Jump Start -- by Mark Sproxton

For those considering a career in the dental industry, there are many post-secondary programs available throughout the province. And with several institutions offering transfer programs, chances are you may not have to move far to begin your studies.

Regardless of where you move, there is one guarantee about studies in this area, competition is fierce. Limited program enrollments means meeting the minimum academic requirements often won't land a place in the program. Therefore, the better your high school or introductory post-secondary grades in the sciences, math and english, the more likely you'll secure a spot in the program of your choice.

Some of the programs also require potential students to have completed job-site evaluations. Arranging to spend time with someone already working in the dental field of your choice is a good way to get a better understanding of the work, regardless of program requirements.

That said, here's a look at institutions offering dental programs in Alberta. Visit the school that interests you most, and see what the programs involve. Starting at the northern end of the province, the University of Alberta offers the only dentistry degree in Alberta. Before acceptance, two-years of approved science courses are required, as is scoring well on a Dental Aptitude Test (DAT), and passing an interview. The Canadian Dental Association recommends applying for admission into a dentistry program at least one year in advance.

The U of A also offers a two-year Dental Hygiene diploma. This too is the lone program of its type in the province.

NAIT offers programs for dental assisting (a home study dental assisting course is also available to those already working in a dental setting), dental lab technicians, and denturists. The dental assisting program takes one-year to complete, while the other two programs take two years to finish. All three programs require students to be certified in first aid and/or CPR (in the second year for the two-year programs). NAIT will also provide the required immunization for Hepatitis B.

SAIT's one-year Dental Assisting program also has tight quotas, accepting 48 students per year. As with all other dental programs, practical work experience, in addition to theoretical study, is an integral part of the curriculum before graduation.

Columbia College in Calgary offers a 28-week Dental Assisting program that includes practical work. A Grade 12 or equivalent education, or mature student status is required for admission. Typing skills and a current CPR certificate are required. To reach the college call 1-800-235-9370, or 403-235-9300.

KDM Health Careers Inc. in Calgary and Edmonton offers a 25-week Dental Assistant Level II program. Entrance requirements include: a high school diploma, or equivalent, and at least 60% in Grade 12 English, Math and Science. A university degree, or diploma also qualifies you for entrance into the program. Classes begin at the end of August, and the beginning of March. To reach the business, call 1-800-463-9201, or try the Calgary office at 403-264-2744, or the Edmonton office at 780-423-6863.

More career-related information about oral care can also be obtained by contacting industry associations.

For more information on dentistry, visit the Canadian Dental Association site, or call 613-523-1770.

For more information on dental hygienists, visit The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association site, or call 613-224-5515.

Information on dental assistants in the province can be found by calling the Alberta Dental Assistants Association at 1-800-355-8940.