Certified Dental Assistant, Certificate

Camosun College

The Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) program is fast paced, practical, hands-on and simulates the work environment. The program provides six weeks of practicum experience in a dental office to provide you with hands-on experience to be job-ready when you graduate. The CDA program is fully accredited nationally and graduates have performed extremely well on the national board exam. You'll be working in Camosun's 24 chair, fully equipped clinic learning to prepare for and provide chair-side support to assist dentists and clients as well as independent skills and duties. You'll learn about becoming a collaborative partner in the delivery of all aspects of dental care. CDA skills include assisting the dentist at chair-side, as well as providing direct client care. Your interpersonal skills will play a large role in your success as a CDA to meet the needs of a variety of clients.You'll be given many opportunities to transfer your theory and professional communication skills into both the clinical setting at Camosun and dental offices. This helps to better understand the broad scope of your practice and to help you grow in confidence and competence. Clinic practice is scheduled for 17 hours per week to allow you to develop clinical skills that can lead to jobs after graduation. The field of dentistry is becoming increasingly sophisticated and technological. In the 10 month Certified Dental Assistant program you’ll participate extensively in hands–on clinical activities. You’ll learn specific skills to assist the dentist as well as independent duties such as taking dental x-rays, impressions of teeth, placing dental dam and providing preventive care. Providing a wide variety of skills makes the job very satisfying

School of Health and Human Services