BC
July 31, 2026 | British Columbia
How much do dental assistants make in BC? According to Job Bank’s latest provincial wage data, dental assistants earn a median wage of $31 per hour, with reported wages ranging from $24 to $36 per hour.
Pay can vary by location, experience, responsibilities and whether you pursue the broader clinical scope available to a Licensed Dental Assistant (LDA)*. As of April 1, 2026, LDA is the licence category used by the BCCOHP. The previous designation was Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).
How Much Do Dental Assistants Make in BC?
According to Job Bank’s current wage data for dental assistants in British Columbia:
|
Wage Level |
Hourly Wage |
Approx. Annual Equivalent** |
|
Low |
$24.00 |
$49,920 |
|
Median |
$31.00 |
$64,480 |
|
High |
$36.00 |
$74,880 |
**Annual figures are estimates based on 40 hours per week for 52 weeks. Actual annual earnings vary according to hours worked, time off, overtime and other factors.
Dental Assistant Wages by Region in BC
Where you work can affect how much you earn.
Current Job Bank regional estimates show:
|
BC Region |
Low |
Median |
High |
|
Lower Mainland–Southwest |
$22.50 |
$31.00 |
$35.00 |
|
Vancouver Island and Coast |
$29.00 |
$31.00 |
$37.00 |
|
Thompson–Okanagan |
$29.00 |
$32.75 |
$37.00 |
|
BC overall |
$24.00 |
$31.00 |
$36.00 |
For example, the current median is $31 per hour in the Lower Mainland–Southwest and Vancouver Island/Coast, compared with $32.75 in Thompson–Okanagan, according to Job Bank’s regional wage data.
Regional wage estimates can change, so they are best used as a labour-market benchmark rather than a guaranteed salary.
What Factors Influence Dental Assistant Pay?
Several factors can affect where your wage falls within the BC range.
1. Licensed vs. Chairside Dental Assistant
BC distinguishes between chairside dental assistants and Licensed Dental Assistants.
A chairside dental assistant does not hold an LDA licence. An LDA completes the applicable education, NDAEB and BCCOHP licensing pathway and can be delegated a broader range of clinical services.
WorkBC notes that dental assistants with a broader clinical scope have access to more job opportunities and higher salaries. WorkBC still uses the former CDA terminology on this page; BCCOHP now uses Licensed Dental Assistant (LDA) as the licence category.
For a detailed comparison, read Licensed vs. Chairside Dental Assistant in BC: What’s the Difference?.
2. Location
Wages differ across BC.
Current Job Bank data, for example, reports a $32.75 median hourly wage in Thompson–Okanagan, compared with $31 in the Lower Mainland–Southwest. Local labour supply, employer demand and the type of dental practice can all affect compensation.
3. Experience and Responsibilities
As dental assistants gain experience, they may become comfortable with more complex workflows, different dental specialties and additional responsibilities. However, experience alone does not guarantee a particular wage. Compensation ultimately depends on the employer, position and labour market.
4. Benefits
Hourly pay is only part of total compensation. Job Bank reports that 90.8% of workers in this occupation in BC receive at least one non-wage benefit. Benefits can include health and dental insurance, employer pension plans, paid leave and other employer-provided compensation.
That makes it useful to compare the entire compensation package rather than hourly wage alone.
Where Can Licensed Dental Assistants Work?
Licensed dental assistants can work in settings such as:
- General dental clinics
- Orthodontic practices
- Oral surgery and other specialty practices
- Community health centres
- Educational settings
Different workplaces can offer different schedules, responsibilities and compensation structures.
What Is the Job Outlook for Dental Assistants in BC?
The longer-term outlook provides useful context alongside salary data. WorkBC forecasts 3,130 job openings between 2025 and 2035 for Dental Assistants and Dental Laboratory Assistants in BC.
WorkBC also expects demand for dental assistants to remain strong. Forecast openings are concentrated in several major regions:
- Mainland/Southwest: 2,110
- Vancouver Island/Coast: 450
- Thompson–Okanagan: 320
This puts a large share of forecast opportunities in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and Okanagan regions.
For a deeper look at the employment market, read Are Dental Assistants in Demand in British Columbia?.
How Do You Become a Licensed Dental Assistant in BC?
If you want to pursue the broader clinical scope of an LDA, the pathway generally includes:
- 1 Complete a CDAC-accredited dental assisting program
- 2 Meet the applicable NDAEB examination requirements
- 3 Obtain the NDAEB Certificate
- 4 Apply to BCCOHP for an LDA licence
An university degree is not required. For the complete process, read Become a Licensed Dental Assistant in BC: 2026 Guide.
How CDI College’s Dental Assisting Training Supports the LDA Pathway
CDI College’s Dental Assisting Diploma Program in Burnaby and Surrey is a 55-week, CDAC-accredited program.
For students planning to pursue LDA licensure, three features are especially relevant:
Hands-On Clinical and Workplace Training
Students complete 615 hours of clinical and practical training:
- 440 hours of on-campus clinical training
- 175 hours of mandatory outside practical experience
Training covers areas such as chairside assisting, radiography, infection prevention and control, dental materials and intra-oral procedures. This allows students to practise skills in a supervised learning environment before applying them in dental workplaces.
CDAC Accreditation and NDAEB Results
Because the program is CDAC-accredited, graduates are eligible to apply for the NDAEB examination.
Recent student results include a 100% NDAEB pass rate for both Burnaby and Surrey in the June 2025 sitting. Passing the program or NDAEB examination does not automatically grant an LDA licence. Graduates must still meet BCCOHP’s licensing requirements.
Recent Employment Outcome
CDI College’s BC Dental Assisting program reports a 97% employment rate for January through December 2025.
Employment outcomes can vary by individual, employer, location and labour-market conditions, but the result provides a recent indicator of graduate employment from the program.
Is Dental Assisting Worth Considering in BC?
Salary is only one part of the decision. Current BC data shows a $31 median hourly wage, broad access to non-wage benefits and 3,130 forecast openings between 2025 and 2035.
For students who want hands-on healthcare training and the opportunity to pursue a broader clinical role, the LDA pathway provides a defined route through accredited education, the NDAEB and BCCOHP licensure.
CDI College’s Dental Assisting Diploma Program in Burnaby and Surrey provides the educational and practical training that supports the first stage of that pathway.
Request more information for availability, details and financial options.
* As of April 1, 2026, BCCOHP uses Licensed Dental Assistant (LDA) as the licence category. The previous designation was Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).
