How to become a dental assistant in Canada

Dental assisting continues to emerge as a vital support role within Canada's oral healthcare system, offering strong career prospects for both domestic and internationally trained professionals. As of 2023, approximately 38,000 dental assistants were employed across the country, supporting dentists in private clinics, public health programs and specialty practices.

Looking ahead, the Government of Canada projects 18,300 job openings for dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants between 2024 and 2033 — a demand that closely aligns with projected job seeker availability. The employment outlook for this profession is rated as “good” to “very good” across most provinces and territories, with particularly favourable opportunities in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario.

This projected growth is further bolstered by federal investment in dental care access. In 2023, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) was launched to expand publicly funded dental coverage for families with an annual adjusted net income of less than $90,000. As more Canadians gain access to dental services, the demand for qualified dental assistants is expected to rise correspondingly.

For newcomers with healthcare or dental backgrounds, becoming a licensed dental assistant in Canada provides a stable and rewarding path into the workforce.

Understanding the role of a dental assistant

Dental assistants play a crucial role in oral healthcare teams. They support dentists during procedures, manage patient records, sterilize instruments, and help ensure smooth operations in dental clinics. In Canada, there are two main classifications:

• Level I dental assistants primarily support dentists through chairside assistance, sterilizing instruments, preparing materials and seating patients. They do not typically perform procedures directly on a patient’s teeth or inside the mouth.
  
• Level II dental assistants are qualified to perform more advanced intra-oral tasks. These include polishing teeth, applying fluoride, taking x-rays and placing dental dams. Because of their increased involvement in direct patient care, the majority of provinces and territories require certification to work as a Level II dental assistant.
  

Most provinces require dental assistants to be certified at Level II to access the full scope of practice and job opportunities.

Educational pathways and training options

If you were trained outside Canada, you’ll need to register with the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB). Here’s what you’ll need to submit:

• A completed education assessment from International Qualifications Assessment Services (IQAS), World Education Services (WES) or International Credential Evaluation Services (ICES)
  
• Assessment fee paid to NDAEB
  
• Certified copies of your transcripts and diploma. If your documents are not in English or French, include translated copies plus the original language versions. These must be certified in Canada by a notary public, lawyer, commissioner of oaths or at a provincial office. Foreign notarizations are only accepted if done at a Canadian embassy or consulate
• Complete a Dental Assisting Course Work Report (DACWR). IQAS will require this along with your transcripts.
  
• A signed consent form that allows NDAEB to share your information with their assessment committee
  
• If your name on your documents is different from your current name, submit a certified copy of a name change document, such as a marriage or divorce certificate
  

Once your documents are approved, you’ll be ready to take the next step toward becoming certified in Canada by writing the NDAEB exam or completing the Clinical Practice Evaluation, helping you move closer to a successful career as a dental assistant.

Licensing and certification requirements

Dental assisting is a regulated profession in most provinces. To work legally, you may need to be licensed or certified by the provincial regulatory body. In many provinces, internationally educated dental assistants must pass the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) written exam and Clinical Practice Evaluation (CPE). Each regulated province may also require registration with the relevant college, such as the College of Dental Surgeons of BC or the Ontario Dental Assistants Association.

Dental assistant salary in Canada

If you're researching dental assistant salary expectations, it's good to know that wages vary depending on your experience, location and certification level. According to Job Bank Canada, dental assistants in Canada typically earn between $20 and $34.50 per hour.

Here’s a breakdown of some provinces and territories:

• British Columbia: $22 to $36 per hour
  
• Alberta: $22 to $37 per hour
  
• Ontario: $20 to $32 per hour
  
• Quebec: $20 to $29 per hour
  
• Manitoba: $21 to $34 per hour
  
• Saskatchewan: $24 to $34 per hour
  
• Nova Scotia: $20 to $27 per hour
  
• New Brunswick: $19 to $28 per hour
  
• Yukon Territory: $20 to $25 per hour
  
• Prince Edward Island: $19 to $26 per hour
  
• Newfoundland and Labrador: $16 to $30 per hour
  

Keep in mind that Level II dental assistants and those with additional certifications may earn on the higher end of the scale.

Finding dental assistant jobs in Canada

If you’re looking for dental assistant jobs in Canada, there are several helpful places to start your search:

• National job boards like Indeed, Job Bank Canada and Workopolis
  
• Provincial dental associations and regulatory colleges, which often list job openings in your province or territory.
  

To boost your chances of finding a job, consider volunteering, job shadowing or joining professional associations. These activities can help you build Canadian work experience and make valuable connections in the dental field.

How Windmill Microlending can support your journey

At Windmill Microlending, we understand the barriers that internationally educated professionals face in restarting their careers in Canada. If you're planning to become a dental assistant, Windmill offers low-interest loans of up to $15,000 to help pay for exam fees, bridging programs, reaccreditation costs, living expenses and more.

Beyond financial support, our clients gain access to personalized career coaching, mentorship opportunities and professional development resources to navigate the Canadian job market with confidence.

Ready to take the next step? Visit Windmill Microlending to learn how we can support your journey to becoming a dental assistant in Canada.