Training in dental assistance in Québec

Training program

• In the Québec education system, completion of this program requires 1,500 hours of secondary level vocational training, representing 11 to 12 years of study.

• This training leads to an occcupation with good prospects for employment integration in Québec. This occupation is:
• Dental assistant (NOC 3411).

The occupation

Dental assistant (NOC 3411)

Main duties

• Dental assistants assist dentists during the examination and treatment of patients and perform clerical functions.
• They work primarily in dentists' offices, or they may be employed by government and educational institutions.
• In Québec, this occupation is not regulated.

Labour market information

• Employment prospects for the 2009-2013 period are favourable throughout Québec.

Some figures

• Approximately 5,000 persons practised this occupatioin or a related occupation in Québec in 2008, 99% of whom were women (compared to 47% for all occupations).
• 75% of dental assistants and persons practising a related occupation were employed full time in 2008 (compared to 81% for all occupations).
• The average gross annual income was $25,000 for full-time employment in 2005.

Main activity sectors in terms of employment

To learn more Tools to compare studies done outside Québec

Useful links

• Emploi-Québec – Information on the labour market
• Emploi-Québec – Your Complete Job Search Guide
• Inforoute FPT – Vocational and technical training in Québec
• Ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation – Health and biotechnologies