Becoming a dental assistant is a great career choice for those interested in healthcare and working directly with patients. Dental assistants are valuable members of the dental team who perform a variety of clinical and administrative duties to keep dental practices running smoothly. If you want to become a dental assistant in British Columbia, there are several steps you will need to take.
What Does a Dental Assistant Do?
Dental assistants perform a wide range of duties in a dental practice. Some of their primary responsibilities include:
- Welcoming patients and preparing them for dental procedures
- Sterilizing and preparing dental instruments and equipment
- Assisting dentists during dental procedures
- Providing patients with instructions for oral care
- Taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays)
- Keeping patient records updated
- Scheduling appointments
- Billing patients and submitting claims
- Ordering dental supplies and materials
The day-to-day work of a dental assistant involves a lot of interaction with both patients and other dental professionals. They need strong communication and interpersonal skills in addition to technical abilities.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Dental Assistant in BC?
The timeline for becoming a dental assistant in BC can vary depending on your education path. Here are the general timeframes:
- Certificate program: Full-time certificate programs take 9-12 months to complete. This is the fastest path.
- Diploma program: Full-time diploma programs take about 2 years to complete.
- On-the-job training: If you find an employer willing to train you on-site, this can take 6-12 months to get fully up to speed.
So within 1-2 years, it’s possible to complete dental assistant training and be fully qualified to work in the field. The specific timeline depends on the education route you choose.
Education Requirements for Dental Assistants in BC
To work as a certified dental assistant in British Columbia, you need to complete an accredited dental assisting program. There are a few options:
- Certificate: Certificate programs take 9-12 months to complete and provide basic entry-level training.
- Diploma: Diploma programs take about 2 years and provide a more in-depth education.
- Degree: A dental assistant diploma or certificate can be a pathway into a bachelor’s degree program.
Certificate programs are the minimum education required. Some employers may prefer candidates who have a diploma or bachelor’s degree for more advanced duties.
Here are some examples of accredited dental assisting programs in BC:
| School | Program | Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| CDI College | Dental Assisting Certificate | 43 weeks |
| Vancouver Career College | Dental Assistant Certificate | 41 weeks |
| VCC | Dental Assisting Diploma | 2 years |
| Okanagan College | Dental Assistant Certificate | 9 months |
All recognized education programs include laboratory and clinical experience to build real-world dental assisting skills.
Certification for Dental Assistants
Certification is optional but recommended for dental assistants in BC. The National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) offers the national Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) designation. To qualify for certification, you must:
- Graduate from an accredited program
- Pass the NDAEB written exam
- Pass the NDAEB practical exam
Earning CDA certification demonstrates proficiency in areas like oral anatomy, radiography, nutrition, and clinical procedures. Many employers prefer to hire assistants who are CDAs.
How Much Do Dental Assistants Earn in BC?
Dental assistants can earn a good living in BC. According to the province’s Job Bank, salaries average:
- $18-$22 per hour
- $2,600-$3,200 per month
- $31,000-$38,500 per year
With several years of experience and added certifications, dental assistants may earn up to $45,000 or more per year.
Dental Assistant Job Outlook in BC
Employment prospects are good for dental assistants in BC. According to the Job Bank, over the 2020-2028 period, the profession is forecast to grow by:
- 7.9% in the province overall
- 10.3% in the Mainland/Southwest region
- 11.6% in the Vancouver Island/Coast region
This growth is driven by an aging population with increasing dental needs. Many dental assistants also choose to specialize as orthodontic assistants or other advanced roles. With additional training, you can expand your career possibilities.
Finding Dental Assistant Jobs in BC
New dental assistants have several options for finding employment, such as:
- Your school’s career placement office
- Online job boards like Indeed, Monster, Craigslist, etc.
- Professional associations like the CDABC
- Attending dental conferences and networking
- Directly contacting dental clinics
- Social media networks like LinkedIn
Many new grads find success networking with alumni from their dental assisting program. With multiple job search strategies, you can connect with the right opportunities.
Can I Work in BC If I Trained Outside the Province?
Yes, it’s possible to work as a dental assistant in BC if you completed your training in another province. However, you may need to take additional steps for full certification in BC.
Graduates of recognized Canadian programs can register with the College of Dental Surgeons of BC by providing:
- Proof of graduation from an accredited program
- Letters of professional conduct
If your education was outside Canada, you will need to apply for substantial equivalency assessment. This involves reviewing your transcripts and program content to ensure its equivalency.
Ultimately, all dental assistants must register with the College of Dental Surgeons of BC to work in the province, regardless of where you obtained your credentials.
Conclusion
If you’re considering a stable, rewarding allied healthcare career, becoming a dental assistant is an excellent choice. Within about 1-2 years of accredited training, you can obtain the qualifications to gain employment in BC.
To recap the steps:
- Complete a 9-12 month certificate program at minimum, or pursue a 2-year diploma for more in-depth training
- Register with the College of Dental Surgeons of BC
- Consider obtaining national CDA certification for added credibility
- Market yourself to dental practices via school connections, job boards, events, etc.
With strong professional relationships and continued education, dental assistants can build very satisfying long-term careers with plenty of versatility. If you have an interest in healthcare, working with your hands, and interacting closely with patients, dental assisting is a career path worth pursuing.