There are two levels of dental assisting in BC:

Certified Dental Assistants (CDA) are trained in diploma courses held in colleges throughout the province. They are trained to assist the dentist during treatment of the patient and are qualified to carry out some procedures on patients under the direction of the dentist.

Dental Assistants require no formal training because training will be provided “on the job” by the dentist. The duties that can be performed by a chairside assistant are limited, and unlike those of certified dental assistant, do not include procedures carried out on the patient.

Career Trek Video: A Day with a Dental Assistant

Certified Dental Assisting Programs in BC

Accredited Programs 

• Camosun CollegeVictoria 

• CDI CollegeBurnaby, Surrey and Victoria 

• College of New CaledoniaPrince George 

• College of the RockiesCranbrook 

• Okanagan CollegeKelowna 

• University of the Fraser ValleyAbbotsford 

• Vancouver Community CollegeVancouver 

• Vancouver Island UniversityNanaimo 

Non-Accredited Programs 

• Discovery Community College  Surrey 

Online Certified Dental Assisting Programs​​

• Vancouver Community College​​

General Requirements for Enrollment in CDA Programs*

• BC Grade 12 graduation/equivalent or mature student status
• C or 65% or higher grade in English 12; Biology 12
• BC Government Criminal Record Check
• Proof of immunization status
• Valid Standard First Aid/CPR Level C certificate
• Proof of negative TB status
• Computer literacy

​*contact sc​hools for specific entrance requirements

More Information

• Certified Dental Assistants of British Columbia 

• College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia 

• View current job postings for dental assistants

• View current job postings for Certified Dental Assistants