Smiling dental assistant caring for a child patient

A Guide to Dental Assistant Jobs Across Canada

Carey-Ann Thurlow

October 31, 2023

Canada is full of dental assistant jobs, but these positions and their responsibilities vary depending on where you’re applying to work. To help you find and qualify for the jobs you want, our team at Risio has put together this guide that shows the available positions in different regions and gives you important information about them.

Find the provinces or territories that interest you below and see details on their required qualifications, starting salaries, and more! Then, explore our programs at Risio to see how you can give yourself a competitive advantage when taking the next step in your career.

Note: Statistics are collected from the Government of Canada’s Job Bank and are subject to change. This article endeavors to be accurate but will be updated periodically to reflect shifts in the market.

Smiling dental assistant in Canada holding resume

Requirements for All Dental Assistant Jobs in Canada

All dental assistants in Canada must complete an eight-month to two-year college or equivalent program. In all provinces except for Quebec and Ontario, dental assistants must also register with the regulatory body for their region.

Dental chair and equipment on map of Canada with Canadian flag design

Dental Assistant Jobs by Province & Territory

British Columbia

Prospects

  • BC has approximately 5,400 current dental assistants
  • 78% have a diploma or college/university certificate

Salaries ($/Hr)

LowMediumHigh
18.0026.0034.07

Alberta

Prospects

  • Alberta has approximately 6,300 current dental assistants
  • 78% have a diploma or college/university certificate

Salaries ($/Hr)

LowMediumHigh
22.5030.0036.00

Saskatchewan

Prospects

  • Saskatchewan has approximately 1,100 current dental assistants
  • 75% have a diploma or college/university certificate

Salaries ($/Hr)

LowMediumHigh
20.0028.0033.50

Manitoba

Prospects

  • Manitoba has approximately 1,150 current dental assistants
  • 82% have a diploma or college/university certificate

Salaries ($/Hr)

LowMediumHigh
20.0024.0029.64

Ontario

Prospects

  • Ontario has approximately 13,600 current dental assistants
  • 77% have a diploma or college/university certificate

Salaries ($/Hr)

LowMediumHigh
19.0023.5027.00

Quebec

Prospects

  • Quebec has approximately 4,900 current dental assistants
  • 21% have a diploma or college/university certificate

Salaries ($/Hr)

LowMediumHigh
18.0023.0030.71

Nova Scotia

Prospects

  • Nova Scotia has approximately 750 current dental assistants
  • 81% have a diploma or college/university certificate

Salaries ($/Hr)

LowMediumHigh
18.0022.0036.00

New Brunswick

Prospects

  • New Brunswick has approximately 550 current dental assistants
  • 91% have a diploma or college/university certificate

Salaries ($/Hr)

LowMediumHigh
18.7523.0026.00

Newfoundland & Labrador

Prospects

  • Newfoundland & Labrador has approximately 300 current dental assistants
  • 83% have a diploma or college/university certificate

Salaries ($/Hr)

LowMediumHigh
15.0022.0035.00

Prince Edward Island

Prospects

  • PEI has approximately 200 current dental assistants
  • 85% have a diploma or college/university certificate

Salaries ($/Hr)

LowMediumHigh
17.0021.5025.00

Yukon

Prospects

  • Data is currently unavailable for the Yukon Territory due to low levels of employment.

Salaries ($/Hr)

LowMediumHigh
N/AN/AN/A

Northwest Territories

Prospects

  • Data is currently unavailable for the Northwest Territories due to low levels of employment.

Salaries ($/Hr)

LowMediumHigh
N/AN/AN/A

Nunavut

Prospects

  • Data is currently unavailable for Nunavut due to low levels of employment.

Salaries ($/Hr)

LowMediumHigh
N/AN/AN/A
Smiling dental assistant in Canadian practice

Get Qualified to Work Anywhere in Canada

Risio’s Dental Assistant Distance Diploma Program provides the skills and qualifications needed to work as a dental assistant at any practice in Canada—administered by professionals with years of real-world experience. We also provide access to exclusive networking tools, like a job board for students that gets updated as soon as new positions open up at top practices around the country.

Finally, Risio’s program is designed to include work-integrated learning so that you can earn money and gain real experience while still in school. This can provide you with the connections and confidence you’ll need to hit the ground running as soon as you graduate and transition seamlessly into the workforce. To learn more about how we can help you take the next step in your career as a dental assistant in Canada, sign up for our newsletter or apply to Risio today.

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