Dental Assistants play a vital role in delivering dental care to Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, and their families across Department of National Defence (DND) facilities. As a Dental Assistant, you will work alongside dentists and dental hygienists to provide direct patient care, prepare treatment areas, and manage clinical operations in military dental clinics. Your responsibilities include assisting during dental procedures, taking and processing X-rays, sterilizing instruments, managing patient records, scheduling appointments, and maintaining infection control standards. You will be an essential member of the dental health care team, ensuring that patients receive safe, efficient, and professional dental services in a structured military health care environment.
Key Responsibilities
Provide dentistry services to clients and patients, Assess needs and develop treatment or service plans, Maintain accurate clinical and case records, Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver care
Required Skills
Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
Candidates must have completed a dental assisting program from an accredited institution or possess equivalent knowledge and experience. Many successful applicants hold a diploma from a recognized dental assistant program that covers chairside assisting, radiography, infection control, and patient care principles. While not always mandatory, obtaining provincial or territorial dental assisting certification or registration is highly valued and may be required depending on the posting location. DND provides on-the-job training to ensure you are familiar with military dental protocols, equipment, and procedures specific to the Canadian Armed Forces. Throughout your career, you will have access to professional development opportunities, continuing education in dental assisting techniques, and advancement into supervisory or specialized dental support roles.
Entry Plans
Entry into the Dental Assistant position within the DND Civilian Workforce occurs primarily through public competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Job Bank and DND careers portal. Positions are posted when vacancies become available at various military bases and facilities across Canada. The selection process typically includes submission of an application, review of qualifications, and an interview. Candidates may also enter through internal competitions if they are already employed in the federal public service and meet the essential qualifications. Some opportunities may arise through targeted recruitment campaigns for health care professionals or through student work programs for those pursuing dental assisting credentials. Lateral moves from other health care support roles within DND are also possible if you meet the required qualifications.
Part-Time Options
Dental Assistant positions within DND are typically offered on a full-time, permanent basis. However, part-time and casual opportunities may be available depending on operational needs at specific military dental clinics and facilities. Some locations may offer flexible scheduling arrangements to accommodate the demands of military dental operations and patient care requirements. Remote work is generally not applicable to this role, as Dental Assistants must be present in the clinic to provide direct patient care, assist with procedures, and manage clinical operations. If part-time or flexible arrangements are important to you, it is recommended to inquire about available options during the application process or contact the specific DND facility where you are interested in working.
