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Below you will find a series of questions that people commonly ask about the program. The questions have been organized under several different headings that appear as you scroll down the page. When you find a question that you would like answered click on it and the question and the answer will appear at the top of your screen.
When you have read the answer click on to return here. If you follow a link in an answer to a page without the green left border click on you Back button to return to this page. If you have a question that is not answered on this page contact the program coordinator, Wendy Kelly, by phone at (613) 727-4723 ext 5011 or by e-mail.
Applying to the Program
Costs and Financial Assistance
Field Placement
Jobs
Living in Ottawa
How do I apply to the Dental Assistant Program?
Information about completing your application appears on the college Admissions page.
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Who should apply for this program?
If you enjoy educating others about preventive dental health maintenance then this people oriented profession may be for you.Graduates work with people of all ages providing care in private dental offices and dental clinics. Graduates must be organized and enjoy working in a fast paced preventive health care setting.
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Is there any additional tests I have to take in order to qualify for admission to the Dental Assistant Program?
Only for mature student status applications, please visit the Admissions page for further information. Admissions page
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When will I know if I have been accepted into the Dental Assistant Program?
Dates for offers of admission to be sent to applicants appear on the college Admissions page.
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I have some University and Community College courses, will I get credit for any of my previous course work?
If you have course work that you believe is relevant to the Dental Assistant Program you may qualify for exemptions from some courses. Please review the program curriculum and determine which courses you think you may qualify to be exempted from on the basis of your past education. When you have your list of potential exemptions contact the coordinator of the Dental Assistant Program and make an appointment to review your information You will need to supply course description information and an official transcript of your relevant past education. The courses you are presenting for consideration should have been taken within the past 5 years and have the minimal acceptable mark of C minus.
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How many people are accepted into the program each September?
In the Fall of 2001 we expect to have an enrollment of 32 students.
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How much is tuition for the program?
Tuition costs are outlined on the fees page in the registrar's webpage.
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How much do text books cost?
Text book costs are outlined on the program curriculum pages under the title Fees and Expenses.
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How do I apply for financial assistance?
Information about student assistance is contained on the Financial Assistance page of the Algonquin site.
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What field placements are included in the program?
The Dental Assistant program provides student with one hands-on field experience while in the program. Field placement starts at the end of the second semester of the program (subject to successful completion of prerequisite courses). Students are assigned to dental offices within the jurisdictional area of Algonquin College. This placement allows students to consolidate knowledge learned throughout the program and to refine practical skills to an acceptable level of competence. Students must complete 60 hours in their field placement office.
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Can I get a job in the field while I am in the program?
It would be difficult to work in a dental office until all skills have been taught and practised. Many of our students volunteer in dental offices within the area to familiarize themselves with the dental environment.
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What kinds of jobs are available when I graduate?
Graduates of the program find employment in private dental offices and dental clinics. There are also job opportunities available in orthodontic and pedodontic speciality dental offices
for Level II Dental Assistants.
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Are there jobs available to graduates of the program?
Graduates who finished the program in Spring of 2001 were informally surveyed and of those who responded 80% were employed in the field.
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What is the average salary earned by graduates of the program?
The average wage of an entry level dental assistant is between $10.00-$15.00 per hour based on an informal survey.
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Does Algonquin have a residence on campus?
Yes. Information about the residence may be viewed on the campus living centres page
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How do I find a place to live off-campus?
The housing referral service offers support to those applicants looking for off campus housing.
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Where can I find out more about the city?
Ottawa.com is a recently launched web site with extensive information about living in the National Capital Region.
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