Learn traditional and digital technologies used in the design and fabrication of dental restorative prostheses, orthodontic appliances, and implant-supported restorations.
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Design, fabricate, modify and repair ?xed and removable oral/dental prostheses, as well as orthodontic appliances
- Integrate general knowledge of dental laboratory procedures, physics and chemistry principles, associated with the fabrication of oral appliances and dental restorations
- Assess the characteristics and properties of dental materials associated with the fabrication of oral appliances and dental restorations and make decisions about their appropriate application in practice
- Assess the characteristics and operation of equipment and special instrumentation associated with the fabrication of oral appliances and dental restorations and make decisions about their appropriate application in practice
- Assess the fundamental elements of dental anatomy, dental physiology, dental morphology and basic elements of oral pathological conditions and apply relevant knowledge to dental technology practice
- Practice current workplace health and safety standards including dental laboratory asepsis, and infection control
- Apply essential elements and skills of behavioral sciences, communications, professional ethics, legal obligations and business management to dental technology practice
- Make decisions that re?ect critical thinking and problem solving; integrate pertinent theoretical knowledge and empirical data and information literacy skills to justify and/or revise services
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
This is a 2.5-year diploma program with five semesters (30 months). Four semesters are offered onsite at VCC and most of semester five is offered as a practicum in commercial dental laboratories.
Maximum time to complete the program is three years six months (3.5 years).
Instructional strategies, design and delivery modes to teach core skills and knowledge are based on the National Essential Competencies for Dental Laboratory Technology Practice in Canada. The Dental Technology Sciences program is competency based and utilizes a variety of teaching and learning activities to enable students to achieve core professional competencies. Theory and authentic laboratory practical experiences in labs are provided throughout the program.
Throughout the program, students engage in learning activities including case scenarios, self analysis, research and oral presentation, group work, seminars, flow charting, planning, brainstorming and role-playing.
The program is designed to develop skills in communication, team work strategies, self and peer evaluation, critical thinking, decision making and problem solving.
Delivery mode is a hybrid of in person and online instruction.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
Admission to the Dental Technology Sciences program is on a competitive selection basis.
- Grade 12 graduation, or equivalent
- English Language Proficiency as demonstrated by one of the following:
- English 12 with a minimum ‘C+’ grade, or equivalent
or - English Language Proficiency at an English 12 ‘C+’ level
- English 12 with a minimum ‘C+’ grade, or equivalent
- Human Biology 12 with a minimum 'C+' grade, or equivalent
- Knowledge of science and/or mathematics demonstrated through one of the following:
- Chemistry 11 with a minimum 'C+' grade, or equivalent, or
- Math 11 with a minimum 'C+' grade, or equivalent, or
- Physics 11 with a minimum 'C+' grade, or equivalent
Selection Process
- All qualified candidates who meet the admissions requirements will submit a portfolio demonstrating their aptitude for the Dental Technology profession, per the Dental Tech portfolio submission guidelines.
- All qualified candidates whose portfolio submissions are approved by the department’s Applicant Review Panel, will then be required to take part in an interview with the department's Applicant Review Panel by means of face-to-face or videoconferencing.
- The top-ranked qualified applicants are offered seats.
Upon Acceptance
- Current Basic First Aid and CPR-Level C
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
- Appropriate manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
- Ability to give close attention to detail for sustained periods of time.
- Ability to work accurately and neatly, and manage time effectively.
- High standards of personal integrity.
- Ability to take initiative and handle responsibility.
Courses *
Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Some activities may require a variance of these times to accommodate specific needs.
The program must be completed within 3.5 years.
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| DENT 1100 | Dental Technology Foundations | 11 |
| DENT 1110 | Biosciences 1 | 4 |
| DENT 1130 | Professional Practice 1 | 1 |
| DENT 1170 | Dental Laboratory Patient Care 1 | 1 |
| DENT 1180 | Digital Technology 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| Term Two | ||
| DENT 1210 | Biosciences 2 | 1 |
| DENT 1240 | Removable Prosthetics 1 | 6 |
| DENT 1250 | Fixed Prosthetics 1 | 6 |
| DENT 1260 | Orthodontics 1 | 3 |
| DENT 1270 | Dental Laboratory Patient Care 2 | 1 |
| DENT 1280 | Digital Technology 2 | 3 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| Term Three | ||
| DENT 2330 | Professional Practice 2 | 1 |
| DENT 2340 | Removable Prosthetics 2 | 6 |
| DENT 2350 | Fixed Prosthetics 2 | 7 |
| DENT 2360 | Orthodontics 2 | 3 |
| DENT 2380 | Digital Technology 3 | 3 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| Term Four | ||
| DENT 2440 | Removable Prosthetics 3 | 8 |
| DENT 2450 | Fixed Prosthetics 3 | 8 |
| DENT 2460 | Orthodontics 3 | 4 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| Term Five | ||
| DENT 2530 | Professional Practice 3 | 1 |
| DENT 2510 | Dental Technology Practicum | 19 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| Total Credits | 100 | |
This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.
* 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 *
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 36 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 22056 | |
| Student union | 320 | |
| College initiative | 228 | |
| Materials | 269 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 442 | |
| Laundry | 192 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 60 | |
| Medical and Dental | 688 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 1061 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 23 | |
| Total |
Additional costs:
- Textbooks – Approx. $500
- Student kits – Approx. $5,100 + tax
* 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
Application dates: See When to Apply
Are you interested in this program? Here is how to apply:
TIP: Seats are offered to successful applicants throughout the application period until all seats are filled. Although preference may be given to top-ranked qualified applicants, seats are offered upon completion of the admissions interview.
STEP 1: Prepare your portfolio according to the Dental Technology Sciences Portfolio Guidelines
STEP 2: Start your application
- Apply online at EducationPlanner BC
- Remember to submit your transcripts
- Remember to submit your portfolio
STEP 3: Check your email regularly
- Your application documents will be reviewed by the selection committee.
- If you are selected, you will receive an email to schedule a 15-25 minute interview.
- If you are not selected, you will receive an email informing you of the decision and your application ends here.
STEP 4: Attend the admissions interview
STEP 5: Check your email regularly
- If you are accepted, the Admissions Office will contact you within two weeks with information about fees and deadlines.
- If you are not accepted, you may apply to another intake.
Get started