This segment provides an opportunity for students to obtain the knowledge and acquire techniques and skills required to assist clients in the prevention and control of disease and injury to the oral tissues. Importance is placed on communication skills and methods of assessing, implementing, and evaluating individualized hygiene. Students will reflect on the role nutrition plays on oral and general health. This section will provide information and practical experiences related to preventive dentistry and the teaching of oral self-care to patients. This section will also provide fundamental theories of learning and teaching and will give the student the opportunity to apply this knowledge in the dental clinic setting. The student will learn about the various oral self-care devices and agents that are commonly used. This course also includes concepts of health and disease, periodontal disease, hard and soft deposits, dental diseases, oral self-care devices, oral self-care agents, fluoride therapy, nutrition, and the learning and teaching process.

Students will study the common microorganisms and pathogens with emphasis placed on those found in the oral cavity.  This course will provide students with the prerequisite knowledge required to practise effective infection control procedures in the dental environment and to prevent cross-contamination.

• Methods of Disease Transmission
• Blood-Borne Pathogens
• Asepsis Sterilization; Disinfection

This segment focuses on the developmental disturbances, their clinical manifestations associated with the development of the oral cavity and the pathology that can affect these structures throughout the life cycle.  Students will acquire the knowledge to recognize normal and abnormal tissue anatomy as it relates to the role of the dental assistant. 

• Diagnosis methods
• Diseases of the Oral Tissues
• Developmental Disorders
• Dental Caries, Periodontal Disease

This section will provide students with a level of knowledge and skill to acquire patient information, obtain vital signs, and assist the dentist in the diagnostic stages of the dental care provided. 

• Client Records
• Standard Criteria for Record Keeping
• Treatment Planning, Vital Signs
• Recording the Dental Exam
• The Medically and Physically Compromised Client

This course introduces students to the basic principles of oral medicine.  Students are provided with the terminology, medicinal use, physiological actions, adverse responses, and classifications of drugs encountered in the dental office or commonly prescribed for patients. 

• Routes of Administration of Medication
• Schedule of Drugs, Prescription Writing
• Classification of Drugs
• Drug Reference Material
• Anesthesia and Pain Control
• Sedation

This component 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 client in the dental office environment.  Students also participate in CPR/First Aid training. 

• Diagnostic Signs
• Obtaining Vital Signs
• Medical Dental Histories
• Medically Compromised Clients
• Physically Compromised Clients
• Recognition of Medical Emergencies
• Preventing Medical Emergencies
• Emergency Equipment
• Emergency Responses
• Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation – CPR Level C
• First Aid

This course prepares students to take and process intra-oral and extra-oral dental radiographs according to provincial/federal standards.  Students are introduced to basic physics and principles of radiography, safety precautions, and the operation of the dental x-ray unit.  They will expose using analog and digital dental radiographs using bisecting angle and paralleling techniques.  Instruction will be provided on recognizing dental errors and solving problem situations, along with client education and management. 

• Basic Principles of Radiation
• Dental X-Ray Machine
• ALARA concept
• Generation of an X-Ray
• Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation
• Radiographic Techniques
• Dental Radiographic Film
• Digital Radiography
• Processing Room and Techniques
• Anatomical Landmarks and Mounting of X-Rays
• Radiographic Faults and Artifacts
• Asepsis Techniques
• Provincial/Federal Guidelines
• Quality Assurance

This segment will cover the key competencies related to office practices and administrative responsibilities of the dental assistant.  This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills related to basic dental reception procedures.  Topics will include the organization and management of patient records, appointment control, dental claims, financial procedures, and the utilization of dental management computer software. 

• Reception Procedures
• Maintenance of Clinical Records
• Dental Insurance Forms
• Appointment Control
• Bookkeeping – General, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Petty Cash, Payroll, and Documentation
• Fee Management
• Business Letter Writing
• Computerized Appointment Scheduling, Insurance Forms, and Accounts Receivable

This segment is designed to give students an overview of the various dental specialties.  Students will learn the theory and practical skills relating to the various disciplines.  The roles of the dental assistant will be examined in relation to these specialties. 

• Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
• Endodontics
• Periodontics
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Surgical Asepsis, Preparation, and Procedures
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Patients with Special Needs
• Overview of Orthodontics and Orthodontic Treatments
• Fixed Prosthodontics and Removable Prosthesis Specialty Procedures and Instruments

Students are assessed on the theoretical knowledge covered up to the mid-point of the Phase 1 of the program 

Students are assessed on the theoretical knowledge covered up to the end of the Phase 1 of the program.

Students are assessed on their practical clinical and laboratory skills.

This program includes a practicum component consisting of 80 hours working in private practice with a dentist during Phase I of the program. This practicum work experience is a mandatory diploma requirement, and the dentist does not pay for the services of the student during the practicum. 

Students will gain a better understanding of themselves through an exploration of their personal attributes, transferable skills and learning styles. This course will introduce techniques for time, conflict, and stress management and develop interpersonal communication skills. Fundamental study and motivation skills will be covered, preparing students to excel in their program of choice. Students will also prepare a professional resume and learn how to write effective cover letters.

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

This course will provide students with the theory required by a Registered Dental Assistant to perform direct patient care.  An ethical decision-making framework will enable students to utilize problem-solving skills to plan for and manage direct patient care and to respond to patient-specific needs as they relate to the clinical practice of a Registered Dental Assistant.  In-house clinical and outside practicum experience will provide an environment for students to apply and adapt the knowledge and skills obtained. 

• Polishing Clinical Crowns of Teeth with Rubber Cup or Brush and Polishing Pastes
• Applying Topical Anticariogenic Agents
• Taking Study Model Impressions
• Application and Removal of Dental Dam
• Applying Pit and Fissure Sealants
• Applying Topical Anaesthetics
• Placing and Removing Matrices and Wedges
• Applying Treatment Liners in Teeth without Pulpal Involvement
• Evaluating Dietary Habits and Providing Nutritional Counselling as it Pertains to Dentistry
• Insert and Adjust Whitening Trays
• Removing Sutures
• Apply Acid Etch and Cavity Bonding
• Applying Desensitizing Agents
• Placing and exposing intra oral and extra oral radiographs.
• Certified Clinical Skills Practice and Evaluation – Certified skills clinical practice under the supervision of a dental professionals in CDI College dental facilities. Students are required to work on patients (minimum of 8) for practice and evaluation.

This program includes a practicum component consisting of 60 hours working in private practice with a dentist during Phase 2 of the program. This practicum work experience is a mandatory diploma requirement and the dentist does not pay for the services of the student during the practicum.