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THE KDM ACADEMIC PROGRAM FOR DENTAL ASSISTING

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We are proud to offer our students the opportunity to obtain a college diploma and begin their careers as a Dental Assistant in 28 weeks. We offer a rigorous program that combines an accelerated schedule with a student-centred academic approach of a successful private career college.

Program Dates

We offer 3 classes per year in both our Calgary and Edmonton campuses. Upcoming start dates are as follows:

September 2024

September 03, 2024 - March 28, 2025

November 2024

November 26, 2024 - June 20, 2025

March 2025

March 04, 2025 - September 12, 2025

September 2025

September 02, 2025 – March 27, 2026

November 2025

November 25, 2025 – June 19, 2026

March 2026

March 03, 2026 – September 11, 2026

Outline

Our program layout is listed below. Click here to download a PDF of our full program rules and policies.

  • Weeks 1 - 12:

    Theory instruction in classroom (252 hours: 3 days per week)

    The Theory phase of the KDM Dental curriculum program encompasses in-class lectures, testing, and reviews. In addition, students are also provided off-site assignments, projects, and study materials, as well as access to daily virtual Q&A sessions. By the end of the Theory portion, students are well prepared to begin utilizing their knowledge in a hands-on setting.

  • Weeks 13 - 24:

    Clinic instruction in dental labs (426 hours: 5 days per week)

    The Clinic phase of the KDM Dental curriculum is delivered at our onsite, modern dental clinic where students utilize their knowledge in a hands-on setting. Students progress from practicing on mannequins to peers and then to the general public throughout the duration of the program building the competency and confidence required to enter the dental health profession.

  • Weeks 25 - 28:

    Practicum period (minimum 150 hours)

    The Practicum requirement is the final phase of the KDM Dental curriculum prior to the NDAEB National Board Exam. During this phase, students practice their skills and demonstrate what they have learned in a dental offices while continuing to build their knowledge and network with experienced dental health professionals.

What does it mean to be Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada?

KDM Dental College is a fully accredited Career College for training Dental Assistants. This means that our program is regularly reviewed for compliance with the highest academic standards set forth by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada. Our accreditation also allows our graduates to obtain provisional registration with the College of Alberta Dental Assistants thereby allowing them to begin their careers while awaiting NDAEB exam results. Finally, subject to provincial regulations, our graduates are eligible to practice across Canada.

Do I meet the academic qualifications to enrol at KDM?

Take our quiz to find out if you meet the academic qualifications for enrolment, and view the application package.

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What Questions Should I Ask When I Am Selecting a College?

At KDM Dental College we understand there are many schools who offer the dental assisting program. That is why, since 1995, we are very proud to have had so many students choose our school to embark on their new career of dental assisting. We encourage prospective students to consider the following questions when researching schools:

  • Is the program Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada?

    The Dental Assisting Diploma program at KDM Dental College is Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada. Students who graduate from our program are eligible to seek registration for employment as a dental assistant in Alberta as well as other provinces across Canada.

  • How long has the school been instructing the dental assisting program in Alberta?

    KDM Dental College, which started out as KDM Medical Services, has been servicing the dental community since 1986. Our well-established school has been graduating dental assistants since 1995.

  • Does the school offer in-person lectures for the theory component of the program?

    Yes, KDM does offer in-class lectures for the theory component of the program.

    Theory/Clinic Hours:

    Theory: Week 1 to 12: [ T, W, TH ]: 8:00am - 3:30pm

    Clinic: Week 13 to 21: [ M, T, W, TH ]: 8:00am - 3:30pm

    [ F ]: 8:00am - 2:30pm

    Patient Clinic: Week 22 to 24: [ M, T, W, TH, F ]: 7:30am - 4:00pm

    Practicum: Week 25 to 28: 150 hours

    Additionally, students should allow for approximately 2-3 hours of study time each day during the first 12 weeks of the program.

    Students will be issued a schedule detailing their demonstration time, practice time and evaluation time for the clinical component.

  • What is the percentage of students who find employment in their field after graduation?

    Over 90% of our graduates find employment in their field.

  • What school resources are available to help me find a job?

    KDM often receives calls from dental offices looking to hire its students upon graduation.

Program Costs for Programs Commencing After August 1, 2024

Tuition Fees (after Aug 1, 2024) $21,113 (includes $300 Registration Fee)
Book Fees $820
Total Program Fees $21,933

The total cost of the program is C$ 21,933. This is comprised of a registration fee (C$ 300), book fees (C$ 820), and remaining tuition due on the first day of classes (C$ 20,813). If the student has confirmed Student Aid funding, approximately 40% of tuition due on the first day of classes may be deferred to the second Student Aid disbursement.

Please note: Students are responsible for other costs not paid to the school including their registration fee for the NDAEB, Provincial registration dues, uniform, etc. Books must be purchased from KDM and each student must have their own books.

Program Costs for Programs Commencing After August 1, 2025

Tuition Fees (after Aug 1, 2025) $22,113 (includes $300 Registration Fee)
Book Fees $920
Total Program Fees $23,033

The total cost for programs commencing after August 01, 2025 is C$ 23,033. This is comprised of a registration fee (C$ 300), book fees (C$ 920), and remaining tuition due on the first day of classes (C$ 21,813). If the student has confirmed Student Aid funding, approximately 40% of tuition due on the first day of classes may be deferred to the second Student Aid disbursement.

Please note: Students are responsible for other costs not paid to the school including their registration fee for the NDAEB, Provincial registration dues, uniform, etc. Books must be purchased from KDM and each student must have their own books.

Student Financial Support

There are many great sources available to help you finance your education!

Students may apply for loans from provincial and federal governments.

Student Aid Alberta • Repaying Your Loan

Students are also encouraged to apply for scholarships or grants. When doing so, you are automatically assessed for the Canada Student Grant. Students should read the terms and conditions of the scholarships and grants for which they are applying.

Canada Student Grant

Lastly, most major financial institutions offer student lines of credit to qualifying post-secondary students. If you are considering obtaining a student line of credit, we encourage you to speak to multiple institutions and determine the best option for yourself.

Application Package

Ready to enrol? If you have met all the entrance requirements and are ready to enrol, download your application package today.

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