Frequently asked questions

Bright, sparkling smiles, and healthy mouths are all the rage these days. Ask any qualified dentist and they will agree that today’s dental offices are inundated with people looking to improve their smiles and keep on top of oral health.

If you have a passion for helping people, enjoy working with your hands, and are interested in an occupation in a health care setting, a career as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) may be for you. This fast-paced professional career is challenging, rewarding, and demands both versatility and a willingness to assume responsibility for many different tasks.

A career as a CDA offers a wide range of opportunities; it is considered to be one of the most diverse and interesting positions in the dental office. Career options include part-time and full-time positions in private practice, group practice, and specialty practices. This dynamic career encompasses a broad scope of practice and offers fulfillment and personal satisfaction in that you are exposed to innovative technology while providing invaluable support to the success of the dental practice.

As a CDA, you will work directly with patients, helping them to improve and understand the importance of oral health. You will also work closely with a dentist contributing to the efficiency and quality of health care services. A career in dental assisting is one you can be proud of: It offers good earning opportunities, a clean work environment, and the ability to help others.

This 10-month certificate program will help you to develop the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for employment as a certified dental assistant. It combines lectures and clinical practice in preparation for a career in private practice, dental clinics, and other public health facilities. You will gain extensive clinical experience throughout the program.

In addition to working at the UFV dental clinic, the curriculum includes two practica, which provide full-time experience in a dental office. Because this program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, graduates are eligible to write the National Dental Assisting Examination Board (NDAEB) examination and then register with the College of Dental Surgeons of B.C.

Classes run from September through June and include practicum sessions.

Consult the current UFV academic calendar for detailed entrance requirements.

View a breakdown of expenses, including tution fees.

Check out the UFV calendar and read the Certified Dental Assistant section carefully.

You should then fill out the UFV Application form and submit it online.

You will require a uniform, just as you will in a working dental office. Lab coats, gloves, masks, and safety glasses are required during all clinic sessions. Because you are being prepared to work in a professional office, neatness and good grooming are essential at all times.

You will be responsible for your own transportation to classes and practicum locations.

The Certified Dental Assistant program is based on the regulations governing certified dental assisting practices as defined by the College of Dental Surgeons of B.C. It is also accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.

Upon completion of the UFV Certified Dental Assistant certificate program, and prior to practicing as a certified dental assistant, you will be required to write the National Dental Assisting Examination Board (NDAEB) examination. Following successful completion of this exam you will need to register with the College of Dental Surgeons of B.C.

The Certified Dental Assistant program is delivered on UFV’s Chilliwack CEP campus, in building A.

Absolutely. We want to hear from you!  If you’re unsure of your direction, you can:

• Contact Student Recruitment at 604-854-4557 to arrange a free tour
• Book an appointment with an Exploratory & Qualifying studies educational advisor
• Contact the School of Health Studies directly by calling 604-795-2817