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Dental Assisting


Location(s):  Regina   

Today’s dental practices are using sophisticated equipment and advanced techniques. As a member of the dental care team, the dental assistant promotes oral health by providing direct client care, chair-side assistance and dental education.

SIAST’s Dental Assisting certificate program provides a solid foundation of knowledge and practical skills, enabling you to work both independently and also as part of a dental team that assists dentists, dental hygienists and dental therapists in the provision of quality care.

You will learn how to:
  • provide chair-side support for diagnostic, assessment, restorative and specialty procedures

  • counsel patients in regard to maintaining oral health

  • perform business and reception procedures

  • perform intraoral procedures as specified by Saskatchewan legislation

Hands-on learning in our dental clinic at SIAST Wascana Campus (Regina) is a highlight of the program. The clinic gives you a chance to build your skills and confidence under the supervision of licensed professionals. Three clinical experiences round out the program, giving you on-the-ground training in an actual dental practice.

Note

International applicants are not currently considered for admission to this program.

Did you know?

This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada. As a graduate, you are eligible to write the National Dental Assisting Examining Board exam. Examination success will permit you to license with the Saskatchewan Dental Assistants’ Association as well as work anywhere in Canada.

How does it fit?

Because there are so many facets to the job, dental assisting makes a good career choice for people who enjoy variety. Good “people skills” and manual dexterity are a must. Attention to detail, commitment to high standards, good decision-making skills – all are important elements in building a successful career in dental assisting.

Length: 40 weeks


Career Opportunities

Dental assistants can work in a variety of settings: private dental offices, community health clinics, educational facilities or health care institutions. You might also find employment with dental insurance and dental supply companies. Typically, most graduates work in general dental practices where job duties range from assisting chair-side during dental procedures and taking and developing dental x-rays to providing client education and office reception.

For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the SIAST campus nearest you.




Program Details

Start Date(s): August

Apply Now

Admission Requirements


  • Grade 12 with a minimum overall average of 65% in English Language Arts A30, English Language Arts B30, Biology 30, and the highest grade in either 20 or 30 level mathematics *

  • English Language Requirement


Note

  • Standard First Aid and CPR HeartSaver "C" AED or equivalent are required prior to entry into the Dental Assisting program and must be current to the year of the program.


*Revised Mathematics Curriculum Requirement
(Effective July 1, 2013)


  • Highest grade in Foundations of Math 20 or Foundations of Math 30
    (replacing highest grade in a 20 or 30 level math above)

  • All other admission requirements remain unchanged



Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores and Post Secondary Success Requirements for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.



ACCUPLACER ©     

ACCUPLACER© Cut Scores
for this program

70Arithmetic
85Reading
85Sentence
5WritePlacer
Post-Secondary Success

Post-Secondary Success Requirements
for this program

One year post-secondary studies including a post-secondary English, plus Biology 30


Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

Tuition and Fees

  • For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.
      Classroom
      Clinical/Practicum
      Shop/Lab

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.


Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.





Transfer Credit

Many SIAST students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Find out more about transfer credit options.



  • APHY 160  Structure and Function
  • You will become familiar with the basic structure and functions of the human body and learn that it is an integrated structure. You will focus on the head and neck region. The course content includes cells, tissues, membranes, glands and the skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, digestive, excretory, respiratory and endocrine systems.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Equivalent Course(s):   APHY 162   


  • BUS_ 160  Dental Practice Management
  • You will focus on the dental assistant's role in practice management. You will develop the skills needed to answer phones, greet and dismiss clients, maintain dental business relations, keep records and accounts, process mail, control inventory, compose correspondence related to the dental practice and use a computerized dental office management system. You will learn the importance of efficient and cost-effective operations.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Equivalent Course(s):   OPRO 133   


  • DENT 160  Dental Materials
  • You will gain a working knowledge of the properties and clinical use of dental materials. This includes the placement of fissure sealants. You will learn how WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) requirements apply to dentistry.

    3.0 Credit Units
    46.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • DENT 163  Preventive Dentistry 1
  • You will learn the principles used in controlling and preventing oral disease. You will also study the principles of teaching the essentials of a modern dental plaque control program (including sound oral hygiene techniques).

    2.0 Credit Units
    26.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory


  • DENT 166  Oral Embryology, Histology and Anatomy
  • You will learn, through lectures and laboratory/clinical experiences, the basic anatomy of permanent and deciduous teeth, their sequence of eruption as well as the basic structures of the oral cavity, the supporting dental structures and the Federation Dentaire Internationale (FDI) Numbering System. In addition, you will develop a basic understanding of prenatal and postnatal development and factors that affect normal and abnormal development of the face, palate, teeth and related structures of the oral cavity.

    3.0 Credit Units
    45.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory


  • DNTL 160  Clinical Dental Assisting 1
  • You will integrate the skills and knowledge learned in previous courses to assist with client care procedures, including dental reception duties. You will follow the dental assisting process of care. You will develop an understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety regulations pertaining to the dental profession.

    2.0 Credit Units
    34.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

    Corequisites:   BUS 160    DNTL 166    DNTL 167    DNTL 168    DNTL 169   


  • DNTL 162  Placement of Treatment Liners
  • You will learn how to place liners, bases and bonding systems in basic cavity preparations without pulpal exposures. You will practice and develop skills in laboratory settings and during chairside assisting assignments.

    2.0 Credit Units
    24.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning

    Equivalent Course(s):   DENT 1604   


  • DNTL 166  Dental Assisting Principles 1
  • You will be introduced to the Dental Assisting Process of Care. You will learn to function ergonomically within the dental operatory and will develop skills in 4-handed dentistry. You will learn how to use dental records. Working on mannequins in the dental clinic will allow you to apply theory to practice.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Corequisites:   DNTL 160   


  • DNTL 167  Infection Control and Equipment
  • Your studies will focus on the use and care of dental equipment, instruments and materials. You will also study infection control. The importance of preventing cross-infection will be emphasized. You will apply theory to practice in the dental clinic.

    2.0 Credit Units
    32.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

    Corequisites:   DNTL 160   


  • DNTL 168  Moisture Control
  • Moisture control is fundamental to successful dental care. You will learn a variety of methods with the major focus being on the application and removal of the dental dam. Working on mannequins and fellow students in the dental clinic will allow you to apply theory to practice.

    2.0 Credit Units
    31.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

    Corequisites:   DNTL 160   


  • DNTL 169  Restorative Procedures
  • You will focus on the dental assistant's role in dental restorative procedures (including the application of topical anesthetic, the administration of local anesthesia and the application of the matrix system). Working on mannequins in the dental clinic will allow you to apply theory to practice and integrate previously learned knowledge and skills.

    3.0 Credit Units
    50.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

    Corequisites:   DNTL 160   


  • RDGR 160  Clinical Radiography 1
  • Through demonstrations and practical exercises, you will prepare dental bitewing radiographs for diagnostic purposes, following radiation safety protocol. You will also operate and maintain automatic radiographic film processors.



    1.0 Credit Units
    15.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

    Prerequisites:
    DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • SEM_ 160  Orientation Seminar
  • You will learn how the dental assistant fits into the workplace and society, and examine the employability skills needed to be successful in the dental profession. You will also have the opportunity to develop study and life management skills that will help you be a successful adult learner. The course content includes teamwork, portfolio development and SIAST and program policies.




    1.0 Credit Units
    18.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory


    Semester 2

  • COMM 164  Communications
  • You will be expected to communicate in a variety of situations in dental offices. Through lectures, workshops, independent study, simulations and clinical sessions, you will study communication processes, marketing the practice, reporting abuse and advocating for special needs clients. You will also study and practice how to market your employability skills.

    2.0 Credit Units
    35.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Equivalent Course(s):   BCOM 103    COMM 291    PSYC 160   


  • DENT 161  Dental Technology 1
  • You will develop a working knowledge of the physical properties of materials used for taking alginate impressions, and for fabricating diagnostic casts with dental stone. You will learn to take upper and lower alginate impressions with a bite record, and fabricate and finish diagnostic casts and a cast for mouthguards. You will be able to critique your work by evaluating it against the criteria for satisfactory impressions and casts.

    3.0 Credit Units
    50.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

    Prerequisites:
    DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 167 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 168 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 169 Minimum Grade of 60


  • DENT 261  Dental Technology 2
  • You will develop an understanding and working knowledge of the physical properties and the techniques used to fabricate custom trays, custom mouthguards and whitening trays as well as fabricate custom provisionals. You will be able to cement and remove provisionals and provide clients with the necessary information required to wear and maintain a mouthguard and perform tooth whitening using whitening trays. Knowledge will be gained through lecture and practical laboratory sessions.

    2.0 Credit Units
    26.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

    Prerequisites:
    DENT 161 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60


  • DENT 280  Dental Specialties 1
  • You will be introduced to the dental specialties pedodontics, orthodontics, endodontics and maxillofacial surgery performed within a general dental practice. Your studies will focus on equipment, materials, procedures and your role as the dental assistant.

    3.0 Credit Units
    48.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 167 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 168 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 169 Minimum Grade of 60


  • DENT 281  Dental Specialties 2
  • You will be introduced to the dental specialties of prosthodontics and periodontics performed within a general dental practice, as well as to geriatric dentistry and to concepts of community oral health programs. Your studies will focus on equipment, materials, procedures and your role as the dental assistant. You will also participate in supervised experiences at a long term care facility.

    3.0 Credit Units
    42.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 167 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 168 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 169 Minimum Grade of 60


  • DNTL 260  Clinical Dental Assisting 2
  • You will continue to develop clinical dental assisting skills, including reception duties, using the dental assisting process of care. You will gain practical experience in the SIAST Dental Clinic where clients are scheduled to receive dental treatment.

    7.0 Credit Units
    112.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

    Prerequisites:
    APHY 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and BUS 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 163 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 280 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and DENT 281 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and DNTL 160 Minimum Grade of P and DNTL 162 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 167 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 168 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 169 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 261 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and SEM 160 Minimum Grade of 60


  • DNTL 261  Preventive Dentistry 2
  • Classroom discussions and activities will help you acquire the knowledge and skills required to develop a preventive care plan in a classroom setting. This will prepare you to provide direct preventive care to clients in a clinical setting.

    2.0 Credit Units
    30.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Prerequisites:
    DENT 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 163 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 280 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and DENT 281 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and DNTL 160 Minimum Grade of P and DNTL 262 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • DNTL 262  Dental Assisting Principles 2
  • You will develop, through lectures, seminars, readings, demonstrations and practice on mannequins and fellow students, the skills needed to provide client care. These skills include taking and recording vital signs, update health history [recognizing obvious deviations from normal (extra orally and intraorally)], assessing and recording oral hygiene status & performing selective rubber cup prophylaxis. You will become familiar with standards of conduct, scope of practice, professional ethics, provincial legislation for the profession of dental assisting, and develop components of a professional portfolio.

    3.0 Credit Units
    50.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    APHY 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 163 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 167 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 168 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 169 Minimum Grade of 60


  • NUTR 262  Nutrition
  • Nutrition plays a fundamental role in maintaining good health and preventing disease. You will acquire basic knowledge about nutrition. This includes recommended nutrient intakes, Canada's Food Guide for healthy eating, factors influencing food intake, life cycle nutrient needs, credible sources of nutrition information and applying nutrition to dental health.

    1.0 Credit Units
    20.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Equivalent Course(s):   NUTR 160   

    Prerequisites:
    DENT 163 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PATH 262  Pathology
  • You will explore, through lectures, class discussion and learning activities, common diseases of the body and oral cavity and the medication used to treat common medical conditions. The dental implications will be emphasized.

    3.0 Credit Units
    50.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Prerequisites:
    APHY 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PRAC 263  Practicum 1
  • To help you integrate theory to practice and become familiar with the functioning of a dental office, you will spend one week observing and/or assisting in general dental practice. You will focus on professionalism, teamwork and the qualities of an effective dental assistant.

    2.0 Credit Units
    35.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

    Prerequisites:
    APHY 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and BUS 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 163 Minimum Grade of 60 and DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 160 Minimum Grade of P and DENT 280 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and DNTL 162 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 166 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 167 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 168 Minimum Grade of 60 and DNTL 169 Minimum Grade of 60 and RDGR 160 Minimum Grade of 60 and SEM 160 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PRAC 264  Practicum 2
  • To continue the development of your clinical skills (especially those needed to assist prosthodontic and endodontic procedures), you will spend one week observing and/or assisting in a general dental practice.

    2.0 Credit Units
    35.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

    Corequisites:   DNTL 262   

    Prerequisites:
    PRAC 263 Minimum Grade of P


  • PRAC 265  Practicum 3
  • You will gain extended experience working in a dental practice for two weeks. You will work under the mentorship of an experienced dental assistant who, in partnership with the dentist, will give you feedback and evaluate your dental assisting skills.

    5.0 Credit Units
    70.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

    Prerequisites:
    COMM 164 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and DENT 161 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and DENT 261 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and DENT 280 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and DENT 281 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and DNTL 260 Minimum Grade of P (concurrent) and DNTL 261 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and DNTL 262 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and NUTR 262 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and PATH 262 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and PRAC 264 Minimum Grade of P (concurrent) and RDGR 263 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent) and RDGR 261 Minimum Grade of 60 (concurrent)


  • RDGR 261  Radiography (Theory)
  • You will develop a basic understanding of the principles of radiation physics, biology, chemistry and safety. You will also become familiar with exposing, processing, mounting and interpreting dental radiographs.

    1.0 Credit Units
    20.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Prerequisites:
    DENT 166 Minimum Grade of 60


  • RDGR 263  Clinical Radiography 2
  • Through demonstrations and practical exercises, you will prepare dental periapical, panoramic and occlusal radiographs for diagnostic purposes, following radiation safety protocol. You will learn how to mount and duplicate dental radiographs.

    4.0 Credit Units
    55.0 Lab hours

    Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

    Corequisites:   RDGR 261   

    Prerequisites:
    RDGR 160 Minimum Grade of 60



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