Get the Skills to Become a Level II Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant in a dental office.
Dental Assistant learners train hands-on with real patients

Professional Dental Assistant Career Training in as Little as 55 Weeks

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. Upon completion of this program, you will enter the professional world with confidence after gaining so much real-world experience working with actual patients.

 
  • May 15thDental Assistant Level II: Discovery Community College - Surrey 10040 King George Boulevard Surrey BC Caanda V3T 2W4 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. https://discoverycommunitycollege.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Dental-Assistant.jpgDiscovery Community College

Why Upskilling is Essential in Today’s Job Market

Like many Canadians, you may be concerned about the rising cost of living and the need to find ways to increase your income potential. If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve, training to obtain new qualifications could be a great solution.

Discovery Community College is dedicated to offering convenient, supportive, and affordable career training. With a range of funding options available, there has never been a better time to invest in upskilling. Contact us today to learn how we can help you get ahead in today’s job market.

Dental Assistant

55-Week Diploma | $54,080 median annual salary*

  • Expected Job Openings in BC (2022-2032): 2,000**
  • Occupations include Dental Assistant, Intra-Oral Dental Assistant
NOC - 3411

*https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/4475/BC visited on September 21, 2021. Salary source for dental assistants in British Columbia with lowest 10% earning $41,600 to the highest 10% of workers earning $68,640.

**https://www.workbc.ca/career-profiles/dental-assistants visited on May 24, 2023.

Becoming a Qualified Dental Assistant

If you’re looking for a steady, reliable career, look no further than a career in dental assisting. At Discovery Community College, we’re proud of our history of trainee success, including our 96% job placement rate.

During this program, you will learn:

  • Introduction to Dental Assisting
  • Applied Dental Sciences
  • Preventive Dental Assisting
  • Operative Dental Assisting
  • Dental Radiography
  • Prosthodontics and Dental Laboratory
  • And more!

There has never been more funding for career training than there is right now. A variety of funding opportunities may be available to you, including WorkBC, Student Aid BC, and employment grants. An experienced Financial Aid Representative is available to answer any questions you may have, can assist with potential funding applications and help you discover the best options for your specific needs.

Is a Career as a Dental Assistant Right for You? Take the Discovery Community 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 >>

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, 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.

Meet Meera, one of our Dental Assistant Level II instructors at Discovery Community College

Dental Assistant Level II

Total:  1150 hours, 55 weeks

Term I

  • DA Foundation Skills  (20 hours)
  • Introduction to Dental Assisting (88 hours)
  • Applied Dental Sciences (132 hours)
  • Preventative Dental Assisting (144 hours)
  • Operative Dental Assisting (116 hours)
  • Practicum I (32 – 40 hours)

Term II

  • Dental Radiography (132 hours)
  • Prosthodontics and Dental Laboratory (112 hours)
  • Dental Administration (40 hours)
  • Patient Care Clinics (96 hours)
  • Employability Skills (16 hours)
  • Practicum II (96 – 120 hours)
  • NDAEB Certification Preparation (12 hours)

March of each year:  Pacific Dental Conference (16 hours)

Dental Assistant Program

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 ready-to-work graduate, you will be eligible to complete the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) written exam and the Clinical Practice Exam (CPE).

Location:

Program length: 55 weeks, 1150 hours.

Class Delivery:  On campus with online learning options for theory courses.

“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 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
Monika and Thalia are both attending our Dental Assistant Level II program at our Surrey campus

High Placement Rate

Discovery College has a 96% job placement rate.** That is because we assess employment gaps within the community and then tailors the programs around that, giving you the exact skills that employers are looking for to fill their vacant positions.

Convenient Learning Options

At Discovery Community College, you don’t have to put your life on hold to start career training. We offer accessible learning including on-campus, online and blended on-campus and online learning options.

Many of our learners are raising families and some continue to work while training. We will help you choose a schedule that works for you.

Almost 35 Years of Success

Discovery Community College has been training learners just like you for successful careers for almost 35 years. Our college is a well-respected institution, who has formed alliances with numerous community partners. We are also registered with and designated by the Private Training Institutions Branch of British Columbia, formally PPSEC, since 1996.

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

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