Learn the specialized skills and knowledge needed to assist dentists with procedures, provide oral health education, and function as a dental health team member.
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Safely and competently perform Certified Dental Assistant skills to address client needs and support the dental team.
- Apply theoretical knowledge of dental sciences to dental assisting practice.
- Promote oral health and support clients to make informed choices.
- Communicate effectively, concisely, and correctly with clients, team members, and external partners.
- Use critical thinking processes for problem-solving and decision-making in dental assisting practice.
- Use effective time management and organizational skills to facilitate the comfort and safety of the client and to contribute to the efficient functioning of the dental office.
- Support and promote the effective functioning of the dental team.
- Function as a CDA in a professional manner within the dental setting.
- Demonstrate cultural safety and humility in their interactions with patients and colleagues.
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The Certified Dental Assisting Program is 10 months in length. Students must complete the program within three years. Please refer to Student Handbook for conditions for re-admission to the program.
The Certified Dental Assisting program is offered on a full time basis, over three terms. Each term consists of both theory and clinical courses.
Theory courses are presented through online activities, lectures, seminars, small group discussions, assigned readings and self-study. Clinical skills are presented in the dental clinic and laboratory. The clinical competencies are developed on manikins, peers, and patients. Acquisition of clinical skills is enhanced through partnerships with the University of British Columbia (UBC) Dental Clinic Program, Community partners and practica rotations to dental practices.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent.*
- English Language Proficiency as demonstrated by one of the following:*
- English Studies 12 with a minimum ‘C’ grade, or equivalent
or - English Language Proficiency at an English 12 ‘C’ level
- English Studies 12 with a minimum ‘C’ grade, or equivalent
- One of:**
- Anatomy and Physiology 12, or equivalent (recommended),
or - Life Sciences 11, or equivalent
- Anatomy and Physiology 12, or equivalent (recommended),
* Students who have completed the Vancouver Community College Dental Reception program are exempt from these admission requirements.
** Students who have completed the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) Provincial Radiography credential are exempt from this admission requirement.
It is highly recommended that applicants spend a minimum of two days observing in a dental practice prior to entering the program.
UPON ACCEPTANCE TO THE PROGRAM:
- Criminal Record Check
- ??Students in this program are required to complete a Criminal Record Check (CRC). The CRC must be completed according to VCC's Criminal Record Check instructions. Students whose CRC results indicate they pose a risk to vulnerable populations may not be able to complete the requirements of the program (e.g. practicums) or graduate.
- Note: BCCOHP is the regulatory body for Certified Dental Assistants. They require each applicant to undergo another criminal records search prior to registration and certification. Registration and certification to practice is mandatory in BC.
- Current CPR Level C
- CPR Level C includes:
- Adult/Child/Baby CPR – one rescuer
- Adult/Child CPR – two-rescuer
- Adult/Child/Baby – choking?
- CPR Level C includes:
- TB Screening
- Students must submit a negative TB skin test taken within 6 weeks of acceptance to the program. If the TB skin test is positive, a negative TB chest x-ray is required.
- Covid-19 Vaccination
- ?Proof of vaccination required.
- Immunizations
- An Immunization Record must be completed.
- Immunizations in the following are strongly recommended and in some case may be required for practicum placements:
- Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis
- Polio
- Measles, Mumps & Rubella
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
- Ability to communicate effectively in a team environment
- Empathic and caring attitude
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment
- Ability to complete tasks that require manual dexterity and fine motor skills
- Detail oriented
- Effective time management skills
- Basic computer literacy (email, word processing and use of the internet)
Considerations – The physical demands of the CDA profession may worsen back, wrist, neck or shoulder problems. Materials used in oral health care may affect persons living with conditions such as latex sensitivity or other allergies.
Courses *
Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the exception of certain activities that may require a variance of these times. Additionally, some weekends and evenings will be scheduled with notice.
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Students may request formal recognition of prior learning attained through informal education, work, or other life experience, including Indigenous ways of knowing. Credits may be granted to students who are able to sufficiently demonstrate the learning outcomes of specific courses.
PLAR is available for the following course:
- DENT 1190 Dental Office Management
Tuition and fees will still apply to PLAR candidates. Methods of assessment include test and demonstration. Please contact the Department for details.
See Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition policy for more information.
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| DENT 1105 | Dental Assisting Professionalism 1 | 1 |
| DENT 1115 | Applied Dental Sciences 1 | 2.5 |
| DENT 1125 | Clinical Support Theory 1 | 2.5 |
| DENT 1135 | Preventive Approaches for Dental Health 1 | 1.5 |
| DENT 1145 | Dental Assisting Practice 1 | 9.5 |
| DENT 1190 | Dental Office Management | 1 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Term Two | ||
| DENT 1205 | Dental Assisting Professionalism 2 | 1 |
| DENT 1215 | Applied Dental Sciences 2 | 2.5 |
| DENT 1225 | Clinical Support Theory 2 | 2 |
| DENT 1235 | Preventive Approaches for Dental Health 2 | 2.5 |
| DENT 1245 | Dental Assisting Practice 2 | 8.5 |
| DENT 1255 | Dental Assisting Practicum 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 19.5 | |
| Term Three | ||
| DENT 1345 | Dental Assisting Practice 3 | 2.5 |
| DENT 1390 | Patient Care Clinic | 2 |
| DENT 1355 | Dental Assisting Practicum 2 | 3 |
| Credits | 7.5 | |
| Total Credits | 45 | |
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Discover Open Studies
Open Studies lets you take courses from credit programs without having to be accepted into one. Based on availability, you can sample different courses, earn credits, and build new skills.
Explore your optionsFees and other costs *
The tuition for this program is changing. Please see the details below.
Full program tuition rates:*
- September 2025 through August 2026: $6,500
- September 2026 through August 2027: $8,900
- September 2027 through August 2028: $11,539.23
- September 2028 and onward: 2% increase annually
Other costs as of 2024 (these costs may increase annually):
- Application fee: $36
- Student Union: $192
- College initiative: $114
- Materials (not including textbooks): $135
- Campus resource: $158
- Laundry: $347
- Uniform (deposit): $30
- Medical and Dental: $275
- U-PASS: $442
- Graduation: $45
- Total other costs: $1,774
*Effective September 2025, the VCC Board of Governors approved tuition fees of $11,091.15 for the Certified Dental Assisting Certificate program. However, the increase will be introduced in stages, and VCC will waive a portion of the fees in 2025/26 and 2026/27. The waivers are as follows:
- 2025/26: $11,091.15 total tuition - $4,591.15 waiver = $6,500 tuition
- 2026/27: $11,313.00 total tuition - $2,412.97 waiver = $8,900 tuition
- 2027/28: $11,539.23 total tuition (no waiver)
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a $300 non-refundable deposit.
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
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