Chairside Dental Assistant

The chairside dental assistant works right beside the dentist — passing instruments, managing infection control, updating patient records, and keeping patients comfortable during procedures.

This 28-week program in Kelowna trains you to do that job. You'll work with real equipment, learn current protocols, and complete 80 hours of work experience in an actual dental office before you graduate.

Program Highlights
Duration 28 weeks / 560 hours (including 80 hours work experience)
Work Experience Hours 80
Curriculum

What you'll learn to do:

  • Assist the dental team safely and confidently during procedures
  • Follow infection control and safety protocols to protect patients, staff, and yourself
  • Maintain accurate patient records and manage clinical documentation correctly
  • Handle patient interactions professionally and with genuine care
  • Work through real situations using good judgment and clear communication
  • Apply culturally safe practices when working with patients from diverse backgrounds

Note: Completing this program does not qualify you to apply for certification with the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) as a Certified Dental Assistant, nor for registration with other provincial dental regulatory bodies. Graduates are also not eligible to write the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) exam.

Certification Certificate
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code 51.0601 - Dental assisting/assistant - All examples
Compliance Chairside Dental Assistant was reviewed and approved by the registrar of The Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) within the System Integrity Branch (SIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
Average Salary $54,000
BC Job Openings, 2023-2033 1,600

Admissions Requirements
  • All candidates must meet with an admissions advisor before enrollment.
  • Candidates must provide ALL of the following supporting evidence prior to acceptance:

    Age Requirements

    • Be a mature student (minimum 19 years of age) OR a Grade 12 graduate (parent/guardian consent required if under 19 years of age)

    Language Proficiency Requirements

    • Candidates must provide ONE of the following:
      • Evidence of three years of full-time secondary instruction (Grade 8–12 or BC Adult Graduation Program) in English OR two years of full-time post-secondary education at a recognized institution listed under Approved English Speaking Countries. Language courses, such as English as a Second Language (ESL), cannot be considered in this calculation.
      • Evidence of achievement in a recognized standardized language test or assessment at an overall level equivalent to IELTS 5.5 (Academic) or higher, such as:
        • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT: Overall score of 46
        • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, Writing 5
        • Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): Overall score of 40
        • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE-A): Overall score of 43
        • Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum overall score of 95
        • Cambridge Linguaskill, LANGUAGECERT Academic, The Michigan English Test (MET): Minimum overall B2 level
        • iTEP Academic: Minimum overall score of 3.5
        • EIKEN: Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1

    Background and Health Requirements

    • Clear criminal record check
    • Negative TB Test Result
    • Immunizations in the following are strongly recommended and may be required for the work placement portion of the program:

      2 doses of COVID vaccine, Pertussis, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Measles/Mumps/Rubella, Chicken Pox, Hepatitis B, Influenza (required annually)

Work Experience

Prerequisites for Work Experience

  • Successful completion of all academic courses
  • Hold a valid First Aid and CPR certificate

Tuition and Fees
Tuition $9,572
Fees:
Books $300
Consumables / Supplies $1,385
Scrubs / Uniform $140
Administrative Fee $110
Application Fee $250
Total Tuition and Fees $11,757

Payment plans are available for all programs, interest-free , typically split into 6 equal monthly payments of $1,959.5.

Other funding options may be available for students who qualify.

Reviews

Reviews from verified graduates of this program collected via Google. See all school reviews →

Nov 2025
Komal P

My experience at Ascentia Career Institute has been truly amazing. I am extremely grateful to Alda for her constant guidance and to my instructor Darcy, who supported me with patience and encouragement throughout the program. Darcy made learning enjoyable, stress-free and i always felt motivated in her classes. I also want to express my sincere appreciation to Mary ( Placement coordinator) and Darcy for their efforts to find the best practicum site that is the right fit for me. The whole journey was positive, well-organized and filled with constant guidance. The staff genuinely care about their students success. I really enjoyed my time here. I highly recommend this institute to anyone looking for quality education, supportive instructors and meaningful practicum opportunities. If you get the chance to study with Darcy, I can confidently say you will have a wonderful learning experience .