Willis College
Dental Radiography (HARP Approved)
HARP-Approved Certification Course for Dental Professionals in Ontario
Ottawa
Program Length:
Program Hours:
75
Credentials:
- ON Certificate
Study Options:
- Hybrid
Start Dates
Ottawa
November 9, 2026
January 11, 2027
February 15, 2027
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HARP-Approved Certification Course for Dental Professionals in Ontario
This program does not require approval under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.
The Dental Radiography HARP Certification Course at Willis College is a comprehensive hybrid program designed for healthcare professionals who need certification to operate dental radiography equipment in Ontario. The certification will allow a qualified healthcare professional to expose, process, and mount dental radiographic images following HARP certification guidelines under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.
This 75-hour course combines 40 hours of self-directed online theory with 35 hours of instructor-led practical training, preparing you to earn your HARP-approved Dental Radiography Certification.
The 40-hour theory component is a self-directed, college-paced course that is completed online. The 35-hour practical component takes place at the Willis College Dental Lab at our Ottawa campus, where you will complete hands-on training and assessment with an instructor. Practical training is delivered over five classes.
This program does not require approval under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.
Own or manage a dental clinic? Discover how Willis College can support your clinic through upskilling, practicums, and recruitment. Click here to learn more.
$25.00
Average Wage/HR$30.00
High Wage/HRProgram Outline
Please click on the course title to see the course description.
This theory-based, self-directed course prepares the dental assistant to expose and process intra-oral and extra-oral dental radiographic images according to HARP standards. The dental assistant will be introduced to basic physics and principles of radiography, safety precautions, quality assurance protocols and the operation of the dental x-ray unit. Instruction will be provided on recognizing dental errors and solving problem situations, along with patient education and management.This course will provide the dental assistant with the theoretical knowledge to apply during the clinical practical courses, Dental Radiography Practical 1 and 2.
These hands-on courses prepare the students to expose, process and mount intraoral and extra-oral dental radiographic images according to HARP standards. A review of the basic physics and principles of radiography, safety precautions and the operation of the dental x-ray unit will be provided.Within the dental lab setting, the dental assistant will expose digital radiographic images using Paralleling and Bisecting techniques on radiography manikins under the direct supervision of the HARP Approved Clinical Instructor. Instruction will be provided on recognizing dental errors and solving problem situations, patient education and management. Quality assurance procedures are emphasized as well as observation of all safety protocols.
Job Market
Due to the rising number of dental practices across Ontario, there is now a shortage of dental assistants in the province. According to jobbank.gc.ca, the outlook for dental assistants projects growth for the following number of years. Upon successfully completing the HARP certification, students will be awarded a certificate recognizing the HARP requirements to administer X-rays in a dental setting.
Admissions Requirements
In order to ensure that graduates can be successful in this program, applicants must satisfy the admissions requirements in education, experience, and language.
Education
Applicants must have a minimum amount of education to enroll in the program:
- Minimum of a High School Diploma or complete an alternative admission test (Willis College uses Wonderlic SLE or SLE-Q)
Experience
Applicants must have a minimum amount of theoretical and practical experience within the dental profession. This can be proved through one of the following:
- Foreign Dental Degree (eg. DDS or equivalent)
- RN or RPN degree
- Dental Assistant Level I diploma
- Experience working in a dental office for 3 years
Language
Applicants must be able to demonstrate an ability to study in English. At the discretion of the College, a language test may be required.
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Frequently Asked Questions
HARP stands for Holders of Annual Renewal Permit. In Ontario, the Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act requires that any dental professional taking x-rays must hold a valid HARP certificate. Willis College offers an approved HARP dental radiography certification course.
The HARP Dental Radiography course at Willis College is a short certification program designed to fit around your work schedule. Contact Willis College for current scheduling and start dates.
Any dental assistant or dental hygienist in Ontario who takes dental x-rays (radiographs) is legally required to hold a valid HARP certificate under the Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act. Dental offices are responsible for ensuring their staff are certified.
This program is an excellent fit for:
- Level I Dental Assistants looking to qualify for dental radiography and expand their clinical responsibilities.
- Internationally Trained Dentists seeking HARP-approved radiography training as part of their pathway into the Canadian dental workforce.
- Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) transitioning into the dental field and requiring radiography certification.
- Experienced Dental Office Professionals who meet the admissions requirements and want to gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to perform dental radiography.
- Dental Professionals Returning to Practice who need current HARP-approved training to refresh their knowledge and meet industry standards.
- Dental Team Members Seeking Career Growth who want to broaden their skill set, increase their value to employers, and take on expanded clinical responsibilities.
Why choose the Dental Radiography (HARP Approved) program?
- Meet HARP Requirements: Complete HARP-approved training required to perform dental radiography in Ontario.
- Expand Your Scope of Practice: Add in-demand radiography skills that enhance your clinical responsibilities and career opportunities.
- Combine Theory & Practical Training: Reinforce online learning through supervised practical radiography sessions with HARP-approved instructors.
- Train to Current Industry Standards: Learn the techniques, safety protocols, and quality assurance practices used in modern dental clinics.
- Designed for Dental Professionals: Ideal for Level I Dental Assistants, internationally trained dentists, nurses, and experienced dental office professionals who meet admission requirements.
What You'll Learn
- Dental Radiography Principles: Build a strong understanding of radiographic physics, imaging techniques, and dental anatomy.
- Radiographic Imaging Skills: Learn to expose, process, and evaluate intra-oral and extra-oral dental radiographs using HARP-approved techniques.
- Radiation Safety & Quality Assurance: Apply radiation protection, infection control, quality assurance, and equipment safety standards.
- Patient Care & Communication: Develop techniques for patient positioning, education, and managing common radiographic challenges.
- Error Recognition & Troubleshooting: Identify common imaging errors and apply corrective techniques to produce diagnostic-quality radiographs.
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.
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