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Dental Assistants (3411)

Among the occupations currently in highest demand in All of Québec

Occupation with high worker turnover

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Qualification and skills most often required

Le diplôme d’études professionnelles (DEP) en assistance dentaire est demandé. Des aptitudes pour le service à la clientèle, la patience, l’entregent, la capacité de travailler en équipe, la facilité d’adaptation et la dextérité manuelle sont des qualités recherchées. Le bilinguisme peut être requis.

Reason for labor demand

La promotion accrue de la santé bucco-dentaire et l’accent mis sur la prévention ont contribué à l’augmentation des besoins en soins dentaires. La demande est également attribuable au roulement de la main-d’œuvre. En raison de la forte proportion de main-d’œuvre féminine, les congés de maternité sont fréquents et créent des possibilités de remplacement temporaire. Le travail à temps partiel est fréquent. Les cliniques privées sont les principaux employeurs.

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Job titles

  • certified dental assistant
  • certified intra-oral dental assistant
  • dental assistant
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Nature of work

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.

Fields of interest

  • Providing others with care and assistance

Main 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.

Main characteristics of the occupation

These headings are provided for the following occupation(s) :

Dental Assistants (3411)

Employment requirements

  • * Completion of a three-month to one-year college or other program in dental assistance orCompletion 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.

Skill type

  • Health occupations

Skill level

  • Intermediate

More 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.

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