Dental Assisting – Certified (Online)

CREDENTIAL: Certificate

Earn a certificate in dental assisting at your own pace through independent e-learning with instructor support.

Tuition: 7204*

Credential: Certificate

Length: 18 0 months

Hours: Part-time

Format: Online

Campus: Online

Start Dates: Continuous

What you will learn

Upon completion of this program, the graduate 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 into CDA practice.
Demonstrate use of self — reflection to improve care and ensure quality CDA practice.

What to expect

The Certified Dental Assisting Program (distance) is offered on a part time self - paced basis.

Students must be working/volunteering clinically for a minimum of two days (14 hours) per week as a clinical dental assistant in a general practice dental office for the duration of their studies. This is confirmed by the department on a regular basis throughout the program. The curriculum is designed to include in-office clinical experiences which reinforce and enhance the course content.

Theory courses are presented by the MOODLE learning management system with learning activities, self - assessments, study questions and assignments. The courses are completed through independent study with instructor support via telephone, skype MOODLE or e-mail.

Clinical courses are presented onsite at the Vancouver Community College Dental Clinic. Clinical competencies are developed on manikins, peers and patients.

Admission requirements

Program-specific

Grade 12 graduation or equivalent.*
English 12 with a B grade.*
English Language proficiency * at a grade 12 level
Either Biology 11 or Biology 12 (human biology recommended) or equivalent.**
A signed agreement with a sponsoring dentist verifying a minimum of 2 days (14 hours) per week clinical dental assisting experience in a general dentistry practice for the duration of the program.

*	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 Vancouver Community College's DREC 1242 Dental Radiography through Dental Reception Coordinator Program or DENT 1505 Dental Radiography 1, DENT 2995 Dental Radiography 2 and DENT 3745 Dental Radiography 3 through the Certified Dental Assisting Program are exempt from DAST 1515 Dental Radiography and DAST 1516 Clinical Dental Radiography.

Students who complete Vancouver Community College's DNTL 1107 Dental Radiography Module through the Certified Dental Assisting Program — Distance Delivery are exempt from DAST 1515 Dental Radiography and DAST 1516 Clinical Dental Radiography.

Upon Acceptance:

A Criminal Record Check (CRC) is required in accordance with the Criminal Records Review Act. All individuals who work with vulnerable adults and/or children must complete a Criminal Records Check through the Ministry of Justice. Applicants to this program should be aware that some practicum placement in hospitals and schools may require completion of a Criminal Records Check indicating no relevant criminal record. After submitting an admissions application, applicants will receive by email a web link and unique college access code to apply and pay for a Criminal Record Check online
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.
Proof of a negative TB skin test. In case of a 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:
- Pertussis
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Polio
- Measles/Mumps/Rubella
- Chicken Pox
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza (required annually)

Grade 12 graduation or equivalent.*
English 12 with a B grade.*
English Language proficiency https://www.vcc.ca/applying/registration-services/english-language-proficiency-requirements/ * at a grade 12 level
Either Biology 11 or Biology 12 (human biology recommended) or equivalent.**
A signed agreement with a sponsoring dentist verifying a minimum of 2 days (14 hours) per week clinical dental assisting experience in a general dentistry practice for the duration of the program.

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:

Upon Acceptance:

A Criminal Record Check (CRC) is required in accordance with the Criminal Records Review Act. All individuals who work with vulnerable adults and/or children must complete a Criminal Records Check through the Ministry of Justice. Applicants to this program should be aware that some practicum placement in hospitals and schools may require completion of a Criminal Records Check indicating no relevant criminal record. After submitting an admissions application, applicants will receive by email a web link and unique college access code to apply and pay for a Criminal Record Check online
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.
Proof of a negative TB skin test. In case of a 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:
- 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 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 educational documents as required by their course or program.

Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free in academic upgrading, university transfer or English as a Second Language (ESL) Courses.

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

Plan of Study Grid
Term One		Credits
DAST 1401	Intro to Dental Assisting	1.5
DAST 1402	Microbiology & Infection Contr	1.5
DAST 1403	Basic Dental Assisting	2
DAST 1404	Patient Assessment	2
DAST 1405	Dental Office Emergencies	1.5
DAST 1406	Preventive Dentistry	3
DAST 1407	Restorative Dental Assisting	2.5
DAST 1408	Clinical Dental Assisting 1	3
	Credits	17
Term Two
DAST 1510	Laboratory Procedures	1.5
DAST 1511	Dental Specialties	3
DAST 1512	Community Dental Health	3
DAST 1513	Dental Reception	2.5
DAST 1514	Patient Care Procedures	2.5
DAST 1515	Dental Radiography	2.5
DAST 1516	Clinical Dental Radiography	1
DAST 1508	Clinical Dental Assisting 2	6
	Credits	22
	Total Credits	39

* 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

Fee description	Fee Amount	Notes
Application fee	35
Tuition	7204	Tuition Breakdown 3422 - Term 1 3782 - Term 2 0 - Term 3 0 - Term 4
Student union	105
College initiative	107
Materials	125	not including textbooks
Campus resource	289
Laundry	0
Tools (deposit)	0
Coverall (deposit)	0
Uniform (deposit)	0
Medical & Dental	0
U-PASS	0
Graduation	40
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.

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VCC Registrar's Office
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Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5

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