<p>This program leads to a Red Seal certification. Visit our <a href="/go/plan/trades">Trades page</a>.</p>

The Dental Assistant Certificate, recognized by the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia (CDSBC), and accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC), is designed to provide you with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and values necessary to be a member of the dental team; providing care, support and services for individuals of all ages. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be granted a certificate. You must then write a National Board exam which, upon successful completion and combined with the certificate, makes them eligible to apply for registration and licensure with the College of Dental Surgeons of B.C. as a Certified Dental Assistant.

Dental Assistant Certificate

Vancouver Island University

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1. High school graduation or equivalent
2. English 12 (C) or equivalent 
3. Biology 12 (C) or equivalent

Note: If you don't meet any of the admission categories, you may be admitted as an "Unclassified Student" to register into university-level courses which you meet the prerequisites. You will register after other students, so course availability will be limited.

Academic Admission Requirement

1. Good health (20/20 vision is required, but glasses are allowed)
2. Interview (may be required)

Additional Academic Admission Requirement

1. Chemistry 11 or 12, and basic computer skills are recommended. 
2. Spending at least one day in a dental office observing a certified dental assistant is recommended.
3. Aboriginal students can apply for reserve seat by submitting the Access Initiative for Aboriginal Students form.
4. Upon acceptance into the program, you must also provide the following on the first day of classes:
    - Immunization Requirements Form - must be signed by a public health nurse
    - Proof of Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS) training
    - Evidence of current CPR Level C certification or Level HCP (healthcare provider) 
    - Criminal Record Search (requirements and instructions will be provided by VIU) 
5. You may have difficulty meeting the physical demands of the program if you:
    - have back problems; or
    - are unable to work in confined spaces.
6. Skin allergies may be adversely affected by some dental materials

Admission Advice

The Dental Assistant program starts in September. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis for domestic students, and until February 1 for international students. Qualified applicants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Early application is strongly recommended.

Dental Assistant Certificate

Vancouver Island University

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