Train for a career assisting dentists and providing patient care in just 45 weeks. Graduate ready to write the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) exam and step into BC's high-demand dental sector, where assistants earn up to $36.00/hr.
45-Week Certificate: Full-time, in-person training built around BC's dental assisting standards
160-Hour Practicum Placement: Hands-on experience assisting dentists in a real dental practice
Small Classes, Practical Training From Day One
Scholarships and Installment Plans Available
Eligible to Write the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Exam
PTIRU Approved · EQA Certified · Established 1989
This program was reviewed and approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
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High hourly wage
$36.00
per hour
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Annual earnings
$54,282
B.C. average
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Job openings
3,130
B.C., 2025 to 2035
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Stats taken from WorkBC
Age & Education
Applicants must be 19 years of age or older prior to the program start date, or hold a high school diploma (or equivalent).
English Proficiency: Domestic Students
Applicants must provide evidence of one of the following:
English Proficiency: International Students
Applicants must provide evidence of one of the following:
Successful completion of Grade 12 from an English-speaking educational institution
Successful completion of an English course from a public Canadian accredited post-secondary institution
Or one of the following test scores:
Completion of the Dental Assistant program does not qualify graduates to apply for certification with the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) as a Certified Dental Assistant in BC, nor registration with other provincial dental assisting regulatory authorities. For more information about the process visit the BCCOHP website.
Not sure if you qualify? Speak to an Advisor, we're happy to help.
Scholarships Are Available
Current tuition may be lower than the PTIRU-registered rates listed below. Speak to an admissions advisor to find out what scholarship you qualify for.
Speak to an AdvisorPTIRU-Registered Tuition Fees
Download the official fee schedule for your student category.
All fees listed in Canadian dollars.
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Over 30 Years of Excellence Empowering students since 1989 |
PTIRU-Approved, NDAEB Exam Eligible Designed to prepare you to write the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) exam. |
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Career In High Demand Dental assisting is a high-demand career, with demand for oral health services continuing to grow across BC. |
160-Hour Practicum Placement Hands-on experience assisting a dentist in a real dental practice before you graduate. |
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Train In Excel's On-Site Dental Clinic Practice patient care and preventive skills on real patients in Excel's own dental clinic before your practicum begins. |
15 Courses, Full Scope of Practice From applied dental sciences to dental specialties and practice management, training covers both the clinical and administrative sides of the role. |
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Small Class Sizes More lab time, more instructor attention, more support through a hands-on program. |
Real-World, Industry-Driven Education Subject matter experts review course content to ensure it stays relevant to the dental industry. |
Start dates vary throughout the year. Contact an admissions advisor to confirm the next available start date and reserve your spot.
Yes. Scholarships are available for this program. Speak with an admissions advisor to find out what you qualify for and whether installment payment plans are an option.
A Dental Assistant supports the dentist directly, assisting with procedures, patient preparation, and administrative tasks like scheduling and records. A Dental Hygienist provides more direct patient care, including cleaning teeth, taking X-rays, and providing oral hygiene instruction, and typically requires additional post-secondary education beyond a Dental Assistant certificate.
Completion of the Dental Assistant program offered by Excel Career College does not qualify graduates to apply for certification with the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) as a Certified Dental Assistant in BC, nor registration with other provincial dental assisting regulatory authorities.
For more information about the process visit the BCCOHP website.
You'll complete a 160-hour practicum placement in a general dental practice, working under a dentist's direct supervision. It's where you apply the skills learned in your coursework, from instrument preparation to patient management, in a real clinical setting.
Yes. WorkBC has designated Dental Assistants and Dental Laboratory Assistants a High Opportunity Occupation, with about 3,130 job openings forecast for BC between 2025 and 2035. Dental Assistants in BC earn up to $36.00 an hour, with average annual earnings of $54,282.†
No. Prior dental experience isn't required. The program is designed to teach all necessary skills from the start, so you can enter with no background in dentistry.
Yes. With experience, Dental Assistants can move into roles such as clinic or office management, treatment coordination, or specialize in areas like orthodontics or oral surgery. Some go on to complete a bridging program to become a Dental Hygienist.
This program leads to a role within a regulated healthcare setting. Upon completion, you'll be eligible to write the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) exam. Completing this program does not, on its own, qualify graduates for certification with the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) as a Certified Dental Assistant, nor registration with other provincial dental assisting regulatory authorities.
Learn more at oralhealthbc.ca →†Stats from WorkBC
Contact an Admissions Advisor for More Information Now!
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