Certified Dental Assistant Certificate

• B.C. secondary school graduation, or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for one year as of the first day of classes
• English 12 with a minimum 60% or alternatives.
• A minimum grade of 60% in Biology 12, Anatomy and Physiology 12, or an equivalent Provincial Level ABE Biology course
• A dental examination confirming healthy teeth and oral tissues.
• A criminal record check clearance from the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General's Criminal Records Review Office. Okanagan College's Admissions will provide applicants with instructions to submit the request to the Solicitor General's Office and a deadline for the College to receive the clearance letter. Applicants should only initiate their criminal record check when instructed by Admissions. Failure to provide a clearance letter by the deadline may result in a cancellation of the applicant's admission application.
• Evidence of a negative tuberculin test, within six months of application or adequate follow-up in the case of a positive test.
• Evidence of successful completion of a Red Cross Standard First Aid or St. John Ambulance Standard First Aid and a Basic Life Support, CPR Level C course no more than 12 months before the first day of classes.
• Applicants are strongly advised to ensure their immunization status is current. Vaccination for hepatitis B is strongly recommended.
• Applicants are advised to attend the annual Certified Dental Assistant Program's orientation session and will be notified of the date. (It is usually held in the spring.) Please note that this program is popular and early application is strongly recommended.
• Okanagan College reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant when, in the opinion of OC, there is significant and substantial evidence, medical or otherwise, to conclude that by granting admission, OC would jeopardize the safety of patients under student care or would otherwise be negligent in providing for the safety and well-being of patients, dental office staff or other students. Applicants are advised that students in this program are expected to engage actively in laboratory practice, acting both as patient/client and as caregiver in simulated situations.

Selection Criteria

• As this program generally receives a large number of applications, the following criteria will be used to select the class. By submitting the selection criteria form(s) a student may be offered a seat in the class prior to another applicant with no points, as applicants with the most points get priority.

  • Relevant experience such as 'chairside' dental assisting experience in British Columbia or equivalent, validated by submission of the required reference form by the actual employer. Point Value: 2

  • Relevant experience as a dental receptionist or dental laboratory technician/assistant validated by submission of the required reference form* by the actual employer. Point Value: 4 (maximum 2 points per position)

  • Completion of Okanagan College's HLT 092 (Introduction to Dental Assisting) or an equivalent course, a Dental Reception program, or full or partial completion of another Dental Assisting program, validated by submission of official transcripts. Point Value: 2 (maximum 1 point per certificate or DENT 001)

  • Demonstration of prior interest in the program, validated by completing the application process the year immediately preceding the current one at OC Point Value: 1

  • Maximum points students can be awarded is 9.

A minimum of 50% of the program must be completed through OC.