Dental Assisting (Levels I and II) DAS

Holland Code: S (Social)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

Literacy Strong written and verbal communications skills are needed.

Math & Science Good math skills are needed (need a grade 11 or grade 12 math course). High school courses in Biology and Chemistry are required for this program.

Technology Basic computer skills recommended (Microsoft Office suite, Internet, checking student portal daily).

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Ability to accept & apply constructive feedback
• Able to make decisions/problem solve quickly and confidently
• Willing to handle situations involving blood and oral debris
• Good coping skills
• Ability to put patients at ease
• Steadiness, the ability to remain calm under pressure and in emergencies
• Able to pay strong attention to detail
• Maintain honesty & integrity
• Ability to accept & comply with industry (professional) standards & expectations – i.e. wear uniform, follow rules
• Able to cope in busy/changing environments
• Ability to co-operate and work as part of a team
• Ability to multi-task
• Time management & personal life organization
• Self-directed, take initiative

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a

Certified level II Dental Assistant.

Places you may find yourself employed include

Private practice dental offices, community health agencies, hospital clinics, dental insurance companies, dental and denture labs, or dental supply companies.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Work in an office environment
• May work full or part time; evening or shift work may be required
• Dental assistants work with small instruments in the mouth, fine motor skills and dexterity are needed
• Working in close proximity to members of the public

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

As chairside assistants, dental assistants:

• Receive and prepare patients for treatment
• Sterilize, prepare and set out dental instruments and materials
• Process x-rays
• Assist dentists during dental procedures
• Record dental procedures performed
• Educate patients

As administrative assistants, dental assistants may:

• Answer telephone calls
• Co-ordinate appointment schedules
• Keep records of bank transactions, treatment plan procedures and payroll
• Use and maintain dental computer software
• Maintain an inventory of supplies
• Co-ordinate treatments for patients

As intra-oral assistants, dental assistants who have appropriate training and registration may:

• Chairside Dental Assisting
• Exposing Radiographs (X-rays)
• Preliminary Impressions
• Rubber Dam Placements
• Selective Rubber Cup Polishing of Teeth
• Oral Hygiene Instruction
• Dietary Counselling
• Fluoride Application
• Pit & Fissure Sealant Application
• Application of Topical Anaesthetic
• Desensitization of Teeth
• Take & Record Vital Signs 
• Fabricate & Insert Bleaching Trays
• Fabricate Mouthguards
• Fabricate Occlusal Rims
• Recall Consultations with Dentists
• Assessing and Reporting Oral Health Status

Dental assistants work as part of a dental health care team that may include dentists, dental hygienists, dental lab technicians and denturists. See a full list of skills from ODAA website.

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

• Graduates are prepared to write National Board certification exams for Level II Dental Assisting.
• Ontario Dental Assistants Association (ODAA)
• Canadian Dental Assistants Association (CDAA)
• National Dental Assisting Examination Board (NDAEB)

• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development or education

• Graduates may apply to the Dental Hygiene program.

Last Modified: January 11, 2024