Explore unit group

Version:
NOC 2006 Version 1.0

3411 – Dental Assistants

Dental assistants assist dentists during the examination and treatment of patients and perform clerical functions. Dental assistants work primarily in dentists' offices, or they may be employed by government and educational institutions.

Profile

Index of titles Example job titles

  • Certified dental assistant
  • Certified intra-oral dental assistant
  • Dental assistant
  • Dental clinical assistant
  • Dental clinical assistant - military
  • Intra-oral dental assistant
  • Licensed dental assistant
  • Preventive dental assistant
  • Registered dental assistant
  • Certified dental assistant
  • Certified intra-oral dental assistant
  • Dental assistant
  • Registered dental assistant

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Dental assistants perform some or all of the following duties:
    • Prepare patients for dental examination and assist the dentist during the examination
    • Sterilize and maintain instruments and equipment
    • Prepare dental instruments and filling materials
    • Educate patients concerning oral hygiene
    • Schedule patient appointments and record dental procedures performed
    • Invoice patients for dental services
    • Order dental and office supplies
    • Take and develop X-rays
    • Polish teeth and clinical crowns and apply fluoride and sealant
    • Take preliminary impressions for diagnostic casts
    • Fabricate temporary crowns and restorations.

Employment requirements

  • Completion of a three-month to one-year college or other program in dental assistance or Completion of secondary school with on-the-job training is required.
  • Licensing is not mandatory, but is required to perform intra-oral duties in all provinces except Quebec.

Additional information

  • In most provinces, there are two levels of dental assistants: Level I - chair-side assistant and Level II - intra-oral assistant. Progression from Level I to Level II is possible with appropriate training and licensure.

Exclusions

  • Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists (3222)
  • Dental Technologists, Technicians and Laboratory Bench Workers (3223)

Breakdown summary

Broad occupational category
3 – Health Occupations
Skill level
C – Occupations usually require secondary school and/or occupation-specific training.
Major group
34 – Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services
Minor group
341 – Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services
Version
NOC 2006 Version 1.0