College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia: FAQ

Q1: I am thinking of choosing certified dental assisting as a career. Where are dental assisting programs offered in BC?
A - Level II dental assisting programs are available throughout British Columbia. Currently eight community colleges and two private schools offer a 10 month, full-time program and have attained accreditation status with the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada. This means that graduates from these programs may register within three years of completing the program without further examination.

Effective January 1, 2007, you must also provide proof of successful completion of the National Dental Assisting Examining Board Written Examination prior to being eligible to register in British Columbia.

Seven additional full-time Level II dental assisting programs are available through private schools. At this time, graduates from these private schools are required to complete the written and clinical portions of the BC Certified Dental Assistant Examination prior to being eligible to register.

One Level II dental assisting program is available through a distance delivery method at Vancouver Community College.

Q2: I am a dentist from another country and would like to work as a certified dental assistant in BC. What do I need to do?
A - Dental graduates must submit their credentials to the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) for eligibility to sit the national examinations, written and Clinical Practical Evaluation (CPE). Once you have successfully completed the two-part examination, you may contact the College of Dental Surgeons of BC (CDSBC) to obtain a registration package. The information sheet “Protocol for International Graduates Registering as a Certified Dental Assistant” lists the process and documents required by the CDSBC.

Q3: I am a graduate from an accredited Level II dental assisting program in BC and would like to work as a certified dental assistant in BC. What do I need to do?

A: New graduates will be eligible to apply for registration provided application is submitted within three years of graduation along with proof of successful completion of the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Written Examination. Graduates of BC accredited Level II programs who declare intent to write the NDAEB written examination may apply for a “Limited Permit” to practice. The information sheet “Registration and Limited Permit 2007” outlines this process, see Registration & Licensing section.

Q4: I am a graduate from a non-accredited Level II dental assisting program in BC and would like to work as a certified dental assistant in BC. What do I need to do?

A: New graduates must submit proof of graduation and successful completion of the National Dental Assisting Examination Board two-part examination (Written and Clinical Practice Evaluation [CPE]) in order to be eligible to register.

Q5: I am a dental assistant from another country and would like to work as a certified dental assistant in BC. What do I need to do?
A - Dental assisting graduates must submit their credentials to the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) for eligibility to sit the national written and Clinical Practice Evaluation (CPE). Once you have successfully completed the two-part examination, you may contact the College of Dental Surgeons of BC (CDSBC) to obtain a registration package. The information sheet “Protocol for International Graduates Registering as a Certified Dental Assistant” lists the process and documents required by the CDSBC.

Q6: I am a dental assistant from another province and would like to work as a certified dental assistant in BC. What do I need to do?
A - Dental assistants must submit their credentials for review for eligibility to register as a certified dental assistant. The information sheet "Protocol for Out of Province Canadian Dental Assisting Graduates" outlines this process, see section on Information Sheets.

Q7: As a certified dental assistant am I allowed to perform prosthodontic duties without taking the prosthodontic module?
A - A certified dental assistant with a minimum of one year full-time experience may fabricate single unit provisional restorations intraorally, including try-in, adjusting occlusion outside the mouth, temporary cementation, removal of provisional cement, and removing provisional restorations.

Q8: How long can I stay in a non-practising category?
A - Certified dental assistants are allowed to remain in the non-practising category indefinitely. However, if a certified dental assistant remains in the non-practising category for greater than three consecutive years and wants to transfer to a practising license they must either a) provide proof of practise in another jurisdiction for a minimum of 900 hours within the previous three years, b) successfully complete a refresher course approved by council or c) successfully complete the BC Certified Dental Assistant Examination.

Q9: If I will be on maternity leave starting March 1st do I need to renew my licence?
A - Yes you do, however, if you will not be practising anytime in the beginning of the licence year you may enter the non-practising category. Once you return back to work after your maternity leave you must transfer back to a practising license. Please contact the College when you are ready to do so.

Q10: I am finishing my maternity leave mid-year, and am ready to return to work. What do I need to do?
A - If you have entered into a non-practising category it is important to ensure you have a practising licence prior to returning to work. You must complete an application for licence and pay the appropriate fee (provided it is within three years). See section on Transfer of Licence under Registration & Licensing.

Q11: How long does it take to process my registration and licensing application?
A - Usually it takes up to 2 weeks to process your registration and licensing package, however, if you have immediate employment please contact the College and we will try our best to expedite the process.

Q12: How can I transfer from a non-practising category to a practising licence?
A - What we first need to determine is how long you have been in the non-practising category. Once that is determined please refer to the appropriate information sheet found under certified dental assistant transfers.

Q13: I have already been screened for a criminal record with another organization. Can this information be transferred to the College of Dental Surgeons of BC?
A - No, the Attorney General's office does not permit this confidential information to be shared from one organization to another.