Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants

Example job titles

• ceramic denture moulder
• certified dental assistant
• certified intra-oral dental assistant
• dental assistant
• dental laboratory assistant
• denture finisher
• denture wax pattern former
• orthodontic band maker
• registered dental assistant

Main duties

• This group performs some or all of the following duties:
• Dental assistants
• Prepare patients for dental examination and assist the dentist during examinations and dental treatments
• Sterilize and maintain instruments and equipment
• Prepare dental instruments, fillings compound and various dental materials
• Take and develop X-rays
• Polish teeth and clinical crowns and apply fluoride and sealant
• Take preliminary impressions for diagnostic casts
• Educate patients concerning oral hygiene
• Perform clerical duties such as prepare invoices, process payments, schedule patient appointments, record dental procedures performed and order dental and office supplies

Employment requirements

• Dental assistants require completion of an eight-month to one-year college or other program in dental assistance or completion of secondary school with on-the-job training
• Registration with a regulatory body is required in all provinces except Quebec and Ontario.
• Certification by the National Dental Assisting Examination Board is required to perform intra-oral duties in all provinces except in Quebec, where intra-oral duties are not performed by dental assistants.
• Dental laboratory assistants usually require secondary school and up to two years of on-the-job training.

Approved positions by year