March 19, 2025 | British Columbia

Are you eager to start a healthcare career that combines hands-on patient care, technical skills, and job stability all without spending years in school? In British Columbia, becoming a Certified Dental Assistant usually takes 13 to 15 months, opening doors to a rewarding role in one of Canada’s fastest-growing healthcare fields. Whether you’re drawn to the clinical side of dentistry or want to make a difference in patients’ lives, this blog breaks down everything you need to know about the role of dental assistants, education and certification requirements in BC, salary expectations and career opportunities.  

What Is a Dental Assistant? 

Dental assistants are multi-skilled healthcare professionals integral to dental care teams. Working alongside dentists, hygienists, and laboratory technicians, they perform a dual role: delivering clinical support during procedures and managing administrative tasks. Their responsibilities include: 
 

• Preparing patients for treatments. 
• Sterilizing instruments and maintaining equipment. 
• Assisting dentists during procedures (e.g., handing tools, suctioning). 
• Taking dental X-rays and impressions. 
• Scheduling appointments and managing records. 

Beyond these technical tasks, dental assistants play a critical role in patient education, offering guidance on oral hygiene and post-treatment care. Their ability to combine technical precision, medical knowledge, and compassionate communication fosters trust and positive experiences for patients. Non-certified dental assistants may perform limited administrative or sterilization tasks under supervision but require certification to take on clinical responsibilities like operating X-ray equipment.  

 
In British Columbia, dental assistants work in diverse settings, including private clinics, hospitals, and specialty practices like orthodontics or pediatric dentistry.  

 
Bonus Read: What Does a Dental Assistant Do? 
 

Requirements for Becoming a Dental Assistant in BC 

To work as a Certified Dental Assistant in BC, you must meet specific educational and regulatory standards. Here’s what you’ll need: 
 

• Education: Complete a dental assisting program certified by the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP). Programs typically cover infection control, radiography, clinical procedures, and office administration. Like Dental Assisting Diploma Program at CDI college. Students qualify to apply to the Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) and write the NDAEB exam when graduating from this program. 
   
• Certification Exam: Pass the National Dental Assisting Examination Board (NDAEB) exam. Since March 2022, CDI College’s Dental Assisting students in BC have achieved and maintained an incredible 99.7% pass rate on the NDAEB exam!* 
   
• Registration: Apply for licensure with the BCCOHP, which requires proof of education, exam results, and a criminal record check. 
   

Once certified, CDAs enjoy flexibility in their careers, working in dental offices, hospitals, or specialty clinics. Hands-on experience in these environments further refines skills and expands opportunities for advancement. 
 

How Long Does It Take to Become a Certified Dental Assistant in BC? 

Becoming a Certified Dental Assistant in British Columbia follows a clear, efficient timeline. Below, we break down the process into key stages to help you plan your career path: 
 

1. Education Program 

The first step is enrolling in an accredited dental assisting diploma program. For example, CDI College’s Dental Assisting Diploma spans 55 weeks of full-time study. The curriculum covers: 
 

• Clinical skills like dental radiography, infection control, and chairside assisting. 
• Administrative training for managing patient records and clinic workflows. 
• A total of 615 hours of hands-on experience in a dental clinic. 
   

2. Practical Experience 

The integrated clinical practice of 615 hours provides you with extensive, immersive training in a real dental setting. During this placement, you’ll gain experience in: 
 

• Preparing treatment rooms and sterilizing instruments. 
• Assisting dentists during procedures. 
• Interacting with patients and educating them on post-treatment care. 
   

3. Certification Exam Preparation 

After graduating, aspiring CDAs must pass the National Dental Assisting Examination Board (NDAEB) exam. Most students dedicate 1–2 months to review materials, practice tests, and refine clinical skills before taking the exam. 
 

4. Registration Process 

To practice as a CDA in BC, graduates must register with the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP). This involves: 
 

• Submitting proof of education and NDAEB exam results. 
• Completing a criminal record check. 
• The registration process typically takes 2–4 weeks once all documents are submitted. 
   

Total Timeline 

From enrollment to licensure, the journey to become a Certified Dental Assistant in BC takes approximately 13–15 months. This includes: 
 

• 13 months of education and practicum. 
• An additional 1–2 months for exam preparation and registration. 

Dental Assistant Diploma at CDI College: Your Pathway to Success 

CDI College’s Dental Assistant Diploma program is a popular choice in BC, designed to prepare students for the NDAEB exam and real-world clinical settings. Here’s what the program offers: 
 

• Curriculum: Courses include dental radiography, chairside assisting, oral anatomy, and office management. 
   
• Practicum Experience: A total of 615 hours of hands-on clinical experience in a dental clinic, ensuring you are well-prepared for both the exam and the practical demands of the workplace. 
   
• Career Support: CDI offers resume workshops, job search assistance, and interview coaching. 
   
• Accreditation: The program meets provincial standards, ensuring eligibility for the NDAEB exam. Since March 2022, our Dental Assisting students in BC have achieved and maintained an incredible 99.7% pass rate on the NDAEB exam!*  
  
   

Graduates are well-prepared to excel in fast-paced dental environments and pursue CDA certification. 
 

Wage Expectations for Dental Assistants and CDAs in BC 
 

According to jobbank.gc.ca(2024) ** dental assistants in BC enjoy stable demand and competitive wages: 
 

• Median Hourly Wage: $30.00/hour. 
• Entry-Level Wage: $22.00/hour. 
• Experienced CDAs: Up to $36.00/hour. 
   

Employment opportunities remain strong, driven by an aging population and growing demand for dental services. 
 

Start Your Dental Career 

As highlighted in this blog and CDI College’s guide to career-focused training, becoming a dental assistant in British Columbia is an achievable goal with a structured timeline. From enrolling in an accredited program like CDI College’s 55-week Dental Assistant Diploma to pursuing your CDA certification, the entire process can be completed in approximately 13 to 15 months. This efficient pathway allows you to enter the workforce quickly while gaining the skills needed to thrive in dental clinics, hospitals, or specialty practices. 
 

For those inspired to take the next step, CDI College’s program provides not only comprehensive coursework but also 615 hours of hands-on clinical practice and thorough preparation for the NDAEB exam—a critical requirement for licensure with the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP). 
 

By aligning your education with BC’s regulatory standards and leveraging programs like CDI College’s, you can confidently embark on a career dedicated to improving oral health outcomes in a timely manner. 

 
* NDAEB Exam Report, Feb 2025  
** Dental Assistant in British Columbia | Wages - Job Bank