CDI College's BC Dental Assisting Program Maintains Exceptional NDAEB Success Over Two Decades
For nearly twenty years, CDI College's Dental Assisting program in British Columbia has established itself as a benchmark for excellence in dental education. Operating from campuses in Burnaby and Surrey, the program has consistently produced graduates who excel on the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) certification exam.
Consistent High Performance Since Program Accreditation
The program launched in 2004 and achieved Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) accreditation for its Burnaby campus in 2006, followed by Surrey in 2007. Since that time, CDI College has built a formidable reputation within British Columbia's dental community for preparing students thoroughly for professional success.
Remarkably, 96 percent of graduates have passed the NDAEB exam on their first attempt since 2006. This impressive statistic represents 1,433 successful first-time passes out of 1,493 total exam attempts across 119 cohorts over nearly two decades.
Detailed Performance Metrics Demonstrate Program Excellence
The program's success extends beyond simple pass rates. Detailed analysis reveals that CDI College graduates consistently outperform both minimum requirements and national averages:
- Graduates average 14.4% above the NDAEB minimum passing grade
- Students score 4.8% above the national average for first-time writers
- Only 4% of students require a second attempt, with 80% of those succeeding on retry
- Overall pass rate including second attempts reaches an exceptional 99%
Recent Results Confirm Continuing Excellence
The program's quality has not diminished over time. Recent data from 2021 to 2025 shows even stronger performance:
- 388 students from 27 cohorts attempted the NDAEB exam
- 387 passed on their first attempt, with the remaining student succeeding on second try
- Graduates averaged 16.8% above the NDAEB passing score
- Students scored 7.9 percentage points above the national average for first-time writers
"These outstanding results reflect the strength of our curriculum, the dedication of our faculty, and the thorough preparation our students receive," said a college representative. "We've established a model for dental assisting education that consistently delivers exceptional outcomes."
Program Components and Community Impact
The Dental Assisting diploma program emphasizes comprehensive training in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students receive education in oral health instruction, clinical procedures, and preventive care techniques that prepare them for immediate workplace contribution upon graduation.
The program's success in British Columbia has made it a model for other CDI College locations across Canada, demonstrating how focused curriculum development and experienced instruction can produce consistently excellent results in healthcare education.
With nearly 1,500 graduates successfully entering the dental profession since 2006, CDI College's Dental Assisting program continues to strengthen British Columbia's healthcare workforce while maintaining its position as a leading choice for students pursuing dental assisting careers.
