July 25, 2024 | Ontario

Embarking on the journey to become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) in Ontario is an incredibly fulfilling and worthwhile endeavor. It's a career path that seamlessly merges expertise in technical skills with the deeply rewarding feeling of positively impacting the health and overall well-being of patients.  
 

The role calls for a beautiful blend of knowledge, precision, and exceptional interpersonal abilities. If you've been contemplating a career in dental assisting, Ontario offers the perfect setting for your professional development, boasting a well-established regulatory framework and an array of training opportunities.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to propel you toward becoming a remarkable CDA in Ontario! 
 

• Understand the role and why you are motivated to become a certified dental assistant. 
• Complete the required education to prepare for certification. 
• Take the NDAEB exam, for which CDI College makes you eligible. 
• Seek Registration with the Ontario Dental Assistants Association (ODAA). 
• Gain Experience and Continue Learning.

Why Become a Certified Dental Assistant? 

Before embarking on the journey to become a certified dental assistant, determine why you want to be one and if this career suits you. Dental Assistants are responsible for various tasks including sterilizing dental instruments, assisting dentists during procedures by providing necessary tools, taking dental x-rays, and performing office management tasks. Familiarize yourself with the duties and decide if this role suits your interests and skills. Here are some reasons to past dental assisting students at CDI College considered this career path: 
 

1. Job Stability and Demand: Healthcare professions, including dental assisting, are in high demand due to an aging population and increased awareness of oral health. 

2. Career Opportunities: CDAs can work in various settings, such as dental offices, hospitals, and clinics, providing opportunities for career growth and specialization. 

3. Rewarding Work: Assisting in procedures, interacting with patients, and contributing to their dental health can be deeply fulfilling. 

4. Shorter Training Period: Compared to many other healthcare professions, the training period to become a CDA is relatively short, making it accessible to those eager to start their careers sooner.  

Get Hands-on Training and Practical Experience at CDI College 

Although dental assisting is not regulated in Ontario, getting education and required certifications allows you to practice as an intra oral dental assistant, which allows you to perform more duties and increase your earning potential. A standout feature of the program offered by CDI College in Scarborough is its strong focus on hands-on learning. Students get the chance to work with the latest dental technology and practice their skills in realistic simulation labs. This kind of practical training prepares you to take and pass the NDAEB exam, which is required for certification. As a bonus, the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) requires members to assign Level II duties to dental assistants holding the NDAEB certificate. 
 

Dental Program Curriculum at CDI College 

The CDI College curriculum covers both Level I and Level II training for dental assistants in Ontario: 

Intra-oral Level I training will include preparing and using various tools and materials during treatments, sterilizing equipment and work areas, assisting with the suctioning apparatus, and handling dental office administration tasks. 

Intra-oral Level II training includes learning to expose, process, and mount digital radiographs, polish teeth, apply topical fluoride, topical anesthetic, and sealants, take impressions of teeth, install and remove dental dams, take preliminary impressions for study casts, and instruct patients on proper oral care. 

The students are also taught to do lab work like making diagnostic models, custom trays, whitening trays, and mouth guards. At the end of your training, you will be evaluated by a dentist before you go to do your practicum. 

Pass the NDAEB Exam with CDI College’s Industry-recognized Curriculum  

A key step in your journey to become a CDA is passing the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) test. This crucial exam tests your knowledge and skills in dental assisting to make sure you're up to national standards for safe and effective practice. CDI College’s Dental Assisting program recently just completed a curriculum verification assessment. After careful review from the NDAEB Candidate Eligibility Assessment Committee, graduates from our program for the next five years are eligible to write the NDAEB exam (written portion of the exam)!  
 

CDI College is proud of its quality of education. Every corner of Canada where you find CDI College, there's a Dental Assisting program whose graduates who take the NDAEB example and exceed the national average and have above 90% passing rate. 

What is the NDAEB Exam? 

The NDAEB is a recognized independent entity, supported by various dental assisting associations and regulatory organizations. Only the NDAEB is authorized and responsible for administering the national examination of Dental Assistants which makes you eligible to register as a CDA. The Ontario Dental Assistants Association is the Membership and certifying body for dental assistants in Ontario.   

The NDAEB exam is designed to assess the competency of dental assisting graduates in Canada. It consists of two components: 

Written Component: This part of the exam evaluates the candidate's knowledge of dental assisting theory, including dental materials, clinical procedures, and infection control protocols. 

Clinical Component: Candidates must also demonstrate their practical skills in a clinical setting. This involves performing dental assisting tasks under the supervision of examiners. 

Clearing the NDAEB exam isn't just about fulfilling a requirement; it's a significant achievement that shows you're fully prepared to start working as a skilled and competent dental assistant. It boosts your job prospects and reassures patients and employers alike that you're totally committed to providing top-notch dental care. 

Seek Registration with the Ontario Dental Assistants Association After Passing Your NDAEB Exam 

While not mandatory, registration with the ODAA is highly recommended for anyone pursuing a career as a dental assistant in Ontario. Being a member of this professional body demonstrates your commitment to the profession's standards and ethics. It also provides access to continued education resources, professional development opportunities, and a network of peers. 

Gain Experience and Continued Learning as a Certified Dental Assistant in Ontario 

CDI College Scarborough's Dental Assisting program not only provides you with the education necessary to pass the NDAEB exam, but it also provides you with the professional network to find a job as a dental assistant that much easier. A whopping 94% of our dental assisting graduates in 2023 have landed jobs related to the dental industry (CDI College Ontario Employment Report)! Your instructors will also be able to stay in touch with you and provide you with career advice on dental career advancements that take you beyond becoming a certified dental assistant in Ontario. 

Enroll as a Dental Assisting Student in Ontario! 

Stepping into the role of a Certified Dental Assistant is not just a job; it's a chance to positively impact lives while propelling your own career forward. Our program in Scarborough is crafted to set you up for success, equipping you with the necessary skills, helping you through the NDAEB exam, and preparing you for everything that comes after.  
 

Ready to kick off your dental healthcare journey with CDI College’s Dental Assisting program at the Scarborough campus? Reach out for more information and get the ball rolling today. Embark on an exciting and rewarding path as a Certified Dental Assistant!