Written by AI from public information on 2026-10-26. Fees and rules change and vary by province — confirm with the official body before relying on anything here.
Typical cost
about CA$5,000 to CA$15,000
an estimate in Canadian dollars
Time to earn it
about 8 to 12 months
Issued by National Dental Assisting Examining Board and provincial regulators
Required to start: Most provinces require dental assistants who do clinical tasks to pass the national exam and register.
About
Dental assistants work beside dentists and orthodontists. They prepare patients, set up equipment, pass instruments and help during treatment. In many provinces they also take x-rays and do other clinical tasks, and these duties are the ones that usually require a licence.
The National Dental Assisting Examining Board sets the national exam. Each province and territory has its own regulator that handles registration. Passing the exam and registering with your regulator lets you work legally as a dental assistant in that province. This credential is used in careers such as dental assistant and orthodontic assistant.
How to get it
Check your regulator's rules
Find the dental regulator in the province or territory where you want to work. Ask what education and steps they require before you can register.
Complete an approved program
Most people finish a dental assisting program that is recognized by their regulator. These programs are often offered by colleges and career schools and include classroom study and hands-on practice.
Prepare for the national exam
Study the exam topics and practise with sample questions. Many programs help students get ready during their final months.
Pass the national exam
Register with the National Dental Assisting Examining Board and write the exam. You will get your results after the exam is scored.
Register with your provincial regulator
Send in your exam results, proof of education and any other documents your regulator asks for. Pay the registration fee and meet any other local requirements, such as a record check or proof of first aid training.
Start working and keep your registration active
Once you are registered, you can work as a certified dental assistant in that province. Follow your regulator's rules to stay in good standing.
The exam
The national exam is a written exam that tests what you need to know to work safely and well as a dental assistant. It covers topics such as patient care, infection control, dental procedures, x-rays and office practice. Most people prepare by finishing an approved program and studying on their own for some time before the exam.
Licensed by each province
Each province and territory issues this itself, under its own rules. Each province and territory sets its own rules, so requirements can differ. Some regulate more tasks than others, and some accept different education paths or ask for extra steps such as a record check. If you move to another province, you will usually need to apply to that regulator and meet its rules. Always confirm the details with the regulator where you plan to work.
Keeping it
You must renew your registration with your provincial regulator on a regular schedule. Renewal usually means paying a fee and showing that you have kept up your skills through continuing education. Check your regulator's rules so you do not miss a deadline, since working without current registration is not allowed.