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Dental Assistant Level II - Continuing Education
Course Description
This certificate upgrade program is designed for level I dental assistants who wish to upgrade their skills to meet the requirements of a level II dental assistant. Upon completion of this program the graduate will be eligible to appear in the NDAEB exam and apply for level II certification with the Ontario Dental Assistants Association.
Prerequisites
- The students must be a graduate of a recognized dental assisting program. (Official transcript required)
- Internationally trained applications must have credentials assessed and complete a radiology practical certificate program.
- Medical / Immunization form complete
- CPR Level C (Current certificate required)
Role and responsibilities
Level II dental assistants provide both clinical and administrative support. The graduates of this program provide direct patient care under the supervision of a dentist or hygienist. In Ontario level II dental assistants are permitted to perform both chair side and intra oral duties. Some of the duties include
- Mechanical polishing of the coronal portion of the teeth
- Placement and removal of rubber dam
- Taking of preliminary impressions of teeth for study models
- Topical application of anti-cariogenic agents
- Oral hygiene instruction with an intra-oral component
- Dietary counseling relative to dentistry
- Application of materials topically to prepare the surface of the teeth for pit and fissure sealants
- Application of pit and fissure sealants
- Application of topical anaesthetics
- Application of desensitizing agents
- Whitening of the coronal portion of the teeth using materials generally available to the public without prescription
You can find more information about the duties performed by Dental Assistant Level II on Ontario Dental Assistant Association website.
Characteristics of a Level II Dental Assistant
- The ability to pay close attention to detail
- The ability to put patients at ease
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Steadiness, the ability to remain calm under pressure and in emergencies
- Critical thinking skills
- Good organizational and time management skills
- The ability to co-operate and work as part of a team
- They should enjoy dealing with people, having clear guidelines, and operating and maintaining equipment.
Career Opportunities
Level II dental assistants have great opportunities in the dental field. They work with health care professionals and related agencies in any or all of the following capacities: chair side assistant, intra-oral assistant, administrative assistant, community health assistant, treatment co-ordinator, dental sales and insurance, sterilization assistant, dental education and research assistant. Level II dental assistants enjoy more benefits as compared to level I dental assistants.
Why Dental Assistant Level II?
As a certified dental assistant you make a commitment to stay up to date in your knowledge and skills. Professionals who have chosen to achieve and maintain their certified status enhance the quality of dental assisting and dental reception in Ontario.
It’s good for your dental assisting career
- Many dentists will only hire certified dental assistants and it is often an ongoing condition of employment
- Certification may give you an advantage over assistants who are not certified
- Certification may give you a bargaining edge when negotiating salary
- Certification of numerous dental assistants provides strength in numbers when requesting benefits and pay increases
- Attaining a recognized standard of practice makes you equally marketable to other employment opportunities and puts you on a level playing field
It’s good for your confidence in the dental office
- Continuing education keeps your skills up to date
- A certified designation may earn you more respect and recognition in the work environment
- Your certification demonstrates to your patients that you have chosen to invest in their health
- By displaying your certificate, you show pride in your professionalism
- You have professional credentials widely recognized by the dental profession
- You are helping to ensure the safety of the public
It’s good for the Ontario dental assisting profession as a whole
- Until dental assistants in Ontario are regulated, certification is the only way to show that you have been formally educated and trained. When regulation becomes mandatory, the transition will be much easier
- Certification supports our position that dentists should only hire certified dental assistants
- Certification strengthens the Association and helps us help you
Course Content
Here are some of the topics covered in the Dental Assistant program.
- Infection Control
- Application and Removal of Rubber Dam
- Take Preliminary Impressions
- Provide Selective Coronal Polish
- Apply Treatment Liners No Pulpal Involvement
- Apply and Remove Matrices and Wedges
- Apply Anti-Cariogenic Agents
- Apply Pit and Fissure Sealants
- Apply Desensitizing Agents
- Apply Topical Anesthetic
- Provide Oral Hygiene Instruction
- Provide Dietary Counseling
- Provide Maintenance of Coronal Whitening by use of Bleaching Trays
- Patient Care
Financial Aid
Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify. Students are encouraged to visit our Business Affairs department for any questions related to tuition and/or financial aid.
