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Dental Assisting - Certified

The Certified Dental Assisting program provides education leading to a career as a licensed and registered Certified Dental Assistant. The graduate will have acquired the specialized knowledge, skills and attitudes to function as a dental health team member with dependent, interrelated and independent roles. Upon completion of the program the graduate is eligible to become a candidate for the National Dental Assisting Board Examination. This examination is a mandatory component for registration and licensure with the College of Dental Surgeons, the regulatory body for Certified Dental Assistants. This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.

If you know the admission requirements,

Find out more about this program:

Program Description Career Prospects Admission Requirements Program Status

Apply to this Program Fees and Other Costs Additional Information Courses

Program Description

This three term program is competency based and is taught in modern clinical facilities shared with other VCC Dental Programs. The clinical competencies and supporting theory are organized according to the health model of Preparation for Practice, Patient Assessment Theory, Planning Implementation and Evaluation of Practice. Term 1 focuses primarily on the chairside dental assisting aspects of practice, with Terms 2 and 3 building on certified skills and independent practice.

Start Length Credential Campus Part or Full‑time September 10 months Certificate Downtown Full-time

Career Prospects

Most graduates find employment in private practice dental offices (including specialty practice) and clinics. Some individuals have found employment in university and hospital settings, public health, sales and other related positions.

Information about graduate outcomes

Admission Requirements

General

VCC welcomes applications from Canadian citizens, permanent residents and international students.

Exceptions
International students

As Vancouver Community College is a post-secondary institution committed to educating adult learners, applicants should be 18 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school.

Please note that you must submit official transcripts and educational documents to support your application; unfortunately, we cannot accept photocopies or fax versions.

Program Specific

1) Grade 12 graduation, GED or equivalent

2) Either Biology 11 or Biology 12 (human biology recommended), OR VCC Basic Medical Anatomy, Physiology and Medical Terminology Course (MEDC 1010) with a C+ or better

3) Proof of English Language Proficiency which includes a Canadian Language Benchmark of Listening 7, Speaking 7, Reading 8, and Writing 8

OR graduate of the VCC Dental Reception Coordinator program within the last 5 years

All requests for transfer credits or course exemptions for all courses in the program must be submitted with application. See the Request for Transfer Credit (PDF) form.

Upon Acceptance:
4) Proof of a negative TB skin test or chest xray. For important information, please review the School of Health Sciences Health Requirements.

5) Criminal Record Search Each applicant is responsible for any costs incurred. Applicants who have drug-related charges should consult with the Registrar's Office prior to applying to the program. The CRS must be received by the Registrar's Office prior to the first day of class. The College of Dental Surgeons of BC may not register or license any individual who has been convicted of an indictable offense.

Seats are offered to applicants who have met all admission requirements, on a first-qualified, first-served basis

Recommended characteristics

- Ability to attend to detail, works accurately and neatly, and manage time effectively

- Ability to communicate effectively with people of all ages and from all walks of life

- Ability to take initiative and handle responsibility

- Excellent command of spoken and written English

- Good vision and hand-eye coordination

- Interest in and empathy with people

- Maturity with positive self-image and high standards of personal integrity

- Respectful of and attentive to the ways in which others prefer to organize and execute their work

Program Status

Accepting applications

Apply to this Program

The first step, apply early. Students who have officially applied and met all admission requirements are sent a letter of acceptance approximately four to five months in advance of the next available start date. A first payment is required to reserve a space in the program.

Online     Fax     In Person If you're ready and know the program you want, apply now. Download and complete the (PDF) application form and fax to 604.443.8450. Visit us at one of our campus locations.

After you apply, you can check your to see if all of the requirements have been met or to update contact information. Please use the temporary login ID and Personal Identification Number (PIN) that you used to complete your original online application.

Fees and Other Costs

Application Fee Tuition Fee $30.00 $3,050.00

International Tuition Fees

Application Fee Tuition Fee Ancillary Fee $125.00 $13,322.00 $990

Other Costs

Cost Type Details College initiative fee $88.00 Student union fee $47.38 Student union health plan fee $142.15 Student union dental plan fee $135.41 Uniform $30 Laundry $290 Other costs Material Fees: $104 Student Kits: Term 1 - $350; Term 2 - $150; Term 3 - $200 Textbooks, uniforms and school supplies, professional dues and licensing fees: $2,200

Additional Information

All applicants are encouraged to attend the Certified Dental Assisting program Information Session, which is held in the spring of each year.

As well as the regular program, the CDA Department also offers customized courses for students in need of specific requirements. Our Directed Studies (DAST 1600) course provides theoretical and clinical instruction in many CDA skills. This course enables individuals who are unable to meet credentialing requirements, due to lack of formal education in identified skills, to acquire knowledge through an accredited CDA program. For further information on our Directed Studies please Email:daddp@vcc.ca

Health Requirements:

Updated immunizations strongly recommended: measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis B vaccine and current influenza vaccination. Please review Important Health Requirements for the VCC School of Health Sciences.

Courses