Find Your Path
There’s more than one way to step into a career as a dental assistant – and colleges offer flexible options designed to help you get there and soar in your career.
Discover a Public College Dental Assistant Program Today
Public (also known as community) colleges offer a broader range of programs, spanning both vocational and academic tracks, and are funded by the Ontario government. They tend to serve larger student populations and offer more traditional higher education experiences.
All public college programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada. Accreditation recognizes that a program meets established national standards and allows a dental assistant to practice in any province or territory across Canada.
Check out more information, including programs near you, student funding options like the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), opportunities to support training costs, and more:
Discover a Career College Dental Assistant Program Today
Career (or private) colleges are typically smaller, specialized institutions aimed at students who want to enter the workforce quickly. They emphasize practical, hands-on training and focus on vocational skills for specific jobs.
In Ontario, career colleges must be registered and approved under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005. This legislation ensures that programs meet important standards for curriculum quality, instructor qualifications, advertising practices, and student protections, including refund policies.
List of Colleges
List of Colleges
See how Level I and Level II Certification can make a difference
Level I Certification
Level I Certification
Level II Certification
Level II Certification
Certification in Ontario
The standard for dental assisting education in Canada is the Level II intra-oral program.
Dental assistants in Ontario who want to perform Level II intra-oral duties must successfully complete all National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) examination requirements. The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario requires dentists to assign Level II duties only to dental assistants holding the NDAEB certificate. Learn more at NDAEB.ca.
The Ontario Dental Assistants Association (ODAA) is the professional association and certifying body for dental assistants in Ontario. It supports its members with education, standards, and advocacy to promote safety and recognition of dental assistants in healthcare. ODAA membership and certification are recommended. Learn more at ODAA.org.
Learn On The Job
Some dental clinics hire dental assistants immediately, offering on-site training and a learn-as-you-go pathway. This provides hands-on experience and helps you develop the practical skills required for a dental assistant role.
Keep in mind that obtaining formal education and certification can significantly enhance your employability and career growth prospects in dentistry.