Job requirements Preventive Dental Assistant in Canada

Find out what you typically need to work as a preventive dental assistant in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Dental assistants (NOC 33100).

Employment requirements

This is what you typically need for the job.

  • Dental assistants require completion of an eight-month to one-year college or other program in dental assistance or completion of secondary school with on-the-job training.
  • Registration with a regulatory body is required in all provinces except Quebec and Ontario.
  • Certification by the National Dental Assisting Examination Board is required to perform intra-oral duties in all provinces except in Quebec, where intra-oral duties are not performed by dental assistants.
  • Dental laboratory assistants usually require secondary school and up to two years of on-the-job training.

Source National Occupational Classification

Professional certification and licensing

You might need to get a certification from a regulatory authority before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated and contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification process.

Alberta

Job title Dental Assistants
Regulated

British Columbia

Job title Dental Assistant(Certified)
Regulated

Manitoba

Job title Dental Assistant
Regulated
Regulatory body: Manitoba Dental Association

New Brunswick

Job title Dental Assistant

Newfoundland and Labrador

Job title Dental Assistant
Regulated

Nova Scotia

Job title Dental Assistant
Regulated

Prince Edward Island

Job title Dental Assistant
Regulated

Saskatchewan

Job title Dental Assistant
Regulated

Source Foreign Credential Recognition Program - ESDC

Do you want to work in another province or territory?

If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.

Labour Market Information Survey
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