Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) Program (S113)

Program Description

Leadership Claims

Preparing students to work as dental assistants for 25 years.

Program Overview

George Brown College's Dental Assisting (S113) program provides the education required to work as a certified dental assistant (Levels I and II). Students will develop the skills, technical knowledge and clinical experience necessary to work in a professional, ethical and collaborative manner in a variety of settings.

Full Description

George Brown College's Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) (S113) program will prepare you to become a valued collaborative member of the oral health-care team. You will have an opportunity to develop competencies related to clinical assisting, oral health education and business administration consistent with national and provincial standards.

This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.

Dental assistants promote:

  • direct client care
  • oral health education
  • business administration

As a student in the program, you will develop experience in:

  • intra-oral skills
  • digital intra-oral imaging
  • laboratory procedures
  • infection prevention and control protocols
  • safety protocols
  • business skills

Learning takes place alongside students enrolled in the Restorative Dental Hygiene program

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply to write the National  Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) examination. (Note: Additional fees apply.) Upon successful completion of the examination, candidates are eligible to apply for certification with the Ontario Dental Assistants Association to work as a Level II dental assistant in the province of Ontario. See odaa.org for further information about how to become certified as a Level II dental assistant in Ontario.

Interested in this program but need more competitive marks? Consider enrolling in the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas (A109) program.

This program will help you develop new and strengthen existing skills in math, biology, chemistry, physics, and communication. 

PLEASE NOTE: While successful graduates of the (A109) program will be eligible to apply to this advanced diploma, it does not guarantee entry into this program.

Your Field Education Options

This Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) program offers both on-site and off-site field education opportunities.

In semester 1, the curriculum is focused on building the core skills of a dental assistant while working with mannequins in our on-site, state-of-the-art WAVE Dental Clinic and dental laboratories.

In semester 2, you will build on this foundation by practising on each other and alongside students from the Restorative Dental Hygiene program. You will then progress to practise your consolidated skills with real patients both in the WAVE Clinic and off-site in the community. Typical field education sites include private dental practices, public health units and teaching hospitals.

As we support interprofessional educational opportunities, you will have the chance to collaborate with one of our 12 George Brown College Child Care Centres, where you will teach oral health education to the children, students and staff at a centre as scheduling permits.

PLEASE NOTE: Off-site travel may be required. Clinical hours include early mornings that can extend into the evening.

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Career Options

Graduates of this Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) program are eligible to take the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) examination. (Note: additional fees apply.) Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates are eligible to apply for certification with the Ontario Dental Assistants Association to work as a Level II Dental Assistant in Ontario. Visit the Ontario Dental Assistants Association website for additional information about how to become certified as a Level II Dental Assistant in Ontario.

Graduates find employment in:

  • general and specialty private dental practices
  • public health units
  • hospital dental clinics
  • dental industry
  • armed forces
  • insurance companies

Educational Pathways

Graduates of this Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) program may apply in the future to other dental programs at George Brown College but must meet the minimum admission requirements for each of the following programs:

Graduates are not given priority admissions based on successful completion of the Dental Assisting program but may be eligible for some course exemptions.

Certified dental assistants (Level I and II) may apply to the George Brown College Continuing Education department to expand their skills with a certificate in:

  • dental office skills
  • dental treatment co-ordinator

"My experience at George Brown was very positive. The facilities, curriculum and faculty members provided me with the knowledge, confidence and skills that have built the foundation of a fulfilling and rewarding career in a way that has exceeded my expectations.

The clinics gave me tangible experience applicable to real world circumstances. Placements through George Brown cultivated my professionalism and bolstered my confidence. The professors and instructors intelligently articulated the course materials in a way that helped me easily understand the tasks at hand. The part that stands out most was that I felt like they actually cared about the students. Through their insightful teaching style, and genuine interest in the success of the students, the staff members at George Brown made me feel like they wanted me to do well and it pushed me to do my best.

I am grateful to have participated in the Dental Assisting levels I & II program and it is with great honour that I recommend George Brown to anyone interested in pursuing a Dental related education.”

Kelsey Peters
Ontario College Certificate

Visit and discover life in our campus

Book campus tour

Get answers to your questions

Book info session

Sign up to receive tailored resources to make your application, your way.

Sign up and learn more about your options, our programs, and life at George Brown.