Dental assisting student practicing in a dental lab

Program Explorer

Dental Assisting

Become a critical part of dental health: assisting dentists, performing specialized procedures and caring for patients every step of the way.

Learn to advance oral health and protect patients with a variety of specialized skills.

In the Dental Assisting program, you will build the practical skills and in-depth knowledge needed to prepare patients, perform intra-oral and laboratory procedures and assist dentists using four-handed dentistry techniques. You’ll explore head and neck anatomy, infection prevention practices, laboratory techniques and the relationship between general and oral health. You will also develop professional communication and business skills, experience the importance of effective clinic management and explore your role in education.

During the practicum portion of this program, you’ll practice intra-oral procedures on patients at a private dental office and the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Dentistry.

  • Program Type
    Full-time
  • Credential
    Certificate
  • Program Delivery
    In-person hybrid
  • In-person Location
    Notre Dame Campus
  • Intake
    Fall
  • Program Length
    1 year
  • Total Tuition / Fees for Courses
    $6,000 – $6,700
  • How to Enrol
    Application required
  • Application Type
    Direct entry
  • Work-Integrated Learning
    Gain hands-on experience with real work opportunities
  • Indigenous Pathway
    Program pathway available to Indigenous learners
  • International Program
    Open to students from around the globe

Experience a Polytechnic Education

Full-time Delivery: Something New Every Term

In this program, you’ll build in-depth medical and technical knowledge, communication skills and dentistry techniques required for a career in dental assisting.

TERM 1

Build foundational dental knowledge and practical skills using a manikin in a simulated clinic.

TERM 2

Work with patients at a private dental office to build industry connections and gain vital work experience.

Employment Potential

Prepare yourself for career success

Potential Grad CAREERS

  • Registered dental assistant
  • Orthodontic assistant

AFFILIATIONS AND ACCREDITATIONS

What to Expect in This Program

Get Prepared for the Future of Work

Excel with practical learning and experienced instructors, all focused on your success. With an employer-driven education, you won’t just be ready for a career – you’ll be prepared to stay in front of what’s ahead.

Instructor talking to a room full of dental assistant students
Explore industry techniques and best practices under the guidance of passionate instructors in RRC Polytech’s simulated dentistry facilities.
Dental assisting student practicing in a dental lab while other students watch
Take advantage of small class sizes to collaborate with peers and learn through experience.
Dental assisting student practicing in a dental lab while instructor watches
Develop the critical communication and collaboration skills needed to provide exceptional chairside assistance and patient care.
Dental assisting student practicing in a dental lab while instructor watches
Build your confidence and pre-clinical skills with manikins, using the same state-of-the-art equipment as industry experts.

Graduate Success

Dental Assisting graduates work in various offices and specialized dental practices across Manitoba. RRC Polytech grads are recognized as highly versatile professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills to perform lab and operatory procedures, sterilize equipment, manage and educate patients and use four-handed dentistry techniques.

The statistics below represent the opinions and employment statuses of this program’s recent grads. They were retrieved from the 2018-2019 RRC Polytech Graduate Satisfaction and Employment Report.

Dental assisting student practicing in a dental lab while instructor watches

96% – NEW GRADS HIRED

With an education from RRC Polytech, you join a community of alumni making a difference in health care. Our close connections with employers and industry leaders mean you build skills that put you ahead of the industry and prepare you to succeed in this rewarding field.

100% – SATISFIED WITH RRC POLYTECH EDUCATION

Our goal is your career success. At RRC Polytech, you’ll take advantage of small class sizes, applied learning, passionate instructors and a work-integrated education – all focused on training you to be a confident, career-ready grad.

Dental assisting student practicing in a dental lab while instructor watches
Dental assisting student practicing in a dental lab while instructor watches

100% – CONSIDER INSTRUCTORS KNOWLEDGEABLE

Dental Assisting instructors are experts and industry leaders with years of experience in various dentistry settings. They regularly update their skills and maintain strong links with health-care organizations to ensure your education is practical, up-to-date and aligned with industry needs.

“The education I received in the Dental Assisting program at RRC Polytech gave me everything I needed to find a career that fit me and helped me grow as an individual.”

Madison Elenbaas – Dental Assisting Grad

“I was trained professionally at RRC Polytech in the Dental Assisting program, which helped me shape my path and find employment as a dental assistant very soon after my practicum.”

Zining Guo – Dental Assisting Grad

Who Should Enrol?

Turn your talents into academic success

As a Dental Assisting student, you are detail-oriented, organized and patient-focused. You also have good manual dexterity, can manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously and communicate professionally with clients and peers. Your collaboration skills and genuine desire to help others are vital to success in this field.

Students that excel in this program often share these interests, skills and personality traits.

PERSONALITY TRAITS

  • Adaptable
  • Detail-oriented
  • Empathetic
  • Level-headed
  • Team-oriented

SKILLS

  • Communication
  • Multi-tasking
  • Organization
  • Positive attitude
  • Time management

INTERESTS

  • Dental assisting
  • Science
  • Dental medicine

All the Information You Need

MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION

Woman sitting in computer lab

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

Exterior of RRC Polytech building

LOCATION, DATES AND FEES

Start planning with peace of mind and get the information you need on one easy-to-find page. Review start dates, locations, book and equipment costs and program fees.

Woman standing on stairs holding certificate

SCHOLARSHIPS

Celebrate and motivate your learning. Whether you’ve sprinted through the first term or just received your acceptance letter, find a variety of bursaries, scholarships and awards.

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OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

Exterior of RRC Polytech building

DATES AND FEES

Start preparing with peace of mind. View information about courses and sections, including locations, delivery methods and costs. It only takes minutes to register and further your future.

Students outside in a courtyard

LIST OF COURSES

Plan out your preferred learning journey. Review a summary of this program’s courses to discover what you’ll learn and how an RRC Polytech education will help your career.

Woman sitting in computer lab

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

Person browsing the RRC Polytech website

OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

Begin Your Journey

Get Started with RRC Polytech

Start Your Application

Your future is within reach, and we’re here to help you achieve it. Experience industry-focused opportunities available at RRC Polytech and develop the knowledge and skills to grow, lead and excel in your future career.

Funding Your Education

Support yourself while pursuing your RRC Polytech education. You may be eligible for loans, grants and scholarships to help tackle your financial needs.

Future Student Events

Explore our upcoming information sessions and events to learn more about our programs and to get your questions answered.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

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