Program Overview
Program Description
The advanced training program provides fully licensed Dental Assistants with the specialized skills required to support orthodontic procedures. Students will learn the foundational principles of orthodontics, with a focus on the expanded scope of practice for orthodontic auxiliaries. In addition, students will also complete supervised, hands-on clinical training to develop the psychomotor skills and professional competencies required for orthodontic assisting, in accordance with the BCCOHP Bylaws.
Effective June 2026, the Orthodontic Module has been recognized and approved by the BCCOHP.
After successful completion of this module, the graduate can apply for the orthodontic designation with the BCCOHP.
Click here for the application form.
Career Opportunities
- Dental Assistants with Orthodontic Designation
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
• Discuss the practice of orthodontics and scope of orthodontic practice.
• Explain the etiology of malocclusion.
• Discuss infection prevention and control practices in orthodontic settings
• Describe the stages of orthodontic treatment and common treatment procedures.
• Discuss the principles of tooth movement associated with orthodontic treatment.
• Explain the importance of retention phase in orthodontics.
• Discuss aligner therapy and advancement in orthodontics.
• Identify commonly used orthodontic instrumentation and equipment.
• Outline the orthodontic treatment procedures in preparation for the clinical component.
• Explain patient education strategies, including care and maintenance of orthodontic appliances.
• Describe common orthodontic emergencies and appropriate management.
• Apply Sprott Shaw College dental clinic infection prevention and control protocols in all clinical procedures.
• Place and remove orthodontic separators using approved techniques
• Select, fit and adapt orthodontic bands prior to dentist assessment
• Prepare teeth for direct bonding and/or cementation of orthodontic attachments.
• Place and ligate archwires fitted by the dentist using appropriate ligation methods.
• Remove ligating materials and archwires safely and efficiently.
• Remove excess cement or bonding material using appropriate orthodontic instruments following banding/bonding and debanding/debonding procedures.
• Remove orthodontic bands and bonded attachments using appropriate instruments and techniques while maintaining patient safety and comfort.
Methods of Evaluation
Methods of evaluation vary amongst the courses in the program. Please see the individual course outlines on how students are evaluated for each course
Program Details
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the pre-requisites listed below, meet their financial obligations to the college at registration, and acknowledge their understanding of SSC’s policies and procedures provided in the Student Handbook prior to starting classes.
Applicants are required to complete an interview with the Coordinator/Director to assess their suitability for the module.
Applicants must provide proof of current full practicing registration as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) before April 1, 2026, or as a Licensed Dental Assistant (LDA) on and after April 1, 2026, with the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) at the time of registration.
A minimum of one year of clinical experience is strongly recommended for program entry.
Language Proficiency Policy
All programs at Sprott Shaw College (SSC) are conducted in English, making proficiency in the English language a requirement for enrollment.
The required proficiency can be demonstrated through 1) completion of secondary or post-secondary education where English is the language of instruction and is also one of the country’s official languages, or 2) An approved English Language Assessment, 3) For mature (≥ 19 years) students who are facing barriers and cannot access their educational records or provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education.
SSC programs that have a higher English language level, require additional years of secondary or post-secondary education where English is the language of instruction, or where language proficiency is to be otherwise demonstrated, are identified within the relevant program outlines. For all other SSC programs, English language proficiency is demonstrated by:
1. EDUCATION
a) Secondary Education. Evidence of Successful Fulltime Secondary Education Completion*, where English is one of the principal languages of instruction:
i) Showing two (2) years, if all Grades successfully completed are 10, 11, or 12, or
ii) Showing three (3) years if the successful Grades are 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12, or
iii) Showing validation of both language of instruction and credential level is provided by WES, ICES or IQAS.
OR
b) Post- Secondary Education. Evidence of 2 years of full-time Post-Secondary Education Completion*, where English is one of the principal languages of instruction. Language development courses (i.e. ELL courses) cannot be included in this calculation.
* This may be demonstrated by providing a high school transcript, completion of a BC Adult Graduation program or providing validation of both language of instruction and credential level is provided by WES, ICES or IQAS.
Countries where English is the language of instruction:
American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guam, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malta, Mauritius, Montserrat, New Zealand, Nigeria, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Tanzania, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, United States Virgin Islands, Zambia, & Zimbabwe.
OR
2. ASSESSMENT
By achieving a recognized standardized language test/assessment. Approved English language assessment options.
• IELTS. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: Minimum overall score of 5.5.
• TOEFL. Test of English as a Foreign Language IBT: Minimum overall score of 46
• CAEL. Canadian Academic English Language Assessment. Minimum overall score of 40
• CELPIP (General) Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program: Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5 and Writing 5.
• DET. Duolingo English Test: Minimum overall score of 95
• PTE. Pearson Test of English Academic: Minimum overall score of 43
• Cambridge English Qualifications: Minimum overall score of 160 or “C”
• Cambridge Linguaskill: Minimum overall B2 level
• LANGUAGECERT Academic: Minimum overall B2 level
• MET. The Michigan English Test: Minimum overall B2 level
• iTEP Academic: Minimum overall score of 3.5
• EIKEN: Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1
OR
3. ACCUPLACER
For mature (≥ 19 years) students who are facing barriers and cannot access their educational records or provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education. Applicant must be 19 years or older at the start of the program and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and provides attestation that they have completed at least three years of full-time of secondary or post-secondary instruction in English in a country where the English is one of the principal languages (please refer to Countries where English is the language of instruction). Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation)and achieves the following minimum scores required:
• Reading: 230
• Writing: 230
• WritePlacer: 4
Certificate Requirements
- 70% average upon successful completion of the theory course
- Demonstrate competency in all required clinical skills as defined by course performance indicators and evaluation rubrics
- Achieve a satisfactory rating on all mandatory clinical procedures
- Maintain a 100% attendance in all scheduled clinical sessions
Contact Us Today!
Our advisors are happy to answer any questions.
Courses List
This 2 week Certificate program requires the student to complete the following courses.The course provides Certified Dental Assistants with the knowledge and competencies required to meet the orthodontic assisting standards set out in the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) Bylaws.
The Orthodontic Fundamentals course (theory component) introduces the foundational principles of orthodontics, with a focus on the expanded scope of practice for orthodontic auxiliaries.
The course is delivered in a self-paced, asynchronous online format, with structured instructor check-ins to support learning and progress. All instructional materials, learning activities, and assessments are housed within the institution’s learning management system (LMS).
This flexible delivery model enables participants to engage with the curriculum while balancing professional, academic, and personal commitments. Successful completion of the theory component is required prior to participation in the in-person clinical training and evaluation.
This course provides supervised, hands-on clinical training to develop the psychomotor skills and professional competencies required for orthodontic assisting, in accordance with the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) Bylaws.
Building on the knowledge acquired in the Orthodontic theory course, participants apply orthodontic principles through structured simulation, manikin-based practice, and supervised peer clinical exercises. Training is conducted under the direct supervision of a registered orthodontist and qualified clinical instructors.
Patient safety, infection prevention and control, and professional conduct are integrated throughout the course to ensure adherence to best practices in clinical orthodontic environments and to support readiness for clinical practice.
