The Canadian Academy of Dental Health and Community Sciences (CADH), part of the Canadian Academy of Dental Hygiene, is a well-established career college based in Mississauga, Ontario. CADH provides a specialized diploma program for people interested in becoming Intra-Oral Dental Assistants (Level I & II).

Why Choose CADH’s Intra-Oral Dental Assisting Program

CADH’s Intra-Oral Dental Assistant diploma is designed to give students a strong mix of classroom theory, laboratory practice, and hands-on clinical experience.

The college’s instructors include experienced dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dentists, and the training takes place in modern facilities with dedicated dental labs and radiography equipment.

The program is approved by the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB), which means graduates can go on to write the NDAEB exam, a key certification step, and then potentially join the Ontario Dental Assistants’ Association (ODAA).

Graduates often find work in private dental offices, public health settings, hospitals, education, or dental product sales.

What Students Learn about dental assisting

The curriculum is comprehensive, covering both practical skills and the scientific foundations of dental assisting:

Infection control, safety protocols, and microbiology

Dental anatomy and practice (tooth morphology, dental materials)

Oral health management, client assessment, and chairside assisting

Pharmacology and dealing with medical emergencies

Digital radiography: students are trained to expose and process dental x-rays under CADH’s approved Healing Arts Radiation Protection

Intra-oral assisting techniques: polishing teeth, applying sealants, fluoride treatments, taking impressions, and providing oral hygiene

Clinical experience: a 2-week placement in a dental office is part of the program.

Students may also work in CADH’s on-site dental hygiene clinic during the program, fostering a collaborative, interprofessional learning environment.

Admission Requirements

To enroll in the Intra-Oral Dental Assistant program, CADH requires:

A high school diploma (Ontario Secondary School Diploma) or equivalent.

Mature students without a diploma can be admitted by passing the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE).

Good English communication skills (speaking and writing).

Duration and Structure

The Intra-Oral Dental Assisting program at CADH runs for 42 weeks, including the 2-week clinical placement.

This makes it a full-time, accelerated diploma that balances theory, lab work, and real-world practice.

Career Path and Certification about Dental Assistants

After graduation, students may take the NDAEB exam, and, if successful, become certified through the Ontario Dental Assistants’ Association (ODAA).

Through this certification, they can legally perform Level II duties, such as dental polishing, sealant application, impressions, and fluoride application.

Job prospects for graduates are strong: they may work in a wide variety of settings, including private dental practices, community health, specialty clinics, and even dental sales or education.

Why This Program Stands Out

Accredited training: NDAEB-approved curriculum ensures industry-recognized certification.

Hands-on learning: Includes lab and clinical practice, plus real-world exposure in a dental office.

Career flexibility: Graduates can work in many areas of oral health care.

Supportive faculty: Instructors are professionals with real dental experience.

Strong institutional reputation: CADH is a well-known career college in the Greater Toronto Area with modern facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How long is the Intra-Oral Dental Assistant training?

A1: The program lasts 42 weeks, including a 2-week dental office placement.

Q2: Do I need to pass an exam after the diploma?

A2: Yes — graduates may take the NDAEB exam to become certified and eligible for Level II intra-oral duties.

Q3: Can I apply if I’m not a recent high school graduate?

A3: Yes — mature students without a high school diploma can apply by passing the Wonderlic SLE exam.

Q4: What are the career options after completing the program?

A4: Graduates can work in private dental practices, community health, hospitals, education, or dental product sales.

Q5: Is clinical experience part of the training?

A5: Yes — students complete a 2-week placement in a dental office and may also gain experience working at CADH’s on-campus dental hygiene clinic.

Final Thoughts

For individuals looking for a practical, fast-paced, and career-relevant program, the CADH Intra-Oral Dental Assisting Level I & II diploma is an excellent option. The training prepares you for both technical intra-oral tasks and professional, team-based dentistry work. With NDAEB certification, graduates are well-positioned to enter the dental workforce and contribute directly to patient care.

Thank you for reading!