Dental Reception

CREDENTIAL: Certificate

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Learn dental terminology, specialized software, and the full set of skills needed to coordinate a dental office.

Tuition: 1974*

Credential: Certificate

Length: 15 0 weeks

Hours: Full-time

Delivery: Online

Campus: Downtown Downtown

Start Dates: Jan, Sep

Learn possible careers

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

* 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.

Plan of Study Grid
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.

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	1974	Breakdown Tuition Breakdown 0 - 1 0 - 2 0 - 3 0 - 4 0 - 5
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

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

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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 Reception