Our
Programs

Risio’s programs are designed to provide a range of essential skills and hands-on experiences for new and aspiring dental assistants. Our programs are available Canada-wide, with campuses in Calgary, AB and Toronto, ON. 

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Dental Assisting Program

Get the qualifications and experience you need to work as a dental assistant anywhere in Canada.

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Orthodontic Program

Earn additional post-graduate skills you can put to use in your practice.

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Dental Aide

Designed to give new employees a boost when entering the industry.

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Free Online Course

Learn the foundations of dental assisting in this free online course you can complete at your own pace.

Dental Assisting

Earn while you learn! Our complete Dental Assisting Diploma Program gives you the qualifications and experience you need to work as a dental assistant anywhere in Canada. Students in this program have the advantage of Work Integrated Learning and must work a minimum of 14h/week in a dental office while enrolled. The program also includes a 3-week (or 120-hour) in-office practicum after completing all theoretical and clinical modules.

3 Terms

2 Years

~$15,000

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Areas of Focus

  • Microbiology and infection prevention and control
  • Foundations of dental assisting
  • Vital signs and patient assessment
  • Emergencies in the dental office and OH&S
  • Oral health and preventive dentistry
  • Digital radiography
  • The art of restorative dentistry
  • Laboratory procedures
  • Specialties and dentistry
  • Dental health & the community
  • Dental reception

Ideal For

  • Recent high-school graduates who are interested in dental assisting as a profession
  • Administrative staff in dental practices who want to transition into dental assisting
  • Experienced professionals in other areas who are looking for a rewarding new career

Orthodontic Program

Earn additional post-graduate skills you can put to use in your practice with this 3-month online course that also includes a two-day in-person clinical module and a written exam.

30 hours

12 weeks

$1250

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Areas of Focus

  • Preparing and sterilizing orthodontic devices
  • Assisting dentists with orthodontic procedures
  • Educating patients about orthodontic work

Ideal For

  • Current registered or certified dental assistants and dental hygenists looking for further career development

Dental Aide

Our Dental Aide program is designed to give new employees a boost when entering the industry.

30 hours

12 Weeks

$985

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Areas of Focus

  • Dental and clinical basics
  • Infection prevention and control
  • Sterilization

Ideal For

  • Aspiring sterilization techs
  • Dental administrators who want to improve their clinical knowlegde
  • Potential students who want to sample Risio’s online format before starting our Dental Assistant Distance Delivery Diploma Program

Free Online Course

Learn the foundations of dental assisting and sample Risio’s online learning format in this free online course you can complete at your own pace.

8 Hours

6 Weeks

Free!

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Areas of Focus

  • Essential dental skills and knowledge
  • Introduction to dental assisting

Ideal For

  • Current high-school students exploring their career prospects
  • Professionals in other areas who want to learn more about transitioning to dental assisting
  • Potential students who want to sample Risio’s online format before starting our Dental Assistant Distance Delivery Diploma Program

Advantages to Work Integrated Learning

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Earn While You Learn

We designed our flexible online modules to accommodate work schedules so students can avoid financial anxiety and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

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Gain Real Experience

Helping our current students find work or volunteer placements in dental offices ensures all our graduates enter the industry with hands-on professional experience.

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Find Your Network

Working while you learn at Risio Institute helps connect you to your future peers in the dental industry, strengthening your professional network before you’ve even finished training.

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Work Integrated Learning Requirements

Students enrolled in the Dental Assisting Program must submit a completed ‘Work Integrated Learning Form’ signed by their sponsoring dentist, which shows that they are employed or volunteering at a dental office for a minimum of 14 hours per week while enrolled in the Program. Risio also provides resources to help new students connect with sponsoring dentists if they do not have one before starting the program. Work Integrated Learning is not a requirement for the Ortho Program, Dental Aide Program, or the Free Online Course.

Alumni Satisfaction

Risio graduates are busy working in dynamic practices throughout Canada and beyond. Learn what our alumni have to say about their experience with us.

To preserve their authenticity, the following testimonials have not been edited:

Prior to joining Risio and attending the Dental Assisting course, I was working as a dental administrator for over three years. Occasionally, I would help with processing instruments through sterilization and operatory turnovers. The longer that I was in the field, the more I had the desire to grow and expand my duties. I knew that I wanted to be more hands-on with patient care and increase my clinical knowledge.

Unsure of how I would be able to pursue a dental assisting certificate without compromising my employment left me discouraged... Read More

"This school honestly has changed my life for the better! I’ve learned so much and grown so much since starting this program! I've been wanting to go to dental school but wasn't able to as I still needed to work full time. This school opened up that possibility for me! As I was going through the interview process, I’ve gotten lots of feedback from offices that were pleasantly surprised that new graduates from Risio have much more experience in a dental office than they've seen with others, which is a huge advantage! I will be forever promoting this school and recommending it to any one I know that wants to get into the dental field!"

"I cannot express to you how incredible your program is! You have made it possible for me, a mother of two with a full time job, to be able to go back to school and work towards my dream of becoming an RDA. Without this program, it would not have been a possibility. By starting Risio Dental Institute you have created something truly amazing (and I’m not sure you guys even know HOW AMAZING), not just for me.. but also for the thousands and thousands of students that will come after me!  ... Read More

"Risio Institute has been a breath of fresh air for online learning. I have done a few courses online and this program they have created does not compare. The thought they have put into creating a easily navigable student portal which provides notes, audio/video notes, assignments and reviews makes me feel confident they strive for their students to succeed... Read More

"I am so so so grateful for this program! As a working mom who’s dreamed of becoming a dental assistant for years, I’m so happy I have the opportunity to work full time, stay home with my family and get the career I’ve always wanted! The program is great, and working in the field has made the content easier to get through."

Learning at the Risio Institute has been a fantastic experience! The instructors are all very knowledgeable and encouraging. Everyone at Risio are so supportive and want each of us attending to be successful. They spend extra time with each of us ensuring that if we have questions or need extra skill practice that we get exactly what we need to be comfortable and proficient in each of the skills that we are being taught. The clinic is state of the art and you feel welcome the moment you walk through the door! ...Read More

"Risio Institute is the bomb dot com! As their student, I had such an amazing time. It was nice meeting all the other students from different cities and also meeting our knowledgeable & patient instructors. I felt such at ease being away from home. They made learning so fun at such a decent pace so I didn’t feel rushed. I came, not knowing what to expect and I am leaving with such confidence, made new friends and excited to share my knowledge with my team at Signature Dental."

"Risio Institute offers a very experienced team! They enable students to learn in an atmosphere that is valuable to their education and careers! The facilitators are very motivational when it comes to online learning and instructors are well educated and very comfortable teaching all the skills needed to become a certified Dental Assistant! The Clinical offered is fun and adventurous; covering all modules learned online. I would recommend Risio Institute to anyone seeking a professional career in the dental field."

"Being able to work full time as well as taking this online program has changed my life. It has been such a positive, lovely, compassionate support system from Risio. They help you strive and achieve your goals. While I was in clinical with Jewel and Chantel they made the whole experience memorable and enjoyable. Thank you for everything. Casey and Carey are phenomenal at what they do. They put in hard work and it shows. Thank you."

"Thank you Risio to provide online school. So I can work full time and study at the same time in Calgary. It is a wonderful experience to get more insight in dental industry.

Everyone are so supportive and experienced. With clinical classes, I can learn more techniques and improve my skills. I am so grateful to learn and grow my knowledge in RISIO. Thank you."

"Great staff and wonderful atmosphere. They have structured online learning which helps keep you on track and get to your goals in a well timed manner. The practical portion is lots of fun and helps to learn and use your skills. Would 100% recommend this school for dental assistant training."

"I am a risio student and I am so thankful to have found risio, and to be able to get my dental assisting certification while working full time as well as spend time with my 1 year old! The learning environment is sooo easy going, i absolutely love the layout, the online material is even better it’s thorough and strait to the point. The instructors are amazing and great at what they do, the owners Casey and Carey are beyond amazing they’re great at building a relationship with their students and are very understanding of everything! 10/10 I would recommend to other students!"

"I had a great experience learning alongside my classmates all the different types of skills that we will continue to work on going back to our respective offices. The instructors were super helpful with making sure we were mastering our skills and we were well prepared for our patient care clinic!"

"The Risio Institute has been amazing! Been a great advantage to be able to work and still earn my certification. The instructors are incredibly helpful and so resourceful! So happy I chose Risio for my dental education!"

"This is an awesome institute for learning to become a dental assistant. Lots of hands on practice and support throughout the program. There are many benefits for patients who come to an appointment to help the students learn. Who doesn't want a dental exam from a practicing dentist, potential x-rays, polishing, fluoride treatments and more...all for FREE!"

"Very friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The instructors are great and make sure that everyone is taken care of and looked out for! Very organized, and lots of skills learnt and opportunities to practice our new skills."

"Risio Institute has given me the opportunity to become a RDA while still working. It has been a great experience and coming for clinical has been great! The Instructors are amazing! Thank you girls!!"

"Very friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The instructors are great and make sure that everyone is taken care of and looked out for! Very organized, and lots of skills learnt and opportunities to practice our new skills."

"The school is great and so informative! I feel like I learnt so much in my two years of school here! The staff is also very fun and nice!"

"Highly recommend to anyone who wants to become an RDA! Great experience, great staff!!"

"Loved the program! So convienent to be able to work while doing the program."

Find Your Future Career

At Risio, we do more than just provide you with the skills and knowledge you’ll need for your job. Find connections and opportunities to help you build a successful career in dental assisting with our help.