Chairside Dental Assistant

Edison College Canada’s Chairside Dental Assistant program combines clinical dental-assisting training with administrative skills to prepare students for work in dental clinics and other healthcare settings. Students learn how to prepare patients for examinations, assist dentists during dental procedures, and perform essential office duties such as appointment scheduling and patient record management.

The program emphasizes patient care, dental sciences, charting, infection control, sterilization, and professional ethics. Graduates develop the communication and problem-solving skills needed to support dental teams and help ensure smooth clinic operations. Completion of the program does not qualify graduates to apply for Certified Dental Assistant certification through the BC College of Oral Health Professionals or registration with other provincial dental assisting regulatory authorities.

Admission Requirements

• High School Graduate or equivalent OR mature student status (19 years or older prior to starting the program).
• Meet one of the following English Language Proficiency requirements: minimum Grade 10 English (Domestic Students) or overall IELTS 5.5, CLB Level 5, or Duolingo score of 95.

What You’ll Learn

• Prepare patients for dental examinations and assist during procedures.
• Apply dental charting, terminology, and foundational dental science.
• Follow infection control, sterilization, and patient safety protocols.
• Manage appointments, patient records, and professional communication.