Learn dental terminology, specialized software, and the full set of skills needed to coordinate a dental office.
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Apply the Standards of Practice and bylaws of the provincial regulatory authority in the dental practice to provide safe and competent patient care.
- Use problem-solving strategies and decision-making processes when dealing with challenges in the dental health care setting.
- Integrate ethics and professionalism when working with patients and the dental health care team.
- Demonstrate professional responsibility and accountability when working as a dental receptionist.
- Demonstrate the use of self-reflection to enhance office management and ensure quality practice.
- Integrate effective communication strategies when interacting with patients and team members.
- Integrate strategies that support cultural safety and humility in the dental practice setting.
- Employ administrative and dental software skills to effectively coordinate office business.
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The Dental Reception program is fifteen weeks in length. Students must complete the program within two years. Please refer to the Student Handbook for conditions for re-admission to the program.
The Dental Reception program is offered on a full-time basis, over one term.
The courses are delivered in an online format through lectures, small group discussions, seminars, group activities, assigned readings, reflection, self-studies, and dental management software. Acquisition of dental reception and software skills are enhanced through practicum in a dental practice.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- 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
* Students who have graduated from a Level II Dental Assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada are exempt from these requirements.
Notes:
It is highly recommended that applicants spend a minimum of two days observing in a dental practice prior to entering the program.
Upon Acceptance:
- Criminal Record Check (CRC): 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.
- Students must submit a negative TB skin test taken within 6 months of acceptance to the program. If the TB skin test is positive, a negative TB chest x-ray is required.
- A completed VCC School of Health Sciences Immunization record. The following immunizations are strongly recommended, and may be required for practicum placement in the program:
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis
- Poliomyelitis
- Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
- Hepatitis B
- Meningococcal
- Influenza Vaccination (annually)
- COVID-19 Vaccination
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
- Empathic with a caring attitude.
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
- Detail-oriented.
- Effective time management skills.
- Computer literacy (email, word processing, PDFs, cloud-based video conferencing and use of the internet).
- Prospective students of this program should give due consideration to different skin and and lung irritants present in the dental office setting.
Courses *
The courses are taught online at scheduled times. The practicum is face-to-face in a dental practice setting.
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| DREC 1111 | Dental Practice Theory | 2.5 |
| DREC 1112 | Dental Practice Communication and Professionalism | 3 |
| DREC 1113 | Dental Practice Administration | 5 |
| DREC 1114 | Dental Practice Software | 7.5 |
| DREC 1121 | Dental Practice Practicum | 2 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| Total Credits | 20 | |
* 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 | 1974 | |
| Student union | 128 | |
| College initiative | 57 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 79 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 0 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 177 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
* 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
Are you interested in this program?
Find out when to apply.
Get started