33100

Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants

TEER 3 — College diploma, shorter apprenticeship or 6+ months training

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Health

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Definition

Dental assistants assist dentists, dental hygienists and dental therapists during the examination and treatment of patients and perform clerical functions. Dental laboratory assistants assist dental technologists and technicians in preparing and fabricating dentures and other dental devices. Dental assistants work in dentists' offices, community health centres, clinics and in educational institutions. Dental laboratory assistants are employed in dental laboratories.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Dental assistants
Prepare patients for dental examination and assist the dentist during examinations and dental treatments
Sterilize and maintain instruments and equipment
Prepare dental instruments, fillings compound and various dental materials
Take and develop X-rays
Polish teeth and clinical crowns and apply fluoride and sealant
Take preliminary impressions for diagnostic casts
Educate patients concerning oral hygiene
Perform clerical duties such as prepare invoices, process payments, schedule patient appointments, record dental procedures performed and order dental and office supplies
May perform intra-oral duties such as remove sutures, take and record vital signs, apply desensitizing agents, topical anaesthetic, anticariogenic agents and coronal whitening, fabricate, place, and remove temporary crowns and restorations, and apply and remove rubber dams
May also perform pulp vitality testing as well as periodontal screening and recording.
Dental laboratory assistants
Prepare plaster models and moulds from dental impressions
Prepare wax bite-blocks and impression trays
Cast gold or metal alloys for bridges and denture bases
Pack plastic material in moulds to form full or partial dentures
Mould wax over denture set-up to form full contours of artificial gums
Make orthodontic bands from gold, silver, stainless steel or other metals
Finish metal framework of dentures and polish and buff dentures to obtain natural finish.

Example job titles

•ceramic denture moulder
•certified dental assistant
•certified intra-oral dental assistant
•dental assistant
•dental laboratory assistant
•denture finisher
•denture wax pattern former
•orthodontic band maker

Overview

Under Canada's NOC 2021 classification, NOC 33100 covers Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants. Classified under TEER 3, these health professionals support dentists, dental hygienists, and dental technologists. Key duties include preparing patients for dental examinations, sterilizing instruments, taking and developing X-rays, and performing basic laboratory procedures such as preparing plaster models and polishing dental prostheses.

To immigrate to Canada under NOC 33100, candidates can leverage skilled migration pathways. Since TEER 3 occupations qualify for key economic programs, eligible individuals can apply through Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class, as well as targeted Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). Employment requirements usually entail completing a dental assistant college program or equivalent on-the-job training, alongside provincial registration or licensing where applicable.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational and general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional Canadian immigration advice. For official and updated program guidelines, please refer directly to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.