Have you always wanted to pursue a career in the dental industry? Do you have a contagious passion for excellent oral hygiene? If you answered yes to either of these questions, a career as a dental assistant could be exactly what you’re looking for!
Today, a
career as a dental assistant is flourishing and expected to grow throughout the
next few years. In British Columbia, the provincial labour market outlook
forecasts an average employment growth
rate of 2.1% from 2018 to 2023 as well as an additional 2.3% from
2023 to 2028.
Because of this, now is the perfect time to enroll in Sprott Shaw’s newest program, Dental Assisting.
Help brighten smiles by becoming a dental assistant through Sprott Shaw!
What Does a Dental Assistant Do?
A dental
assistant is a dental health professional who works with and under
the supervision of a dentist. Dental assistants often take on a variety of chair-side
and intra-oral tasks including patient care, recordkeeping, appointment
scheduling, and more.
Like many
other industry roles, being able to work as a team is crucial to becoming a successful
dental assistant. As part of the dental team, dental assistants need to
understand how to: assist with dental procedures; provide quality oral care; prepare
equipment and supplies; manage patient records; and ensure that clinical and
office procedures run efficiently and effectively.
Some of the
responsibilities and tasks that dental assistants may be assigned include:
- Assisting with patient care during
dental procedures
- Preparing and supporting patients for
treatment by practicing universal and standard precautions
- Organizing and preparing for the
procedure
- Attending to the patients’ comfort
and collecting and updating health histories
- Assisting with all dental procedures
including although not limited to preventative, orthodontic, and prosthodontic
procedures
- Providing oral hygiene instructions,
post-operative care, and nutritional counselling to help educate patients and
caretakers
- Performing the routine maintenance of
instruments and equipment so patient care is delivered safely and
effectively
- Executing fundamental practice
management procedures including inventory control of dental supplies, patient
booking, and payment collection
What Is Included In Your Dental Assistant Program at Sprott Shaw?
The Dental Assistant program at Sprott Shaw is a 45-week diploma program that equips students with specialized knowledge, critical thinking skills, and decision-making skills to thrive in the competitive dental field. Throughout their studies, students will develop and master all the technical, professional, and interpersonal skills needed to perform within the clinical and administrative scope of their dental practice.
Dental assistants can be classified into two distinct levels – Level 1 and Level 2. At Sprott Shaw, we offer both Level 1 and Level 2 in one comprehensive program. After Level 1, students are authorized to execute chair-side assistant tasks like passing instruments and materials to the dentist, sterilizing and disinfecting equipment, and placing x-rays. After completion of Level 2, upon becoming licensed, students are authorized to perform intra-oral skills on patients.
Our Dental
Assistant program includes over 540 hours of clinical experience including two
practicum experiences so students can familiarize themselves with the field and
best practices before graduation.
Graduates of
our program will be able to work in general and specialty dental practices,
hospital dental clinics, community health agencies, educational institutions,
and much more.
Why Should I Choose Sprott Shaw for my Dentistry Education?
As we previously mentioned, our Dental Assistant program includes both practicum and practice opportunities for Level 1 and Level 2 components of the program. Our students can rest assured they are prepared and ready for the industry ahead.
Our hands-on lab
features state-of-the-art dental operatory chairs that have different features
and elements catered to different environments and situations – allowing our
students to be informed and knowledgeable for all kinds of conditions and
circumstances.
Our dental
clinic is predominantly digital, ensuring that our students are familiar with the
newest technology in the industry. With digital x-rays, digital charts, dummies
with root canals and fillings, and more, our students will be prepared for
whatever the dental industry throws at them. Throughout the program, students
will also have opportunities to job shadow, attend field trips, and meet with
field professionals in the dental industry.
Our Dental Assistant program is designed to meet the regulations governing certified dental assisting practices as defined by the BC College of Oral Health Professionals. With the completion of the program, students will be eligible to write the National Dental Assisting Board examination. Passing this exam and applying for licensure with the BC College of Oral Health Professionals will allow our students to become Certified Dental Assistants.
The launch of this new program will begin in the Lower Mainland and may grow across the BC province if we see a demand for it.
Interested in
learning more about the career or how you can become one? Contact one of our
advisors to learn more!
