Online & In-Person Clinical Modules
Dental
Assisting Program
Work Integrated Learning
At Risio, current dental professionals can continue working while they train—and new students can find placement in dental offices while taking our program.
Earn While You Learn
Our flexible online modules are designed to complement work schedules, helping students maintain a work-life balance and avoid financial pressure.
Gain Real Experience
We assist new students in finding work or volunteer placements in dental offices so that they can gain valuable real-world experience while training.
Click to See Program Info
for your Nearest Campus
Alberta
Ontario
Western Canada Campus
Alberta Program Overview
Located in Western Canada, our Alberta campus is dedicated to training future Dental Assistants through a blend of online learning and hands-on experience.
Terms
Months
12 Modules
20 Days Clinical Training
120 Hour Practicum
Tuition Breakdown
- Tuition: $16,000 (includes clinical modules)
- Initial deposit: $300 due at enrollment
- First installment: $9,300 due on day one of the program.
- Second installment: $6,400 due at the halfway point of the program. On a regular schedule, this is month 10; if the program is accelerated, it will be due sooner.
- Textbooks: Approximately $330
- Online Exam Proctoring: Approximately $450 total
- There are 18 exams, and each proctored session costs approximately $25.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate adherence to current provincial regulations, professional codes of ethics, and legal responsibilities in all aspects of dental assisting practice.
- Describe the anatomy, development, disease processes, and biomedical factors that form the scientific foundation of oral health and dental care.
- Describe and demonstrate principles of infection prevention, workplace safety, and dental team ergonomics to support asepsis, injury prevention, and efficient delivery of patient care.
- Accurately collect, document, and maintain patient information and treatment records using manual and digital systems, ensuring confidentiality and data integrity.
- Provide patient care and apply the theoretical knowledge underlying each procedure while ensuring patient comfort and safety.
- Support the efficient operation of a dental practice through effective scheduling, inventory control, financial transaction handling, and communication with patients and the dental team.
- Deliver patient education and preventive services, including oral hygiene instruction, dietary counselling, and application of preventive agents, to promote optimal oral health.
1st Term
11 months
7 Online Modules
10.5 months
View Modules
- Intro to the Profession of Dental Assisting: 3 wks
- Microbiology and Infection Prevention & Control: 4 wks
- The Foundation of Dental Assisting: 15 wks
- Vital Signs and Patient Assessment: 3 wks
- Emergencies in the Dental Office and OH&S: 5 wks
- Oral Health and Preventive Dentistry: 8 wks
- Digital Radiography: 6 wks
Clinical Component
12 days
Taken at Risio Institute – Calgary campus following successful completion of Term 01 Online Modules.
2nd Term
9 months
5 Online Modules
8.5 months
View Modules
- The Art of Restorative Dentistry: 10 wks
- Laboratory Procedures: 4 wks
- Specialties and Dentistry: 10 wks
- Dental Health & the Community: 4 wks
- Dental Reception: 8 wks
Clinical Component
7 days
Taken at Risio Institute – Calgary campus following successful completion of Term 02 Online Modules.
3rd Term
3 Weeks
Practicum
120 hrs
Upon completion of all theoretical and clinical modules, a final in-office Practicum of 3 weeks (or 120 hours) is mandatory.
Get Started at the Alberta Campus
Eastern Canada Campus
Ontario Program Overview
Located in Eastern Canada, our Ontario campus offers aspiring Dental Assistants a comprehensive program combining flexible online learning with hands-on clinical training.
Terms
Months
12 Modules
18 Days Clinical Training
120 Hour Practicum
Tuition Cost Breakdown
- Tuition: $15,000 (includes clinical modules)
- Initial deposit: $300 due at enrollment
- First installment: $8,700 due on day one of the program.
- Second installment: $6,000 due at the halfway point of the program. On a regular schedule, this is month 10; if the program is accelerated, it will be due sooner.
- Textbooks: Approximately $330
- Online Exam Proctoring: Approximately $450 total
- There are 18 exams, and each proctored session costs approximately $25
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate adherence to current provincial regulations, professional codes of ethics, and legal responsibilities in all aspects of dental assisting practice.
- Describe the anatomy, development, disease processes, and biomedical factors that form the scientific foundation of oral health and dental care.
- Describe and demonstrate principles of infection prevention, workplace safety, and dental team ergonomics to support asepsis, injury prevention, and efficient delivery of patient care.
- Accurately collect, document, and maintain patient information and treatment records using manual and digital systems, ensuring confidentiality and data integrity.
- Provide patient care and apply the theoretical knowledge underlying each procedure while ensuring patient comfort and safety.
- Support the efficient operation of a dental practice through effective scheduling, inventory control, financial transaction handling, and communication with patients and the dental team.
- Deliver patient education and preventive services, including oral hygiene instruction, dietary counselling, and application of preventive agents, to promote optimal oral health.
1st Term
18 mths
12 Online Modules
18 months
View Modules
- Intro to the Profession of Dental Assisting: 3 wks
- Microbiology and Infection Prevention & Control: 4 wks
- The Foundation of Dental Assisting: 15 wks
- Vital Signs and Patient Assessment: 3 wks
- Emergencies in the Dental Office and OH&S: 5 wks
- Oral Health and Preventive Dentistry: 8 wks
- Digital Radiography: 6 wks
- The Art of Restorative Dentistry: 10 wks
- Laboratory Procedures: 4 wks
- Specialties and Dentistry: 10 wks
- Dental Health & the Community: 4 wks
- Dental Reception: 8 wks
2nd Term
18 days
Clinical Component
18 days
Taken at Risio Institute – Toronto Campus following successful completion of Term 01 Online Modules.
3rd Term
3 Weeks
Practicum
120 hrs
A final in-office Practicum of 3 weeks (or 120 hours) is mandatory upon completion of all theoretical and clinical modules.
Get Started at the Ontario Campus
What Can I Do with the Diploma?
Risio graduates work in some of the country’s most dynamic practices. Explore some of the positions our students can qualify for, and learn how training with us prepares you for a versatile and rewarding career.
View All Job Posts →
Not Sure?
Ask Our Students!
Frequently Asked
Questions
What does the program cost?
For the Alberta Course:
Program Fees
- Tuition: $16,000 (includes clinical modules)
- Initial deposit: $300 due at enrollment
- First installment: $9,300 due on day one of the program.
- Second installment: $6,400 due at the halfway point of the program. On a regular schedule, this is month 10; if the program is accelerated, it will be due sooner.
- Textbooks: Approximately $330
- Online Exam Proctoring: Approximately $450 total
- There are 18 exams, and each proctored session costs approximately $25.
Program Fees
- Tuition: $15,000 (includes clinical modules)
- Initial deposit: $300 due at enrollment
- First installment: $8,700 due on day one of the program.
- Second installment: $6,000 due at the halfway point of the program. On a regular schedule, this is month 10; if the program is accelerated, it will be due sooner.
- Textbooks: Approximately $330
- Online Exam Proctoring: Approximately $450 total
- There are 18 exams, and each proctored session costs approximately $25
When can I start the program?
- January 27
- February 24
- March 24
- April 28
- May 26
- June 23
- July 28
- August 25
- September 29
- October 27
- November 24
- December 29
What are the technology requirements for students?
Students are required to have access to a laptop or desktop computer with a stable high-speed internet connection to ensure compatibility with the Learning Management System (LMS) and ProctorU proctoring software. Chromebooks are not supported.
Minimum technology requirements include:
Operating System: Windows 10 or later, or macOS 11.0 or later
Browser: Google Chrome
Internet Speed: At least 3 Mbps (3072 Kbps) for both upload and download. Mobile hotspots and tethering are discouraged for ProctorU exams due to potential instability
Webcam: Minimum resolution of 640×480
Microphone: Any microphone except those built into headphones is acceptable for ProctorU
Speakers: Built-in or external speakers are required
RAM: Minimum of 8 GB
CPU: 4 cores at 2.4 GHz (recommended by ProctorU)
Monitor Resolution: At least 1366×768
Ports: UDP/TCP 80 or UDP/TCP 443 must be available
Software: Microsoft Word is required for essay writing
Ensuring your device meets these specifications is essential for a smooth and successful learning and exam experience.
What are the prerequisites?
General admission
- To be admitted to RIDDE applicants must qualify as a domestic student. A domestic student is an applicant who is in possession of documentation confirming their legal status as a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, a convention refugee or with diplomatic status.
- All applicants must have an Alberta high school diploma, verified by transcript, or a non-Alberta Canadian equivalent, verified by transcript, or a CAEC (formerly GED). *Manitoba applicants MUST have a high school diploma to gain entrance.
- All applicants must have completed Grade 12 English with a final grade of 60%.
- All applicants must complete a virtual or telephone Interview with Risio’s Registrar.
- All applicants must be employed (or volunteering) in a dental practice for a minimum of 3 months, with at least 14 hours per week.
Mature Admission
An applicant may apply as a mature-status student if the applicant does not otherwise qualify for general admission but demonstrates a combination of education and work experience that indicates the ability to be successful in the program. In addition, an applicant must be at least 18 years of age on the first day of the term and must have been out of the secondary school system for at least one year to qualify as a mature student. An applicant that qualifies as a mature student is required to successfully complete a 2-part entrance test prior to enrollment.
- Wonderlic Basic Skills Assessment Test (quantitative) to assess basic skills. Minimum score 294.
- Duolingo English Assessment Test to assess sufficient English language proficiency to succeed in the program. Minimum score between 100-125 (or higher) to meet Grade 12 English requirements.
English Language Learners
All applicants under general and mature admission must demonstrate sufficient English Language proficiency to succeed in the program. To demonstrate this, applicants applying with their high school transcript must display a Grade 12 English course with a minimum grade of 60%, OR applicants must complete the Duolingo English language assessment exam.
How Can I Apply?
To apply for our Dental Assisting Program, you must:
- Be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or hold Refugee status
- Be working or volunteering in a dental clinic for at least three months
Applicants must submit:
- A Canadian high school transcript (or an international high school transcript assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment) showing a minimum of 60% in Grade 12 English.
- OR, if applying as a mature student (e.g., your transcript does not meet the requirements or you completed high school outside of Canada without an assessment), you will need to complete an online assessment.
Additional required documents:
- Photo ID
- CPR certification
- Criminal Record Check
- Immunization records
Should I apply as a Mature Student or with my high school transcript?
If your high school transcript confirms you’ve completed a diploma and shows a minimum grade of 60% in Grade 12 English, you should apply with your transcript, regardless of when it was completed
Only apply as a Mature Student if your diploma does not meet the English grade requirement, or if you completed your education outside of Canada and have not had your credentials academically assessed.
How can I get more information?
Contact us or send us an email. We would love to connect with you!
How do I know dental industry professionals lead this program?
Carey-Ann Balkwill is a Registered Dental Assistant with 20+ years in the dental industry. Carey completed her MBA in 2019 through the University of Roehampton and began her PhD in June 2021. She is passionate about both the dental industry and business administration.
Carey-Ann previously chaired a successful dental assisting program in Calgary, while also facilitating in the program. Seeing her students achieve success is just one of Carey’s many missions!
Casey Sharp is a Registered Dental Assistant with 23+ years in the dental industry. Casey completed an eLearning certificate program through the University of Calgary to gain expertise in designing and creating online learning programs.
Casey worked alongside Carey-Ann at a successful dental assisting program in Calgary and facilitated students in both clinical and theoretical environments. Casey’s passion is witnessing the outcomes of the students in the program!
Instructors in the program are required to have a minimum of 5 years experience in the dental industry and must be Registered Dental Assistants. All theory instructors must also have completed the Adult Educator Certificate.
Can I take individual courses or modules from the dental assisting program?
The diploma program must be completed in full, and individual courses or modules are not offered separately. Each module follows a fixed timeline within the overall 21-month structure, and students are expected to stay on schedule. While there is some flexibility to accelerate by completing modules early, extensions or delays are not permitted.
What if I don’t have any previous dental office experience?
To enroll in our program, you must have at least 3 months of dental office experience, working a minimum of 14 hours per week. This experience is essential for a few key reasons:
It gives you a realistic understanding of daily operations in a dental practice
It builds your confidence and comfort in a clinical setting
It helps ensure that this field is a strong fit for you
How to get started without experience
Explore entry-level roles:
Many dental offices are open to hiring for roles such as administrative assistant, sterilization technician, or reception support even if you don’t have prior dental experience. These are great stepping stones into the field.
Take our free online basics course:
Enroll in our free online basics course to build a strong foundation and get familiar with our online platform. It’s a great addition to your resume and shows employers your initiative and interest in dental work.
Consider the Dental Aide program
If you want to boost your skills before applying to dental offices, consider enrolling in our Dental Aide course.
No prior dental experience required
Covers infection control, sterilization, and essential clinic knowledge
Counts as transfer credit towards the diploma program
Do I need to be working in a dental office to take the program?
Yes. The Risio Institute Dental Assistant Distance Delivery Program includes a continuous Work Integrated Learning component, which requires you to be in a dental office for a minimum of 14 hours per week throughout the entire program. This can be through paid employment or volunteering.
Work Integrated Learning is designed to give you consistent exposure to the clinical setting so you can observe procedures, understand how a dental office operates, and gradually build your knowledge as you progress through the program.
To meet this requirement, you must have a sponsoring dentist. This means a dentist who agrees to have you in their office regularly during the program to support your Work Integrated Learning. Sponsorship is not financial, it simply means the dentist allows you to learn within their practice setting as part of your education.
Do you accept international students?
No, we do not accept international students into the Dental Assisting Diploma Program. To apply, you must be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or hold Refugee status in Canada.
If you are an international student, you may consider our Dental Aide Certificate Program instead. Visit our Dental Aide program page or contact us for more information.
What are the responsibilities of a sponsoring dentist?
The Dental Assistant Diploma Program at Risio Institute requires each student to secure a clinic and a sponsoring dentist to support their hands-on learning. This model allows students to complete essential practical experience in a dental setting while progressing through their online coursework.
Sponsorship Requirements
Each student must have a sponsoring dentist who agrees to host and support them for a minimum of 14 hours per week throughout the program. Sponsorship is not financial; it simply provides permission for the student to complete educational activities within the clinic.
The program follows a Work Integrated Learning model, blending online learning with practical experience. Each of the 18 program modules requires 2 to 4 hours of in-office activities. These tasks are often completed outside of regular business hours, depending on clinic availability. Some modules require verification of task completion through signatures from a sponsoring dentist or RDA mentor.
Student Expectations
While clinics offer mentorship and support, the main responsibility for learning lies with the student and Risio Institute. Students are expected to take initiative, stay actively engaged, and work respectfully within the clinic’s workflow and priorities.
Some students may already be employed in a clinic, while others join specifically to meet Work Integrated Learning requirements. In some cases, this may include volunteering.
Mentorship from experienced professionals is essential to student success, and the support provided by participating clinics plays a key role in developing confident, capable dental assistants.
Is there an online instructor available to help me?
Yes! On-demand one-on-one tutoring is available through our online booking calendar for students who are interested.
Are there financial assistance options available?
Our program is eligible for student financial aid if you reside in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and soon in Ontario. We recommend checking with your provincial student aid office to determine your eligibility and understand the application process.
There may also be other financial assistance options available, such as scholarships or grants, but these vary by province and individual circumstances. We encourage you to contact your provincial government to explore potential funding opportunities.
Additionally, the Canada Job Grant is a joint federal-provincial program that provides funding for skill and trade training. This program offers up to $15,000 in training assistance, with costs shared between the federal and provincial governments. Our program qualifies for this grant, but eligibility and participation vary by province. We recommend reviewing your province’s current participation and requirements for more details.
Is the Risio Institute Dental Assistant Distance Delivery Program Accredited?
Yes, Risio Institute was awarded ‘Accredited Status’ in November, 2022 in Alberta only.
We are licensed in Ontario through the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
Risio Institute is approved and licensed through the Private Career Colleges branch of Alberta Advanced Education.
Are students who graduate from the Institute eligible to write the NDAEB written exam?
Yes! The Institute was successfully evaluated by the National Dental Assisting Examining Board and has been granted ‘written exam eligibility’ for all students who complete the program.
What is the passing grade for each course?
In order to achieve a passing grade in each module, students must prove active engagement in the online learning activities (worth 20% of the grade) and achieve 75% on all final examinations.
A rubric is provided to guide the student in their engagement and for assessment of the learning activities.
What are the benefits of online learning?
Online learning has numerous benefits. 7 of the most valuable are as follows:
- Access to coursework from anywhere at any time
- A balance of structure and freedom
- Easier time management
- The opportunity to train while working
- The ability to collaborate with students from different regions and backgrounds
- Instant feedback on tests
- The ability to build vital digital skills
Can I retake a test or evaluation if I am unsuccessful?
Students will be given one rewrite per exam. Additional rewrites may be requested by writing to the Academic Advisor. All circumstances will be reviewed by the Directors on an individual basis. Students will be notified of the decision in writing.
Course extensions may be requested by writing to the Academic Advisor. All circumstances will be reviewed by the Directors on an individual basis. Students will be notified of the decision in writing.
Can internationally trained dentists take this program?
Yes, internationally trained dentists are welcome to enroll in the dental assisting diploma program. All students, regardless of background, must complete every module and pass all exams. However, your previous dental education and experience may help you feel more comfortable with the material, allowing you to accelerate your progress within the fixed timelines of each module.
What are the recommended immunizations for the program?
According to the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA), immunizations substantially reduce both the number of Dental Health Care Providers (DHCPs) susceptible to infectious diseases and the potential for disease transmission to other DHCPs and patients.
All DHCPs should be adequately immunized against:
- Hepatitis B
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella (mandated under the Public Health Act)
- Varicella
- Influenza
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
Updates to the immunization recommendations for Health Care Workers may be accessed on the CDSA website.
According to the CDSA, Dental Health Care Providers are at an increased risk of acquiring hepatitis B in an occupational setting. Therefore, all DHCPs must be assessed regarding their immunity to hepatitis B and be provided hepatitis B immunization by their employer if required.
Does Risio have a Sexual Violence Policy?
Yes, Risio does have a Sexual Violence Policy. Click here to learn more.
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.
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! I am so blessed to have met you ladies and to have been part of your very first intake! The 3 of you will always hold a very very special place in my heart, and I will carry your words of wisdom with me always! From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!!! For your knowledge, your guidance and your patience.
The clinical environment was great! I was nervous the first day of course, but you guys were so welcoming and provided corrective feedback in a way that was very helpful and hands on, but not Intimidating at all! Don’t change what you guys are doing, it’s very effective and puts students at ease.
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.
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!
Thanks to Risio, as a single parent household, I have been able to follow my dreams and pursue becoming a Dental Assistant. Without this program this would not have been possible. Thank you so much Risio!!
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.