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Employment
As a dental assistant you'll usually work in private dental offices, but you may also be employed in hospitals, public health centres and institutions.
According to BC Work Futures, the unemployment rate for dental assistants is lower than the provincial average. The work is stable: whether the economy is good or bad, people still need to see the dentist, and most dentists require the services of an assistant.
Dental assistants can progress to the position of office manager or they can continue their education and become a dental hygienist, a career with a broader range of responsibilities. Hygienists are qualified to examine patients, collect their health history and consult with dentists after conducting an initial dental assessment, as well as performing the duties of a dental assistant.
Sometimes dental assistants branch out into work as sales representatives for manufacturers of dental products or as dental claim advisors for insurance companies.
Successful field experience or completing a practicum is the first step towards employment. Douglas College's Dental Assisting Program requires students to complete practicums in each semester, which helps students forge connections and gain valuable experience before graduating.
Douglas College has a long-standing relationship with employers in this field, who recognize the quality of our graduates.
