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What They Do
Dental Technicians assist and support Dental Officers in delivering dental services to Canadian Forces members and, occasionally, their families and dependants.
A Dental Technician has the following primary duties:
- Perform preventive dentistry procedures and deliver preventive dentistry instruction
- Produce dental x-rays and preliminary impressions for study casts
- Perform clinical dental laboratory procedures
- Perform preventive maintenance on dental equipment
- Manage dental supplies and records
- Drive and maintain the Mobile Dental Clinic
- Operate and maintain the Air Transportable Dental System
Working Environment
Dental Technicians normally work in a professional dental office. When in the field with an Army unit, they may work in a Mobile Dental Clinic or an Air Transportable Dental System. They may also work onboard a ship. Dental Technicians may be posted to a base within Canada or deployed on operations around the world.
Career Development
The starting salary for a fully-trained Dental Technician is $49,400 per year; however, depending on previous experience and training the starting salary may be higher. Dental Technicians who demonstrate the required ability, dedication and potential are selected for opportunities for career progression, promotion and advanced training. At the rank of Sergeant, they are eligible for training as a Dental Hygienist.
The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Forces physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.
Dental Technicians attend the Canadian Forces School of Administration and Logistics in Borden, Ontario. The course material consists of driver training, which focuses on medium-duty vehicles and the Mobile Dental Clinic trailer.
The second portion of training is a four-week Direct Entry Dental Technician Course, at the Canadian Forces Dental Services School, also in Borden, Ontario. This course focuses on field operations and dental clinic administration.
Dental Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:
- Palliative Dental Emergency Procedures
- Dental Clinic Management
- Field Dental Support
As they progress in their career, Dental Technicians who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training. Available courses include:
- Instructional Techniques
- Dental Hygiene
If you already have a Level II Dental Assisting Diploma from an accredited college or a National Dental Assisting Examining Board Certificate, the Canadian Forces may place you directly into the any required on-the-job training program following basic training. Basic training and military occupation training is required before being assigned.
This position requires a valid driver’s license.
Non-commissioned Member Subsidized Education Program.
Because this position requires specialty training, the Canadian Forces will pay successful recruits to attend the diploma program at an approved Canadian college. NCM SEP students attend basic training and on-the-job training during the summer months. They receive full-time salary including medical and dental care, as well as vacation time with full-pay in exchange for working with the Canadian Forces for a period of time. If you choose to apply to this program, you must apply both to the Canadian Forces and the appropriate college. For more information, click on Paid College.
This position is available for part-time employment through the Reserves. Reservists generally work part-time for a Reserve unit in their community. They are not posted or required to do a military move. However, they can volunteer to move to another base. They may also volunteer for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada.
Reservists train with their home unit to ensure that they meet the required professional standards of the job. If additional training is required in order to specialize skills, arrangements will be made by the home unit.
It is also possible to set up an “Individual Learning Plan” to take courses leading to a college diploma related to this job, and upon successful completion, be reimbursed for up to 50% of tuition and other mandatory costs. Education fees for successfully completed courses are reimbursed as long as the student was a Reservist during the entire duration of the course.
Typically, Reservists work or train with their home unit for at least four evenings and one weekend per month, from September to May of each year. They are paid 85% of Regular Force rates of pay and receive a reasonable benefits package.
