Dental Assistants are healthcare professionals who assist dentists in the provision of dental care. Upon completion of the program the student will be able to understand the practice of hospital and community dental assisting. This knowledge will enable them to become vital members of the oral health care team.
1. To develop the theoretical knowledge of the clinical setting of dentistry.
2. To communicate effectively with patients, dentists and other members of the dental team within the scope of their profession.
3. To perform procedures involved in the charting, instrumentation and infection control requirements involved in chair-side assisting of the dentist.
4. To use dental terminology and effectively be able to complete dental office procedures and techniques.
5. To perform dental laboratory procedures completely.
6. To explore the requirements of competent and safe dental assisting practice within a legal and ethical framework.
7. To promote the patient's health by providing oral health care education.
Many dental assistants work in the hospital setting; others are employed in private dental and poly clinics as well as health units or health agencies. The work is extremely rewarding with emphasis on patient interaction and care.
Program graduates may obtain employment in a variety of dental practice areas such as:
1. High School completion with an overall 60% average in:
Applicants who do not meet the Science requirement are able to complete the Pre-Health Sciences curriculum, designed to provide upgrading in the basic skills required for successful completion of allied health training programs.
OR
Applicants 19 years of age or older who do not meet the educational prerequisite for the program may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Clause.
2. Successful completion of the Skills Placement Assessment
All students must have a medical assessment completed. Any student not deemed to be medically fit to complete the program will be required to withdraw. Any costs associated with completing the medical assessment will be the student's responsibility. Students sponsored by Hamad Medical Corporation will have the medical completed as part of their contract obligations with HMC. The College will assist other students to complete the process during the first semester.
Students must possess a valid Standard First Aid certificate and Cardiopulmonary (Level C) certificate to be eligible for a Diploma from the School of Health Sciences.