April 22, 2025 | Ontario

Dental assisting is a thriving and fulfilling career choice in support of Canada’s health care system, forging trusting relationships with patients, offering comfort and compassion in addition to clinical excellence. They are vital members of the oral health care team across Canada. Whether you’re drawn to clinical work, administrative tasks, or the satisfaction of improving patients’ well-being, this career offers diverse opportunities. In this guide, we’ll explore the role of dental assistants, job prospects, pathways to certification, and how CDI College prepares graduates for success. 

 
What Does a Dental Assistant Do? 

Dental assistants are versatile professionals who ensure dental practices run smoothly. Their responsibilities vary by province but generally include: 
 

1. Clinical Support: 

• Preparing patients for procedures and ensuring their comfort. 
• Sterilizing instruments and maintaining infection control protocols. 
• Assisting dentists during treatments (e.g., passing instruments, suctioning). 
• Taking and developing dental X-rays (requires radiography certification).
   

2. Administrative Duties: 

• Managing patient records, scheduling, and billing. 
• Handling inventory and clinic supplies. 
   

In Ontario, dental assistants are classified as Level I (basic chairside support) and Level II (expanded duties like taking X-rays and applying sealants). Level II certification requires additional training, enhancing career advancement opportunities.  
 
Dentists rely heavily on the knowledge and expertise of certified dental assistants given their broad dental education, up-to-date knowledge of oral health trends through continuing education, and unique skills acquired through collaboration and experience. In addition, certified dental assistants facilitate the work of the dentist and hygienist.   
 
 
Bonus Read: What Does a Dental Assistant Do? 

 
Job Outlook and Salary Expectations 

 
Across Canada 

The job outlook for dental assistants is strong nationwide. Factors driving demand include: 

• Rising need for preventative and cosmetic dental services. 
• Expansion of dental insurance coverage. 
• Retirement of current professionals creating job openings. 

 
Salary Range 

 
Hourly wages by community/area (2024) 

 
According to Job Bank, Dental Assisting is characterized by strong job stability and competitive wages. Across Canada, hourly earnings for Dental Assistants range from approximately $20.00 to $34.50. 

 
What Are the Main Trends Affecting Employment 
 

• Demand for dental services is influenced by dental insurance coverage rates, population growth, household incomes, and public awareness of oral hygiene. 
• Public-sector investments in affordable dental care, should support job prospects. 
• The aging population is expected to increase the demand for geriatric dental care. 

 
How Much You Can Make in Ontario 
 

In Ontario, where dental care remains a priority for many communities, Dental Assistants earn between $20.00 and $32.00 per hour, with a median wage of $26.00/hour. Urban regions such as Kitchener-Waterloo-Barrie region and Ottawa often see wages on the higher end of this spectrum, reflecting cost‑of‑living variances and demand for specialized services.  
 
Job prospects in Ontario by economic region (2024) 

Job prospects in Ontario are rated “Good” by the federal Job Bank, indicating a healthy number of opportunities for qualified professionals. 

 
Career Pathway in Dental Assisting 

Why Choose This Career? 
 

• Job Stability: Dental care is essential, ensuring low unemployment rates. 
   
• Short Training Period: Accredited Dental Assisting programs typically span one to two years, allowing graduates to enter the workforce quickly and begin earning competitive wages. 
   
• Career Growth: Transition into roles like office management, dental sales, or education. 
   
• Positive Work Environment: Dental offices are known for their clean, well‑lit settings and regular work hours, supporting a favourable work‑life balance. 
   
• Personal Fulfillment: Make a tangible impact on patients’ health and confidence.
   

In Ontario, Dental Assisting is a recognized profession supported by membership through the ODAA. You can find advice, help and resources from the organization to pave your career. 

Specialization Opportunities 

Dental assistants obtain transferable knowledge and skills that facilitate various employment opportunities in the public health sector, insurance, education, government, sales, and many other service-based occupations and industries. 
 

Bonus Read: Is Dental Assisting a Good Career in Canada?  

 
How to Become a Certified Dental Assistant in Canada 
 

1. Complete an Accredited Program  
   In most jurisdictions, dental assistants require completion of an eight-month to one-year college or other program in dental assistance. Enroll in an NDAEB-approved course, like CDI College nearly one-year Dental Assisting program, which provides foundational coursework in dental anatomy, radiography, infection control, and chairside assisting techniques, combined with extensive hands‑on practice. 
    
2. Pass the NDAEB Exam 
   National Dental Assisting Examining Board Exam tests competency both theoretical knowledge and clinical proficiency in radiography, infection control, and clinical procedures. 
    
3. Provincial Registration and Local Regulations 
   Licensure varies by region. For example, in Ontario, Dental Assisting is not provincially regulated; however, holding an NDAEB certificate grants access to Level II intra‑oral duties—such as applying sealants and exposing radiographs—and is recognized by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO). Registration with the Ontario Dental Assistants Association (ODAA) is voluntary but highly recommended for networking, continuing education, and professional development. 
    
4. Fulfill Practicum and Other Requirements 
   Most programs include a mix of on‑site clinical hours (typically 440 hours) and external placements (about 70 hours per level). Students must also complete immunizations—including Hepatitis B—and obtain a clean criminal record check to participate in practicum experiences. 
    
5. Gain Experience and Continue Learning 
   Newly certified Dental Assistants can find roles in general practices, specialty clinics (orthodontics, periodontics, oral surgery), hospitals, and public health settings. Continued professional development—through workshops, conferences, and additional certifications—can lead to advanced duties, supervisory roles, or transitions into related fields such as dental hygiene and office management.
   
    

Bonus Read: How to Become a Certified Dental Assistant in Ontario: A Step-by-Step Guide 

 
Why Choose CDI College for Your Dental Assisting Education? 

1. Accredited, Comprehensive Curriculum 
   CDI College’s Dental Assisting Diploma is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) and follows rigorous curriculum standards, covering chairside assisting, radiology, infection control, and practice management. 
    

2. Hands‑On Training 
   Students complete 668 hours of clinical practice—528 hours in CDI’s on‑site labs and 140 hours in supervised external practicum placements—ensuring real‑world experience and confidence in clinical settings. 
    

3. Exceptional NDAEB Success Rates 
   CDI graduates consistently outperform national averages, achieving a 100% pass rate on the NDAEB exam as of June 2024 and often scoring markedly higher than the national mean. 
    

4. Career Placement Support 
   Over 90% of CDI’s Dental Assisting graduates secure employment within the dental industry shortly after graduation, thanks to dedicated career services, résumé workshops, and strong industry connections. 
    

5. Modern Facilities and Industry Certifications 
   State‑of‑the‑art dental labs, small class sizes, and industry credentials (WHMIS, First Aid, CPR) prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce and ongoing professional growth. 

With multiple campuses across Ontario and a focus on practical learning, CDI College empowers students to launch successful, fulfilling careers in dental health.  

 
Get a Dental Assistant Diploma to Start Your Career 

Dental Assisting offers a unique blend of clinical engagement, patient interaction, and professional growth. With strong demand, competitive compensation, and diverse career pathways, now is the perfect time to explore this dynamic healthcare profession. By choosing an accredited program—such as CDI College’s Dental Assisting Diploma—and earning your certification, you’ll be well‑positioned to make a positive impact on patients’ lives while building a rewarding career. Whether you aspire to work in a bustling Toronto clinic or a community health center, dental assisting opens doors to a future where you can truly make a difference. 
 
Ready to take the first step? Explore CDI College’s dental assisting programs today and join the next generation of healthcare professionals shaping Canada’s smiles!