College Diploma - Dental Technology at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-05-14

Program overview

Program Overview

The Dental Technology diploma is designed to equip students with the essential skills needed to fabricate complete and partial dentures, crowns, bridges, and orthodontic appliances. This program emphasizes both the art and science of creating corrective devices for natural teeth and tissues, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to become integral members of the dental health team. With a focus on meticulous attention to detail, students will develop a combination of technical skills and artistry that is crucial for success in this field.

Program Structure

The Dental Technology diploma program is structured to be completed in 2 years on a full-time basis. The program is delivered in a hybrid format, combining both in-person and online learning experiences. Students can expect to engage in:

Hands-on training in a dental lab with industry-standard equipment.
Approximately 32 hours of class attendance per week during the semester.
10-15 hours of independent study and assignment completion each week.

Additionally, students in good academic standing have the opportunity to participate in a 15-week paid co-op position, providing valuable real-world experience while earning a salary. This work-integrated learning component is designed to enhance the educational experience and prepare students for their future careers.

Featured Experiences

Hands-on training in a fully equipped dental lab.
Access to the latest industry-standard equipment, including a press ceramic furnace and digital laboratory scanner.
Opportunity to participate in a paid co-op program for practical experience.
Engagement with high-fidelity simulation training to replicate real-world healthcare scenarios.
Individual workstations to foster personalized learning and skill development.

Career Options

Graduates of the Dental Technology diploma program can pursue various career paths in Canada, including:

Dental Technologist: Fabricates dental appliances and restorations, working closely with dentists to meet patient needs.
Orthodontic Technician: Specializes in creating orthodontic devices, such as braces and retainers, to correct teeth alignment.
Prosthodontic Technician: Focuses on designing and manufacturing prosthetic devices, including dentures and crowns.
Laboratory Manager: Oversees the operations of a dental lab, ensuring quality control and efficient workflow.
Sales Representative for Dental Products: Works with dental practices to provide equipment and materials, leveraging technical knowledge to support sales.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) official website

Last updated on 2025-05-14

Program overview

English Language Proficiency (ELP) test	Minimum accepted test score
IELTS Academic - In-person or IELTS Online	6.0 in each section
NAIT’s ELP Exam	73% or “B” in each section
Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLB)	8.0 in each section
CAEL	60 overall score
TOEFL iBT	20 in each section
Duolingo	115 overall score, with a minimum score of 100 in each integrated subscore.
PTE Academic	58 overall score

Academic Requirements

The Academic Requirements for the College Diploma - Dental Technology program are as follows:

Minimum GPA: 63% in each of the following courses:
- Grade 12 Language Arts (English 30-2)
- Grade 11 Mathematics (Math 20-2)
- Grade 12 Biology or Science (Biology 30 or Science 30)

For international students, the following additional requirements apply:

International Applications Open: Aug 01, 2024
International Applications Deadline: Once the program is full

It is important to note that transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to secure their place in the program, as seats are limited. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please reach out to LOA Portal's advisors for support.

Language Requirements

English is the language of instruction at NAIT. To satisfy the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement when applying to a NAIT program, you can meet the requirement in one of the following ways:

1. Complete consecutive, full-time studies in English: You will meet this requirement if you have completed at least:

3 years of high school (or a combination of high school and post-secondary) in Canada or in a country on NAIT’s ELP exempt country list, including completion of Grade 12 English; or
2 years of post-secondary in Canada or an ELP exempt country.

Your studies must have been in English, full-time, and consecutive.

2. Complete specific English language courses: Achieve acceptable marks in one of the following English language courses:

Canadian high schools: English 30-1 (65% or higher) or English 30-2 (70% or higher).
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT): All three ESL Level 6 courses with a passing grade of 60% or higher in each course.
Bayswater: University Pathway Program - Level 8 with 80% or higher.
Global Village: English for Academic Purposes (EAP) - Level 7 with 80% or higher.
ILSC Canada: English for Academic Purposes – Advanced 1 program (or higher) with a passing grade of B or higher.
International Language Academy of Canada (ILAC): Pathway 3.2, 3.3, or 3.4 with 75% or higher.
St. George International College (SGIC): University & College Preparation Program with 70% or higher.
Oxford House College: English for Academic Purposes (EAP) with 70% or higher.
University of Alberta: EAP137 (or equivalent) with completion (pass).

3. Take an ELP test: NAIT accepts the following ELP assessment tests and the minimum test scores:

IELTS Academic: 6.0 in each section.
NAIT’s ELP Exam: 73% or “B” in each section.
Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLB): 8.0 in each section.
CAEL: 60 overall score.
Cambridge English Language Assessment: B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: 169 in each section.
TOEFL iBT: 20 in each section; effective Fall 2025: 70 overall score, with a minimum score of 17 in each section.
Duolingo: 115 overall score, with a minimum score of 100 in each integrated subscore.
Michigan English Test (MET): 59 overall score.
PTE Academic: 58 overall score.
LanguageCert B2 Communicator Test: 38 in each section.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!