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 at Ascentia Career Institute in Kelowna trains you to do that job. You will work with real dental equipment, learn current infection control protocols, and complete 80 hours of work experience in an actual dental office before you graduate. Our career college in Kelowna prepares you with the practical, hands-on skills dental employers are looking for.
Apply by July 6, 2026
Apply by July 27, 2026
Who Is This Program For?
The Chairside Dental Assistant program in Kelowna is designed for anyone who wants a hands-on career in the dental industry. If you are comfortable working closely with people, have good attention to detail, and want to be part of a healthcare team, this program prepares you for a rewarding career in dental offices and clinics across British Columbia.
No previous dental experience is required. Whether you are starting your career, looking for a career change, or want to enter the growing dental field, Ascentia Career Institute’s CHDA program gives you the skills and experience you need.
What You Will Learn
Over 28 weeks and 560 hours, you will gain comprehensive training in all aspects of chairside dental assisting:
- Clinical Procedures — Assist dentists during examinations, restorations, extractions, and other dental procedures
- Infection Control — Master sterilization, disinfection, and cross-contamination prevention protocols
- Patient Records Management — Maintain accurate clinical documentation and patient charts
- Dental Materials — Handle, mix, and apply dental materials used in common procedures
- Patient Communication — Provide reassurance, manage anxiety, and communicate treatment information clearly
- Treatment Room Preparation — Set up and break down treatment areas efficiently between patients
- Work Experience — 80 hours of supervised clinical experience in a real dental office in Kelowna
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Chairside Dental Assistant program are prepared for entry-level roles including:
- Chairside Dental Assistant in general and specialty dental practices
- Dental Office Team Member in multi-dentist clinics
- Orthodontic Assistant
- Oral Surgery Assistant
The average salary for dental assistants in BC is approximately $54,000 per year, with approximately 1,600 job openings projected between 2023 and 2033 (WorkBC Labour Market Outlook 2023–2033). Kelowna’s growing population means continued demand for dental professionals in the Okanagan region.
Completion of the Chairside Dental Assistant program offered by Ascentia Career Institute does not qualify graduates to apply for certification with the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) as a Certified Dental Assistant in BC, nor registration with other provincial dental assisting regulatory authorities. Graduates are also not eligible to write the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB). For more information about the requirements to become a certified dental assistant, visit the BCCOHP and NDAEB websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Chairside Dental Assistant program?
The program is 28 weeks long, including 560 hours of classroom and clinical instruction plus 80 hours of supervised work experience in a dental office.
What is the difference between a chairside dental assistant and a certified dental assistant?
A Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) is regulated by the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) and can perform certain restricted clinical activities. This program trains you as a chairside dental assistant for roles that do not require BCCOHP certification. Many dental offices hire chairside dental assistants for general support, patient care, and office duties.
Is work experience included in the program?
Yes. The program includes 80 hours of hands-on work experience in a dental office in the Kelowna area. This gives you real clinical experience and professional connections before graduation.
What are the admission requirements?
You must be at least 19 years old (or a Grade 12 graduate with parental consent if under 19) and meet English language proficiency requirements. A criminal record check and immunizations are required before your work experience placement. You must also meet with an admissions advisor to discuss your career goals and ensure the program is a good fit for you.
How much does the program cost?
Total tuition and fees for the Chairside Dental Assistant program are approximately $11,757 CAD. Interest-free payment plans are available. Contact our admissions team for details on funding options. Funding may be available for those who qualify.
Start Your Career in Dental Assisting
Ready to begin your career as a Chairside Dental Assistant in Kelowna? Learn about admissions or request more information.
Explore related programs: Dental Office Administration, Dental Receptionist, or browse all dental programs.
Program Highlights
| Duration | 28 weeks / 560 hours (including 80 hours work experience) |
|---|---|
| Work Experience Hours | 80 |
| Curriculum | What you'll learn to do:
|
| 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. |
Completion of the Chairside Dental Assistant program offered by Ascentia Career Institute does not qualify graduates to apply for certification with the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) as a Certified Dental Assistant in BC, nor registration with other provincial dental assisting regulatory authorities. Graduates are also not eligible to write the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB). For more information about the requirements to become a certified dental assistant, visit the BCCOHP and NDAEB websites. | |
| 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 approximately $1,960. Funding is available for those who qualify. | |
Reviews
Reviews from verified graduates of this program collected via Google. See all school reviews →
I am so grateful for the wonderful support from everyone who works at the college, Alda Darcy and Mike are an amazing team and thanks to Mary too for doing amazing behind the scenes work to make sure we have quality resumes and good interview skills in preparation for the job market. This college is the number one school I´ve ever been to when it comes to support, compassion, empathy and flexibility. I struggled with some ongoing health issues and they were there for me every step of the way and made sure I would succeed. I don´t think I´ve ever felt more supported by an instructor (Darcy). Her knowledge of the industry is incredible and her teaching style is very hands on and easy to understand. I´m so thrilled with everything I´ve experienced here and I would highly recommend not only for the people but the sophisticated equipment and up to date practices. Words cannot even begin to express how thankful I really am for the effort put in by my instructor and all the staff at Ascentia to make sure I am successful.
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 .
I´m incredibly grateful for the support I received from both my instructor (Darcy) and the Institute( specifically Alda) throughout my learning journey. As a single mom, balancing studies with parenting can be extremely challenging, but I felt genuinely supported every step of the way. My instructor was not only knowledgeable and professional but also incredibly patient and understanding of my situation. They showed great empathy and flexibility, which made it possible for me to stay on track and succeed in the course. The institute itself also provided a welcoming and accommodating environment, making it easier for me to focus on my learning without added stress. They understood the challenges I faced and supported me without judgment. What meant the most to me was feeling that they not only cared about my success but also respected and supported my role as a mother. I could feel the love and care extended toward my child as well, which made a huge difference in my experience. I´m very grateful for their support and would highly recommend this place to anyone—especially those who may be juggling multiple responsibilities like I was. This institute isn´t just about education — it´s about people, empathy, and building futures. I´ll always be thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow here.