Designed for Dental Professionals Who Already Know the Basics.
HARP DENTAL CERTIFICATION COURSE
A comprehensive Dental Radiation Safety course combining self-paced online learning with supervised hands-on radiography training in North York.
Is HARP Course For You?
Eligibility
You may be eligible if you have:
- At least 6 months of dental chairside experience, or
- Internationally trained dentist/hygienist/assistant status with proof of dental education or licensure.
Good-fit professionals
- Internationally trained dentists/hygeinists/assistants
- Experienced dental assistants
- Dental professionals transitioning into Ontario practice
Course Details
HARP Course At A Glance
New Batches
Starting Biweekly
Theory Exam
2 hours, 120 MCQs, Online Exam, Passing Grade- 70%
Practical Location
#507, 265 Yorkland Blvd #400, North York, Ontario, M2J 1S5
Total Course Duration
30 Hours
Practical Training
8 hours in-person practice & assesment
Course Fee
$1,999
Online Theory
12 Modules, 20 Hours, Online, Self-Paced Format
Practical Days
Mon-Fri 2pm to 6pm
Course Completeion
HARP Certification as Level 1 Dental Assistant
Course Outcome
By the End of This Course, You’ll Be Able To:
- Apply HARP radiation-safety principles
- Operate dental x-ray equipment safely
- Explain how x-rays are produced
- Understand biological radiation risks
- Apply ALARA
- Select appropriate exposure factors
- Position digital sensors and the PID
- Recognize and correct radiographic errors
- Evaluate images before deciding on retakes
- Follow infection-control requirements
- Participate in quality assurance
- Maintain appropriate radiographic records
- Demonstrate safe clinical competency
What includes in the HARP Practical
After completing your online theory, you’ll attend a practical session where the concepts finally connect to the equipment in front of you. Students practise:
Dental x-ray software
X-ray equipment operation
Digital sensor placement
PID positioning
Bisecting-angle technique
Paralleling technique
Error identification and correction
Safe radiographic procedures
Designed for Dental Professionals Who Already Know the Basics
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Radiation Science
Understand atoms, ionization, x-ray production, radiation interactions, and biological effects.
HARP & Ontario Requirements
Understand radiation-safety legislation, operator responsibilities, facility responsibilities, and professional accountability.
Radiation Protection
Learn ALARA, time, distance, shielding, filtration, collimation, and safe operator positioning.
Image Quality & Exposure
Understand how exposure factors affect diagnostic image quality and patient dose.
Clinical Radiography
Develop sensor placement, PID alignment, paralleling, bisecting-angle, and image-evaluation skills.
Quality Assurance
Learn error prevention, retake reduction, equipment monitoring, recordkeeping, and corrective-action procedures.
Dental X-rays are incredibly useful—but they are also ionizing radiation. Safe radiography means understanding why exposure must be controlled, not simply memorizing which button to press.
With HARP, radiation risk, safe operator positioning, minimizing unnecessary exposure, ALARA, and placing safety comes ahead of speed or image perfection.
FAQs
What is HARP?
HARP stands for the Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act. It sets Ontario’s requirements for the safe and responsible use of x-ray equipment in healthcare, including dental offices. It allows International Dental Professionals to be eligible to take dental xrays and thus work as Level 1 DA.
Who is this course for?
- Internationally trained dentists/hygienists/assistants
- Experienced dental assistants
- Dental professionals transitioning into Ontario practice
Is the theory online?
Yes. The theory component is self-paced online. There are 12 modules with explainatory videos & knowledge tests.
Is there hands-on in-person session?
Yes. The program includes 8 hours of in-person practical training and assesment.
Where is the practical training?
The centre is located in North York, Ontario. The address is #507, 265 Yorkland Blvd #400, North York, Ontario, M2J 1S5.
How long is the course?
30 hours total: 20 theory + 2-hour exam + 8 hours practical.
Can I move to practical training without passing theory?
Learners must achieve the minimum theory standard of 70% before becoming eligible for practical training.
How many questions are on the exam?
120 multiple choice questions.
Is practical attendance mandatory?
Yes. The HARP program requires 8 hours of practical training and demonstration of safe x-ray procedures.
I am an internationally trained dentist. Can I enrol?
Yes, subject to your documentation requirements.
I don't have dental experience. Can I enrol?
Based on the current prerequisite, no—unless the applicant qualifies through the internationally trained dental pathway.
What should I bring to practical training?
You are to bring your scrubs, personal ID, and protective eyewear. Headcap and gloves will be provided.
What happens if I fail the exam?
You need a clear rewrite/reassessment policy before assigned practical dates.
Location
#507, 265 Yorkland Blvd #400, North York, Ontario, M2J 1S5
Monday to Friday : 11am – 6pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed