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DENTAL AIDE

Thomas College's Dental Aide Program will prepare you for a career as a dental aide while giving you the opportunity to be educated close to home. Our program is designed to be accessible and short to get you qualified and earning an income as soon as possible.

Program Overview

This program prepares students for a career as a dental aide. This role is crucial in the operation of a dental clinic.  The courses will train students in all aspects of oral health and includes didactic, non-clinical instruction. Once the program is completed, students will have a thorough understanding of a variety of aspects of dentistry. Our Dental Aide program is the first step in entering the dental field.

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Courses cover a wide variety of oral health topics that include oral anatomy, infection control, clinical team members, the dental profession, clinic reception and administration and many more. To learn more about the program, additional information is available below. 

Dentist

Length & Start Date

The dental aide program is asynchronous, meaning it can be completed at the student's pace. The program is delivered online.

Tuition & Fees

  • Application Fee: $90

  • Acceptance Deposit: Full tuition amount 

  • Tuition: $950

  • Computer and Internet: Additional, varies

  • Textbooks and learning resources: Additional, varies

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Admissions Requirements

The dental aide programs has an English language requirement. If English is not the applicant's first language, there are many learning and testing programs available online and in person. 

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Students are encouraged to provide a brief summary about themselves and why they are interested in entering the dental field when applying for admissions into the dental aide educational program.

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Career & Salary

Information

Dental aides play a critical role in patient-centred care within the oral health community. These team members work with dentists, dental assistants and other individuals to treat ensure a dental practice is able to operate. Dental aides are responsible for supporting the dentist, disinfecting operatories, sterilizing instruments, as well as administrative duties such as billing, scheduling and treatment coordination.

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Anticipated salary: $29,400 - $49,000 per year

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  • Based on 40 hours per week in a 49 week per year schedule at $15.00 - $25.00 per hour.

  • Data is collected from Thomas College's advisors that employ dental aides.

Course Delivery

Online

  • Theory, non-clinical material is taught to students using online teaching tools.

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Practicum

  • Students are encouraged to partner with a local clinic to gain clinical exposure and experience. 

  • The purpose of this is to help students develop a connection and deeper understanding of the material they are learning online by being exposed to in-person clinical experiences.

Courses

  • ​DAIDE 101 - Dental Aide Principles & Theory I

  • DAIDE 102 - Oral Anatomy & Physiology

  • DAIDE 103 - Preventative Oral Health

  • DAIDE 102 - Dental Materials

  • DAIDE 107 - Restorative Dentistry I

  • DAIDE 105 - Microbiology & Infection Control

  • DAIDE 108 - Oral Radiology

  • DENT 420 - Practice Management

  • DAIDE 201 - Dental Aide Principles & Theory II

  • DAIDE 207 - Restorative Dentistry II

  • DAIDE 210 - Dental Specialties

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DAIDE 101 - Dental Aide Principles & Theory I​

  • This course provides students with an introduction to both the dental profession as well as the role of a dental assistant/aide. Students will gain an understanding of the dental clinic environment as well as their expected roles and responsibilities.

 

DAIDE 102 - Oral Anatomy & Physiology

  • This course provides dental aide students with foundational knowledge of oral anatomy, tooth nomenclature, numbering and anatomical terminology. Dental clinic emergencies will also be covered.

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DAIDE 103 - Preventative Oral Health

  • This course will provide students with an understanding of the concept of preventative dental care including disease prevention, patient education and preventative agents used in the dental clinic. 

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DAIDE 102 - Dental Materials

  • Students will learn the materials and supplies used in dental clinics. Materials discussed will include those used in restorative, preventative, impression, dental implant, prosthodontic, whitening, and laboratory procedures.

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DAIDE 107 - Restorative Dentistry I

  • This course provides students with an introduction to restorative dentistry. With a strong focus on clinical scenarios and skills, this course prepares students to assist with restorative dentistry procedures.

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DAIDE 105 - Microbiology & Infection Control

  • This course provides students with a knowledge of microbiology and how it relates to dentistry. Students will gain knowledge in disease transmission as well as methods and practices to keep themselves, coworkers and patients safe through disinfection and sterilization techniques. They will also be taught infection prevention control measures and the acceptable standards within the dental industry. 

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DAIDE 108 - Oral Radiology

  • This course will provide students with the fundamental knowledge of the practice of oral radiology. Students will learn about the equipment and techniques used in acquiring dental radiographs as well as the ethical and legal requirements for obtaining and storing images. In addition, dental radiation hygiene, safety and monitoring will be taught. 

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DENT 420 - Practice Management

  • This course provides students with an in-depth knowledge of the non-clinical operations of a dental practice. It teaches students the fundamentals of customer relations, administration, finance and accounting, legal, human resources, operations, procurement, marketing and information technology (IT).

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DAIDE 201 - Dental Aide Principles & Theory II

  • This course expands on the foundational knowledge already obtained by the students in the program and is a continuation of Dental Aide Principles and Theory I.

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DAIDE 207 - Restorative Dentistry II

  • This course provides students with expanded knowledge and skills in restorative dentistry.

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DAIDE 210 - Dental Specialties

  • This course provides students with an in-depth knowledge of the various dental specialties. Students will learn about procedures, equipment and supplies as well as their role in assisting with specialty procedures. Disciplines discussed include periodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, pediatric dentistry, prosthodontics, oral medicine and pathology, oral and maxillofacial radiology, dental public health, and orthodontics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to find a shadowing clinic?

  • No, it is not a mandatory component of our program but we do recommend it to maximize your education.

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How many hours a day do I need to attend class?

  • The program can be completed at your own pace. There is no minimum time commitment. However, the program must be completed within 1 year of the enrolment date.

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I do not live in Saskatchewan, can I still apply to the program?

  • Yes, our program is available to anyone. Our material is based on dentistry and its practice standards in Canada but it can be applied to other countries as well with few modifications.

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Do I have to travel to a facility or attend classes in person?

  • No, the dental aide program is 100% online. If you choose to partner with a clinic that is not close to home, you will be required to travel and spend time in that practice in person.

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What kind of jobs can I apply for when I complete my studies?

  • Graduates can apply for positions that clinics advertise specifically for dental aides. In addition, you can apply for job postings that are available for dental assistants, receptionists, treatment coordinators, office managers, dental sales reps and others involved in the dental industry that do not require additional training or certification.​

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Is this program accredited with the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada?

  • No, there is not an option to have an accredited dental aide program in Canada. The Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada only accredits dental, dental specialty, dental residency, dental hygiene, and dental assisting education programs.

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Is this course regulated by provincial vocational school laws or regulations?

  • No, this is a continuing education course and not a vocational program and is therefore not eligible to be registered with any provincial government vocational school ministry.

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What national exams do I have to write to be able to be a dental aide in Canada?

  • There are no national exams that are required to be a dental aide in Canada.

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Do I need a license to be a dental aide?

  • No, dental aides do not require provincial licenses. Only dentists, dental specialists, dental hygienists, dental assistants and dental therapists require licenses to work in dental clinics.

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Am I required to complete any additional training prior to starting the dental aide program?

  • No, you are not required to complete any additional training prior to beginning the program.

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