Willis College
Dental Assisting
A Career Worth Smiling About
Sydney
Program Length:
39 weeks
Program Hours:
1462
Sydney Hybrid
Program Length:
47 weeks
Program Hours:
1496
Credentials:
- NS Diploma
Study Options:
- Hybrid
- In Person
Start Dates
Sydney
September 8, 2026
Sydney Hybrid
January 4, 2027
July 5, 2027
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A Career Worth Smiling About
The Dental Assisting Diploma is a career-focused program designed to prepare students for fast entry into one of Nova Scotia’s most in-demand healthcare support roles. Willis College offers two distinct pathways to becoming a Level I and II Intra-Oral Dental Assistant: an immersive 39-week on-campus program and a flexible 47-week hybrid option. The hybrid pathway combines online learning with three scheduled on-campus sessions in Sydney (totaling five weeks of in-person instruction) along with hands-on experience at a sponsoring dental office two days per week starting in Week 11.
Both delivery options provide the same comprehensive training and lead to the same learning outcomes, ensuring students develop the clinical knowledge and practical skills required to work confidently in modern dental practices. Coursework emphasizes chairside assisting, infection prevention and control, dental radiography, patient care, and dental office procedures, supported by applied lab and clinical experience.
Designed for individuals seeking a hands-on, patient-focused career in healthcare, the program provides a direct pathway from training to employment in a field where skilled professionals are actively sought after across Nova Scotia and beyond.
$25.00
Average Wage/HR$32.00
High Wage/HRJobbank.gc.ca Updated Nov, 2025
Program Outline
Please click on the course title to see the course description.
This course introduces students to career opportunities in dental assisting, including professional responsibilities, licensing requirements, continuing education, and the roles of each member of the dental healthcare team. Students will develop effective communication skills for interacting with patients and colleagues while exploring the professional standards, ethical expectations, and code of conduct required of dental assistants.Through classroom discussions, role-playing activities, and practical scenarios, students will develop the skills needed to navigate challenging situations, support patient care, and make ethical decisions. Students will also complete Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) training and receive their NVCI certification. In addition, this course supports career readiness by helping students create a professional resume and cover letter that can be updated as they gain new skills and experience.
Students will be introduced to the clinical setting, proper clinic protocol, and procedure. Students will be familiarized with chairside skills. This will be introduced to the student by using textbooks, pictures, and videos via Moodle. These skills will be reinforced when students participate in their Dental Office Practicum.
This course will equip students to communicate effectively with their patients and co-workers. It will also examine the professional code of conduct expected of a dental assistant and allow students, through classroom role-playing, to encounter real-life situations that require effective communication and ethical decision-making. It will also demonstrate the procedures required to operate the front office of a dental practice effectively and emphasize the importance of the front office staff. Students will be exposed to insurance forms, claim procedures, basic information on account management, and specialized computer software and programs used in the dental office setting.
The Dental Laboratory Techniques and Procedures module will offer the student online instruction in impression-taking, model/cast pouring and trimming, and custom tray fabrication.
This course is a practical application of skills and knowledge acquired in the introductory requirement. Students will be expected to demonstrate problem-solving and technical competence in regard to dental radiography.
This course will encompass the study of basic dental terminology, introductory anatomy and physiology with special emphasis on head and neck anatomy, the natural dentition, and the occlusion and development of the teeth, as well as an introduction to the oral cavity and its structures in a healthy normal state. This course will allow the student to identify abnormal dental conditions caused by oral diseases or systemic diseases with oral manifestations.
This course provides students with a series of lectures, seminars and office rotations offered by dental professionals who specialize in various areas of dentistry.The role of the dental assistant in the areas of Pedodontics, Orthodontics, Periodontics, Endodontics, Prosthodontics, and Oral Surgery will be discussed.
Students will be educated in the importance of proper aseptic technique, from basic hand washing procedures to disinfection and sterilization techniques. They will also be introduced to common microorganisms present in the oral cavity and their role in the prevention of patients' oral health, as well as their role in infectious diseases and understanding standard precautions. This course will also include WHMIS and OH&S.
This course will provide the student with the basic knowledge and skills required to successfully assist in all clinical procedures. The students will be expected, in a clinical situation, to practice and demonstrate such intra-oral skills as placement and removal of a rubber dam, placement of cavity liners, and insertion and removal of matrices and wedges, etc.Students will be expected to demonstrate proper infection control practices when performing all dental assisting procedures. This theory module follows the first Intra-Oral Procedures, Radiography, and Lab Skills clinical training. Students will first develop foundational hands-on skills during the clinical module before applying and expanding their knowledge through the related theory content.
This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills to properly prevent, assess, and handle medical emergency situations. Students will learn about different medical conditions, the emergencies that can arise as a result, and the proper ways to manage the emergencies. The course will also provide knowledge of common drugs used in dentistry and their effects as relevant to dentistry. Students will also be required to research and present a medical condition and how it relates to dental health.
This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills to properly prevent, assess, and handle medical emergency situations. Students will learn about different medical conditions, the emergencies that can arise as a result, and the proper ways to manage the emergency. The course will also provide knowledge of common drugs used in dentistry and their effects as relevant to dentistry. Students will also be required to research and present a medical condition and how it relates to dental health. This course will also include First Aid/CPR and Oxygen Administration.
Oral Health Education and Nutrition will educate the students in all aspects of oral health and oral care. The students will learn the progression of oral disease and how to identify oral concerns. The course will allow the students to properly educate and direct their patients in proper oral care and oral hygiene techniques, including the detection and prevention of oral disease. This course will also encompass the effects and importance of nutrition on oral health and, using Canada's Food Guide, will enable students to provide basic nutrition counseling related to oral health concerns. Students will also be expected to participate in various Community Health Projects.
This course will cover the importance of maintaining a detailed, thorough patient record. The student will be educated on the importance of reviewing and maintaining an accurate patient health history, proper charting technology, and how to read, interpret, and explain the contents of a dental chart, as well as the legal aspects associated with the patient record and chart.
This is a hands-on clinic where students will provide care for real patients from the community in a supervised clinical setting. This will allow the student to bring together all aspects of the curriculum and demonstrate their competency, knowledge, and acquired skills. The lecture portion will simply be a time to reflect on the students' clinical experiences for that week and work out any issues of concern involving the clinic. Students must complete and pass this course in order to move on to their Final Work Term Placement.
The students will be placed for one day at a dental office. This placement is an observation only and will take place several weeks into the program. At this point in the program, students will have gained limited knowledge and concepts with infection control, dental terminology and some chair side topics. Students are not permitted to perform any activities on this placement, only to observe. This will provide the student with a beneficial opportunity to gain a better perspective and appreciation for the profession.
The students will be placed on a 2-week placement in a dental office. This will be a supervised practical experience that will allow the students to perform the skills learned and completed in DA 205, as well as DA 206 (Dental Laboratory Techniques), DA 302 (Dental Radiography) to gain practical experience and enhance learning. Students must have successfully completed and passed competencies in order to perform these skills on this placement. Students will not perform any skill on this placement that has not been acceptably completed prior to this placement. This placement is mandatory and a pre-requisite to Oral Care Theory and Clinic (Patient Clinic). Upon completion of this placement, students must submit a daily journal of their office practicum in order to receive credit for this course.
The students will be placed for 4 days at a dental office. This placement will take place upon completion of Chair Side Procedures and Dental Laboratory Techniques. This will be a supervised placement in which the students will be required to perform those skills learned previously to gain practical experience and enhance knowledge in chair-side skills. This placement is mandatory and a prerequisite to Intra-Oral Procedures and Skills.
The students will be placed on a 2-week work rotation in a dental office. This will be a supervised practical experience that will allow the student to perform and become familiar with the day-to-day operations of a general dental practice. Each student must have completed all courses successfully, with emphasis on DA 205 Intra-Oral Skills, DA 302 Dental Radiography Practical, DA 206 Dental Laboratory Skills and DA 305 Oral Care and Theory to be eligible for participating in this final placement. A minimum of 72 credit hours must be attained in all of the intra-oral and chairside skills required within a Nova Scotia dental assistant scope of practice; this will include 6 hours attained in front office duties. Students must complete and submit a student workbook reflecting their final placement in order to receive credit for this course and their diploma.
Program Outline
Please click on the course title to see the course description.
This course introduces students to career opportunities in dental assisting, including professional responsibilities, licensing requirements, continuing education, and the roles of each member of the dental healthcare team. Students will develop effective communication skills for interacting with patients and colleagues while exploring the professional standards, ethical expectations, and code of conduct required of dental assistants.Through classroom discussions, role-playing activities, and practical scenarios, students will develop the skills needed to navigate challenging situations, support patient care, and make ethical decisions. Students will also complete Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) training and receive their NVCI certification. In addition, this course supports career readiness by helping students create a professional resume and cover letter that can be updated as they gain new skills and experience.Students will be introduced to the clinical setting, proper clinic protocol, and procedure. Students will be familiarized with chairside skills, demonstrate proficiency in them, and be evaluated on these skills. Each student will be evaluated on the chairside skills on both the manikin and peer, where applicable, and will be deemed acceptable or unacceptable. Each student must obtain an acceptable in these clinical evaluations in order to proceed to Intra-oral Skills and Procedures.
Students will be introduced to the clinical setting, proper clinic protocol, and procedure. Students will be familiarized with chairside skills. This will be introduced to the student by using textbooks, pictures, and videos via Moodle. These skills will be reinforced when students participate in their Dental Office Practicum.
This course will equip students to communicate effectively with their patients and co-workers. It will also examine the professional code of conduct expected of a dental assistant and allow students, through classroom role-playing, to encounter real-life situations that require effective communication and ethical decision-making. It will also demonstrate the procedures required to operate the front office of a dental practice effectively and emphasize the importance of the front office staff. Students will be exposed to insurance forms, claim procedures, basic information on account management, and specialized computer software and programs used in the dental office setting.
The Dental Laboratory Techniques and Procedures module will offer the student online instruction in impression-taking, model/cast pouring and trimming, and custom tray fabrication.
This course will encompass the study of basic dental terminology, introductory anatomy and physiology with special emphasis on head and neck anatomy, the natural dentition, and the occlusion and development of the teeth, as well as an introduction to the oral cavity and its structures in a healthy normal state. This course will allow the student to identify abnormal dental conditions caused by oral diseases or systemic diseases with oral manifestations.
This course provides students with a series of lectures, seminars and office rotations offered by dental professionals who specialize in various areas of dentistry. The role of the dental assistant in the areas of Pedodontics, Orthodontics, Periodontics, Endodontics, Prosthodontics, and Oral Surgery will be discussed.
Students will be educated in the importance of proper aseptic technique, from basic hand washing procedures to disinfection and sterilization techniques. They will also be introduced to common microorganisms present in the oral cavity and their role in the prevention of patients' oral health, as well as their role in infectious diseases and understanding standard precautions. This course will also include WHMIS and OH&S.
This course will provide the student with the basic knowledge and skills required to successfully assist in all clinical procedures. The students will be expected, in a clinical situation, to practice and demonstrate such intra-oral skills as placement and removal of a rubber dam, placement of cavity liners, and insertion and removal of matrices and wedges, etc.Students will be expected to demonstrate proper infection control practices when performing all dental assisting procedures. This theory module follows the first Intra-Oral Procedures, Radiography, and Lab Skills clinical training. Students will first develop foundational hands-on skills during the clinical module before applying and expanding their knowledge through the related theory content.
The student will be educated in the theory and technique regarding dental radiographs. The course will emphasize the importance of dental radiographs, proper radiograph techniques and methods, common technique and processing errors, safety precautions, and proper use of radiograph and processing equipment.Of the 80 hours in this module, 17 hours will occur before the Intra-Oral Procedures/Rad/Lab Skills (Clinic 1) and the remaining 33 hours will occur after.
This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills to properly prevent, assess, and handle medical emergency situations. Students will learn about different medical conditions, the emergencies that can arise as a result, and the proper ways to manage the emergencies. The course will also provide knowledge of common drugs used in dentistry and their effects as relevant to dentistry. Students will also be required to research and present a medical condition and how it relates to dental health.
This course introduces students to the importance of maintaining accurate, complete, and confidential patient records in a dental setting. Students will learn how to review and document patient health histories, use dental charting technology, interpret and explain dental charts, and understand the legal and professional responsibilities associated with patient documentation.Of the 50 total hours in this module, 23 hours are completed prior to Intra-Oral Procedures/Radiography/Lab Skills (Clinic 1), and the remaining 27 hours are completed after Intra-Oral Procedures/Radiography/Lab Skills (Clinic 1).
This is a hands-on clinic where students will provide care for real patients from the community in a supervised clinical setting. This will allow the student to bring together all aspects of the curriculum and demonstrate their competency, knowledge and acquired skills. The lecture portion will simply be a time to reflect on the students’ clinical experiences for that week and work out any issues of concern involving the clinic.
The students will be placed for one day at a dental office. This placement is an observation only and will take place in early several weeks into the program. At this point in the program students will have gained limited knowledge and concepts with infection control, dental terminology and some chair side topics. Students are not permitted to perform any activities on this placement, only to observe. This will provide the student with a beneficial opportunity to gain a better perspective and appreciation for the profession. It is the student’s responsibility to find this placement for DA-405. This dental office placement will be the same dental office placement location as DA-600, which is also the student’s responsibility to find.
The students will be placed for 71 days (497 hours) at a dental office for this Module. This practicum placement will commence during week 11 and continue for 2 days per week (sometimes 1 day per week depending on statutory holidays) for the duration of the 47-week program. It is the student’s responsibility to secure this placement prior to admission to the program. The dental assistant’s skills for this practicum are broken into 2 categories. Category one, Chairside skills; category two, intra-oral skills. The student’ s chairside skills (Category one) portion of this DA Program will be introduced from the beginning of this Dental Assisting program. Students will initially observe and then perform these chairside skills at the dental office practicum. It isn’t until the student completes Module DA-205 (A) after week 24 that the students observe and then perform intra-oral skills (Category two).Throughout this entire DA-600 Module, the students will be required to observe and perform those skills learned in all modules of the online and on-site clinic components of the program to gain practical experience and enhance knowledge in both chair side and intra-oral skills. This placement is mandatory. Attendance will be taken daily at the dental office where the student is placed. The student will have a Competency Assessment Tool (CAT), which breaks down all the skills that are required by Registered Dental Assistants (RDA) to perform. This CAT will be a tool that records both observation and hands-on chairside and intra-oral skills. Willis College’s Dental Assisting instructor will randomly visit the student’s practicum placement a minimum of 5 times during their student’s Dental Office Practicum.
This course will provide the student with the basic knowledge and skills required to successfully assist in all clinical procedures. The students will be expected, in a clinical situation, to practice and demonstrate such intra-oral skills as placement and removal of a rubber dam, placement of cavity liners, and insertion and removal of matrices and wedges etc. The student will be expected to demonstrate proper infection control when practicing all procedures. This DA 205 (B) theory module comes after the DA-205 (A) Intra-Oral Procedures/Rad/Lab Skills (Clinic 1). This DA-205 (A) clinic module introduces the hands-on skills before the theory DA-205 (B) theory is introduced.
Job Market
Dental assistants can obtain employment in general and specialty dental practices, in the oral surgery department of a hospital, within a dental supply company, as an educator or as dental office administrators.
Salary Information
Nova Scotia
Average Wage ($/hr) – $25.00
High Wage ($/hr) – $32.00
Canada Wide
Average Wage ($/hr) – $27.00
High Wage ($/hr) – $35.00
Admissions Requirements
Standard Admissions Policy:
- Academic Grade 12 consisting of a grade 11 science or integrated grade 10 science
- Vulnerable Sector Check
- Admissions Interview
Additional Requirements and Information
Students must provide a completed medical form and immunization record documenting vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, Hepatitis A/B and chickenpox. These forms will be sent to you upon acceptance into the program.
Applicants must submit a current resume prior to their admissions interview.
For applicants whose first language is not English, an English proficiency exam must be completed successfully in order for further consideration for admission to the program.
It is recommended that students have basic computer knowledge for this program. Basic computer skill levels would include basic word processing (ex. Microsoft Word), internet and e-mail.
Students must be aware that the profession of dental assisting requires excessive hand washing and long periods of sitting. Therefore any health problems involving the neck, back, arms or hands should be considered by the student before applying.
Language Requirements:
All students need to meet or exceed the language requirements set by Willis College. Click here to learn more.
Related Programs
Here are some other programs that may interest you
Distance Program
The Dental Assisting Distance program seamlessly integrates online learning, clinical instruction, and a work term placement.
- Structured full-time education with a blend of online learning, on-campus clinical training, and practicum placement.
- Two days per week in a work-term placement at a dental practice, complemented by three days per week of remote, instructor-led online learning.
- Five weeks at the Willis College dental clinic, reinforcing practical skills.
- Mandatory clinical placement hours at a dental office, providing hands-on experience.
- Online theory courses utilizing the MOODLE learning management system, featuring various learning activities, assessments, study materials, assignments, and exams.
Speak to our admissions team for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, graduation awards you your official diploma, which grants you "Exam Candidate" status. To practice legally as a licensed Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), you must successfully write and pass the national certification exam administered by the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB). Our CDAC-aligned program explicitly covers the required curriculum, theoretical baselines, and practical competencies necessary to challenge and pass the NDAEB exam.
The curriculum integrates extensive practical experience so you are entirely job-ready. Alongside your classroom lectures, you will spend five weeks in an intensive, on-campus clinical clinic environment perfecting core competencies like dental impressions and radiography. You will also complete a structured dental office practicum placement where you work directly inside a practicing dental office to master day-to-day chairside flow, office administration, and patient care routines.
Because you will be working directly with the public in a healthcare environment, there are strict safety and compliance checks. Before beginning clinical work, you must provide a clear Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check. Additionally, you must submit a completed medical form showing up-to-date immunizations against infectious diseases, specifically including Hepatitis A/B, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Chickenpox.
This program is an excellent fit for:
- Recent Grads or Career Starters who want a quick path into the healthcare field
- Aspiring Healthcare Professionals looking for a hands-on, fast-paced and patient-centered career that combines medical knowledge with hands-on clinical technicality
- Career Switchers & Practical Learners: Adults seeking a stable, "future-proof" career path that prioritizes practical, skills-based training over years of abstract theory.
- Internationally Trained Professionals (ITPs): Newcomers to Ottawa who were dentists or nurses in their home countries looking for a fast-track "bridge" to the Canadian dental workforce which would allow them to gain relevant local experience and references without committing to years of re-schooling.
- “Bridge Students”: Students ultimately looking to become Dental Hygienists but weren't accepted into a competitive hygiene program immediately, or those who want to "test the waters" and earn a higher wage while they save for further education.
Why choose the Dental Assisting program?
- Choose the Learning Format That Fits You: Study on campus or through a flexible hybrid option while achieving the same career-ready outcomes.
- Prepare for National Certification: Graduate eligible to write the NDAEB examination and pursue provincial licensure as a Dental Assistant.
- Build Confidence Through Real Experience: Develop practical skills through multiple clinical placements, patient clinics, and dental office training.
- Train for a High-Demand Career: Prepare for opportunities in general and specialty dental practices across Nova Scotia and beyond.
- Learn from Industry-Focused Training: Gain hands-on experience with the tools, techniques, and standards used in modern dental practices.
- Launch a Long-Term Healthcare Career: Build the skills and experience to begin working immediately and continue growing within the dental profession.
What You'll Learn
- Chairside Clinical Assisting: Develop the skills to assist dentists during procedures using professional chairside and intra-oral techniques.
- Dental Radiography & Imaging: Learn radiography procedures, image processing, patient positioning, and radiation safety.
- Oral Health & Dental Sciences: Build a strong foundation in oral anatomy, dental terminology, pathology, pharmacology, and preventive care.
- Infection Control & Patient Safety: Master sterilization, aseptic techniques, infection prevention, and emergency procedures in dental settings.
- Patient Care & Office Administration: Strengthen communication, charting, scheduling, insurance, and dental office management skills.
- Hands-On Clinical Experience: Apply your knowledge through labs, public patient clinics, and supervised dental office placements.
Why You'll Love Willis College
- Industry-Aligned Programs: Career-ready curricula designed alongside top employers to ensure your skills match current market demands.
- Instructor-Led, Applied Learning: Hands-on training taught by industry experts who bring real-world knowledge, mentorship, and practical insight into the classroom.
- Flexible Learning Pathways: Tailored study options—in-person, online, or hybrid—that fit your lifestyle and meet you where you are.
- Personalized Small-Class Support: Dedicated guidance and encouragement in smaller group settings where you are a person, not a number.
- Accessible Funding Assistance: Direct support navigating student loans, grants, scholarships, and flexible payment plans to make your education attainable.
- Lifetime Career Services: Continuous job-search support and career counseling to help you transition smoothly from the classroom to the workforce.
What Our Graduates Are Saying
"I chose this program because I have always wanted to work in an office setting and eventually get into the government. I would recommend anyone to Willis College any day."
Victoria Woolsey
Administrative Assistant Graduate