply and remove rubber dams for dental procedures
- Apply topical anaesthetic and agents to reduce sensitivity and tooth decay
Chairside Dental Assistants perform extra-oral duties, such as:
- Schedule appointments
- Keep records of patients’ dental work
- Prepare patients for dental exams and help the dentist during the examination
- Sterilize and maintain dental instruments and equipment
- Prepare dental instruments and filling materials
- Teach patients about oral hygiene
- Invoice patients
- Order dental and office supplies
Level II Dental Assistant Training – Get More Clinical Skills
Level II Dental Assistants can perform more intra-oral duties (inside a patient’s mouth) than Level I Dental Assistants, who do more administrative ‘chairside’ tasks. Level II duties include more advanced procedures such as radiology and teeth scaling, whitening and polishing, etc.
What’s more, Level II Dental Assistants have a wide skillset that allows them to work in all dental specialties, including orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and oral surgery.
Level II Dental Assistants are considered healthcare providers, just like practical nurses. However, they enjoy a similar wage and very stable and consistent working hours, making for a better work-life balance.
Is a Dental Assisting Career Right for You? Take the Discovery College "Dental Assistant Career Training Readiness Quiz"
This fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get your Dental Assistant career training readiness score now >>
Success Matters!
At Discovery, we know that going to school isn’t just about getting a Diploma – it’s about getting a great job. At Discovery we are proud to have one of the highest graduate employment rates in North America. Many of our graduates are hired directly from their practicums!
The best way to see if Discovery Community College is the right fit for you is to see it for yourself. You can tour our facilities, get all your questions answered, and meet with both students and instructors. Schedule a Tour Now or Get more info.
“I can proudly say that going to Discovery was one of the greatest choices I have made in my life. Now I not only have a job, but a career which I am proud of.”
– Ana McManus, Discovery Community College Graduate
What Can You Earn as a Dental Assistant?
According to Certified Dental Assistants of British Columbia, the average hourly wage for Dental Assistants in B.C. is $24.67.
Is Becoming a Dental Assistant Right for You?
If you’re interested in learning more about Dental Assisting and exploring whether this might be the career path for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information. Our friendly and knowledgeable Career Advisors are happy to answer any questions you have and can help with everything from courses, to job outlook, to helping you find ways to reduce, or even pay for, your tuition. To speak directly with a Career Advisor, give us a call at 1-877-315-5241