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Certificate Program

Dental Chairside Assisting with Radiography

Certificate

23

Qualified Instructors

This program can be offered at the campus(es) below. Please contact the campus of your choosing for program availability and delivery methods.

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Employment Rate

97%

*Jan-Dec 2023, CDI College BC;

Median Wage

$27 /hour

*Jobbank.gc.ca; 2024;

Do What You Like and Become a Dental Chairside Assistant

The Dental Chairside Assisting with Radiography Program includes hands-on training with dental professionals from the industry.

You learn how to assist the dentist in day-to-day procedures, including taking dental radiographs, sterilizing dental instruments, handing instruments to dentists during procedures, and so much more. You will also learn clerical tasks, such as how to obtain patients' dental records and medical billing.

  • DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY
  • DENTAL ASSISTING
  • DENTAL PRACTICE
  • DENTAL TERMINOLOGY
  • HEALTHCARE COMMUNICATION
  • INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
  • DENTAL INFECTION CONTROL
  • CPR / FIRST AID
  • DENTAL PATIENT PREPARATION
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Approved & Designated 

This program is approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of British Columbia. CDI College is designated by the Education Quality Assurance (EQA).

Program Intro Background

Program Courses

Student Success Strategies

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The purpose of this course is to provide students with the knowledge, skills and study techniques to help foster effective learning and a positive educational experience. This course explores two components of learning styles, Multiple Intelligence-based theory and Personality Spectrum – MBTI-based theory, and how learning styles and personality types affect learning. The course will cover the importance of values, their relationship to goals and goal setting. Strategies for setting personal goals, prioritizing tasks, managing time, and the stress that results from study or work situations will be explored and practiced through active participation in learner-centred activities. Effective study habits, techniques for preparing for tests and productive note taking strategies are key topics of this course that will provide the students with the necessary skills and attitudes to be successful in school. Having a sound understanding of financial, money, credit and debt matters and their implication on our lives is critical knowledge to have. Students taking this course will benefit from completing the Financial Management Workshops, which provides comprehensive coverage of financial and money management skills that will allow them to better save, budget, and manage their money and financial situations.

Introduction to Computers

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This course introduces the students to the basic elements of using a computer with an emphasis on the functionality of an operating system and tasks related to file management and word processing. Relying very heavily on a hands-on practical training approach, students learn by doing through skills based
simulations, training and assessments. The course provides an overview of Microsoft 365 where you will learn about the common features of the applications and file management fundamentals. The course then focuses on the core features of Microsoft Word where students learn proper document formatting, organization and editing using the tools and features of the ribbon. The course will then continue with more advanced topics such as working with tables, lists, objects, templates footnotes and endnotes and mail merges.

Health Care Communication & Interpersonal Skills

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This is a specially designed course for the new health care professional in the medical field. In business, as in other interpersonal contacts, the impression formed is in the first 10- 15 seconds and is crucial to the success of the relationship. The importance of the customer and of customer relations to business success is examined through case studies and roleplaying. Students learn relevant techniques of human behaviour and how they may be applied to improve customer relations in the medical office. Learning basic communication skills especially relating to the medical field will assist the student in dealing with all patients. Understanding cultural differences and encouraging diversity can add a new dimension and safer patient health care delivery to the medical office. Some topics covered in this course include demonstrating respect in the health care field to co-workers/patients/clients, legal issues such as “The Scope of the MOA’s Realm,” defusing angry patients/customers, and customer values and how to deliver those values. Being knowledgeable about these topics keeps customers coming back due to excellent customer service skills

Dental Sciences Foundations

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In this course, students will explore medical-dental language and dental terminology while learning the oral structures and facial anatomy, the general anatomy of the tooth and the eruption schedules for both primary and permanent dentition and tooth numbering systems. The course will also cover the introductory knowledge as a pre-requisite to the Dental Radiography course. The course will also provide a basic understanding of dental specialties and their unique requirements within the dental practice. This information permits the student to understand the importance and unique requirements of dental knowledge and equipment used in the specialty practices.

Dental Emergency Procedures

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This course provides students with the knowledge and skills that are required to recognize and prevent medical and dental emergencies within the dental office. It will prepare students to assist the dentist in administering immediate care for the patient in the dental office environment. Students also participate in CPR/First Aid training. Lectures and reading assignments will provide a basic understanding of medical emergencies and the role of the dental assistant in assisting with the administration of care used in the dental office. This information permits the student to interpret and relay information and to communicate on the dentist, and emergency workers.

Dental Infection Control and Safety

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This module will provide students with knowledge of the practices for infection control in dentistry. This course will cover terminology as it relates to the study of disease transmission and infection control and safety, chain of infection, methods of prevention and control of transmission of microorganisms, principles and techniques of disinfection and sterilization and processing of dental instruments, safety and workplace management of hazardous wastes. Emphasis on how to adapt federal, provincial and CDI clinic infection control and safety guidelines and recommendations will also be discussed. The course will also provide didactic background as pre-requisite knowledge for Dental Radiography building on the principles of infection control and safety. Students will also complete the WHMIS module as part of this course.

Foundation of Dental Assisting

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Assisting with restorative procedures require smooth interaction between the dentist provider and the chairside assistant, who must be familiar a wide variety of instruments, materials and their uses, and be able to anticipate what the dentist will require for each step in the procedure.
This course will provide the student with the basic knowledge on the elements of selected restorative procedures, which include armamentarium and their uses, as well as develop the skills required to be an efficient chairside dental assistant, with emphasis on the dental assistant’s role in restorative procedures. The course will also cover identifying challenges, assessing needs and modifying treatment to accommodate medically and physically compromised patients.

Charting and Records Management

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Students begin this course with an introduction to ethics and protecting the privacy of dental clients. This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to maintain patient records. Topics will include patient registration, health history forms, records retention and records transfer.
Students will learn symbols and abbreviations used in clinical charts and practise entering existing conditions and recording treatment procedures on a clinical chart.

Chairside Assisting Clinical Practice

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This course provides the clinical and practical applications to the chairside dental assisting practice. Students practice and apply the skills acquired from the theoretical component courses. Students are expected to demonstrate mastery of the core competencies associated with the didactic courses. Students are assessed on their practical clinical and laboratory skills.

  • Infection Control and Safety practices
  • Safe handling of dental materials and equipment
  • Dental Laboratory Practices

Dental Radiography Theory

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This course prepares students to take and process intra-oral and extra-oral dental radiographs according to Safety Code 30 standards. The students are introduced to the basic physics and principles of radiography; safety precautions and operation of a dental x-ray unit. Instruction is provided on exposing dental radiographs using paralleling and bisecting angle techniques, recognizing radiographic errors and solving problems, and client education/management.

This course covers the theoretical aspects of radiography, preliminary interpretations of radiographs, and the hazards and safety involving radiation. Emphasis is placed on the safe and effective use of x-rays in the dental practice. Subject matter includes:

  • The basic principles of radiation
  • Dental x-ray machines
  • The ALARA concept
  • Generation of an X-ray
  • Biological effects of ionizing radiation
  • Provincial and federal guidelines
  • Quality assurance

Dental Radiography Practical

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This course prepares the students to take and process intra-oral and extra-oral dental radiographs according to Safety Code 30 standards. The students are introduced to basic physics and principles of radiography, safety precautions and the operation of the dental x-ray unit. Students will be exposed to dental radiographs using bisecting angles and paralleling techniques. Instruction will be provided on recognizing dental radiographic errors and solving problems, patient education and management. Current radiographic techniques will be covered, with an emphasis being on the safe and effective use of x-rays in dental practice. Upon successful completion, the student will be eligible to obtain a dental Radiography module designation from the College of Dental Surgeons of BC.

Career & Employment Strategies

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In addition to learning career-oriented skills, students learn how to get a job in their chosen profession. Our Employment Services department will assist the graduate in resume writing, as well as preparing for job interviews. Our staff is sensitive to current job market trends and the needs of employers in each local market.
Our graduates receive guidance and training to use career tools that help job seekers build a better resume and cover letter, manage an online portfolio, hone interviewing skills, and develop a personal brand online.
Students will have the use of a computer lab which has unlimited Internet access, as well as job search resources. Facilitators will also be made available to advise on job finding resources, interview skills and techniques and to carry out mock interviews.

This course also looks at the planning, preparation, execution, and follow-up stages of an interview:

  • How people find jobs
  • Employer expectations
  • Presenting an enthusiastic attitude
  • Focusing on the right job and the hidden job market
  • Transferrable skills
  • Thank you letters
  • Effective telemarketing
  • Handling objections, self-confidence, and self-esteem
  • Individual counselling and coaching

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Admission

Benefits of this program

Employment Opportunities

  • Standard Admission
    • High school graduation or equivalent

 

  • Mature Admissions
    • 19 years of age upon starting classes
    • Pass the college's admissions test

 

AND

  • Pass College’s English Admissions Test
  • Criminal record check (in accordance with the Criminal Records Review Act)
  • Proof of Negative TB test. (In case of a positive TB skin test, a negative chest x-ray report is required)
  • Meet financial obligations with CDI College
  • Acknowledging CDI College’s policies and procedures provided in the student handbook
  • State-of-the-art labs
  • High NDAEB exam results among our graduates
  • Accelerated course times so you can graduate quickly
  • 80-hour clinical practice
  • Accredited by CDAC
  • Multiple industry certifications
    • WHMIS
    • GHS
    • Psychological First Aid
    • Emergency First Aid
    • CPR-C

 

 

  • Dental and dental specialist offices
  • Dental distribution companies
  • Dental departments within hospital settings
  • Standard Admission
    • High school graduation or equivalent

 

  • Mature Admissions
    • 19 years of age upon starting classes
    • Pass the college's admissions test

 

AND

  • Pass College’s English Admissions Test
  • Criminal record check (in accordance with the Criminal Records Review Act)
  • Proof of Negative TB test. (In case of a positive TB skin test, a negative chest x-ray report is required)
  • Meet financial obligations with CDI College
  • Acknowledging CDI College’s policies and procedures provided in the student handbook
  • State-of-the-art labs
  • High NDAEB exam results among our graduates
  • Accelerated course times so you can graduate quickly
  • 80-hour clinical practice
  • Accredited by CDAC
  • Multiple industry certifications
    • WHMIS
    • GHS
    • Psychological First Aid
    • Emergency First Aid
    • CPR-C

 

 

  • Dental and dental specialist offices
  • Dental distribution companies
  • Dental departments within hospital settings
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Industry Certifications

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Industry Leading Employers

Our extensive network and reputation for excellence ensure that graduates are in high demand in today's competitive job market. Prepare to excel in sought-after roles with renowned companies and unlock limitless career opportunities. Elevate your career trajectory and secure your future with our program tailored to meet the demands of industry leaders.

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Hear From Our Graduates

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The dental instructors here are absolutely incredible. They're so motivating and encourage us to work together. Every day, I feel like I'm making progress.

Jennifer T.

Dental Program Graduate

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I just finished the dental program at CDI College, and it was a great experience. The courses are challenging, but the instructors are supportive and ensure everyone has what they need to succeed. I loved my class and felt like everyone really clicked, which made the course really enjoyable.

Katelyn G.

Dental Program Graduate

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