Dental Assisting – Certified

CREDENTIAL: Certificate

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Learn the specialized skills and knowledge needed to assist dentists with procedures, provide oral health education, and function as a dental health team member.

Please note this program is under review. Courses, fees, and admissions requirements are subject to change for September 2025.

Tuition: 3947*

Credential: Certificate

Length: 10 0 months

Hours: Full-time

Delivery: Class-based

Campus: Downtown Downtown

Start Dates: Sep

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What you will learn

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

Apply the Standards of Practice and bylaws of the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia for CDA practice to provide safe and competent patient care.
Apply the process of evidence-informed CDA practice.
Integrate knowledge and critical thinking skills in CDA practice.
Use problem-solving strategies and decision-making processes in CDA practice.
Integrate ethics and professionalism into CDA practice.
Demonstrate professional responsibility and accountability in CDA practice.
Demonstrate use of self-reflection to improve care and ensure quality CDA practice.

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 (onsite) 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, lecture, small group discussion, 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 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 12 with a minimum ‘B’ grade, or equivalent
  or
- English Language Proficiency at an English 12 ‘B’ level
Either Biology 11 or Biology 12 (human biology recommended) or equivalent.**

* Students who have completed the Vancouver Community College Dental Reception Coordinator program are exempt from these admission requirements.

** Students who have completed the Vancouver Community College Dental Reception Coordinator program and/or students who have completed the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia Provincial Radiography credential are exempt from this admission requirement.

Notes:

Students who complete DREC 1242 Dental Radiography or DAST 1515 Dental Radiography and DAST 1516 Clinical Dental Radiography are exempt from DENT 1505 Dental Radiography 1, DENT 2995 Dental Radiography 2 and DENT 3745 Dental Radiography 3.

Students who complete DNTL 1107 Dental Radiography Module are exempt from DENT 1505 Dental Radiography 1, DENT 2995 Dental Radiography 2 and DENT 3745 Dental Radiography 3.

Upon Acceptance:

Students in this program are required to complete a 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 will not be able to complete the requirements of the program (e.g. practicums) or graduate.
Note: The College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia 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.
It is highly recommended that applicants spend a minimum of two days observing in a dental practice prior to entering the program.
Proof of a negative tuberculosis (TB) skin test. In case of positive TB skin test, a negative TB chest x-ray report is required.
A current “C” certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Immunizations in the following are strongly recommended, and may be required for practicum placement in the program:
- Pertussis
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Polio
- Measles/Mumps/Rubella
- Chicken Pox
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza (required annually)

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 both written and spoken English
Empathic and caring attitude
Ability to work independently and within a team environment
Manual dexterity and hand/eye coordination
Detail oriented
Effective time management skills
Computer literacy (email, word processing and use of the internet)

Physical precautions – Those with back problems may be affected by the physical demands of the profession. Sensitive skin and allergies may also be affected by some procedures and materials.

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

Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.

Plan of Study Grid
Term One		Credits
DENT 1501	Preparation for Practice Theory 1	3
DENT 1502	Patient Assessment Theory 1	2
DENT 1503	Planning, Implementation and Evaluation Theory 1	3
DENT 1504	Clinical Practice 1	7.5
DENT 1505	Dental Radiography 1	2
	Credits	17.5
Term Two
DENT 2991	Preparation for Practice Theory 2	3
DENT 2992	Patient Assessment Theory 2	2
DENT 2993	Planning, Implementation and Evaluation Theory 2	4
DENT 2994	Clinical Practice 2	8
DENT 2995	Dental Radiography 2	2
	Credits	19
Term Three
DENT 3740	Preparation for Practice Theory 3	1.5
DENT 3741	Patient Assessment Theory 3	2
DENT 3742	Planning, Implementation and Evaluation Theory 3	3
DENT 3743	Clinical Practice 3	8
DENT 3745	Dental Radiography 3	1
	Credits	15.5
	Total Credits	52

* 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.

Fees and other costs *

Tuition Deposit	0 (0 non-refundable) Tution deposits are payable usually within two (2) weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.

Tuition Deposit

0 (0 non-refundable)

Tution deposits are payable usually within two (2) weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.

Fee description	Fee Amount	Notes
Application fee	36
Tuition Tuition	3947	Breakdown Tuition Breakdown 0 - 1 0 - 2 0 - 3 0 - 4 0 - 5
Student union	192
College initiative	114
Materials	135	not including textbooks
Campus resource	158
Laundry	347
Tools (deposit)	0
Coverall (deposit)	0
Uniform (deposit)	30
Medical and Dental	275
Temporary Medical Insurance	0
U-PASS	442
Graduation	45
Program-specific extra fees	0
Total

Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. For information and prices, visit the VCC Bookstore.

* 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.

Apply now

Interested in this program? Find out When to Apply.

ONLINE

You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC
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MAIL

Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5

Dental Assisting – Certified