Text size:   A   A   A 

Printable version:

Apply NOW Program FAQ

Dental Technology

The Dental Technology Program is a twenty-month program delivered over two years. Graduates of the program receive a diploma in dental technology and are eligible to challenge the licensing examination of the College of Dental Technicians of BC. Students acquire the specialized knowledge, skills and attitudes comprising the scope of dental technology practice and how to function as a dental health team member. The technical skills of constructing complete dentures, removable partial dentures, crowns and bridges, ceramics and orthodontic appliances as well the foundation knowledge to support provision of these skills is an integral component of the program.

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

Graduates of this program will have acquired the knowledge, skills and attitudes to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
-Apply provincial and national codes of conduct when providing dental technology service
-Develop a well managed business practice within dental laboratory settings and the community
-Use strategies for systematic inquiry to justify and/or revise dental technology services
-Make decisions regarding dental technology services that reflect critical thinking, time management and problem solving
-Integrate pertinent theoretical knowledge of anatomy, physiology, morphology and pathology into the provision of dental technology practice
Integrate principles of physics, chemistry, general science and properties of materials associated with the fabrication of dental prosthetic devices and appliances
-According to prescription-design, fabricate, modify and repair fixed prostheses, removable complete and partial dentures and appliances for orthodontics, oral maxillo-facial surgery and other dental specialties
-Operate and maintain dental laboratory equipment in accordance with standard safety and maintenance procedures, WHMIS and infection control protocol
-Produce clear and accurate written and oral communications for the public and other professionals regarding dental technology issues and services
-Work effectively as a team member, taking responsibility for decisions and actions pertaining to dental technology services
-Carry out all duties in an ethical and professional manner
-Demonstrate a commitment to quality dental technology service through self-evaluation and life long learning

Start Length Credential Campus Part or Full‑time September 2010 2 years Diploma Downtown Full-time

Career Prospects

Graduates are eligible to sit the College of Dental Technician's Licensing Examination after completing the program. Graduates are able to seek employment with dental laboratories, dental clinics operated by dentists, Ministry of Health laboratories or manufacturers, and suppliers of dental related products.

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

Admission to the Dental Technology Program is a competitive selection basis

1) Grade 12 graduation, GED or equivalent including Academic English 12, Human Biology 12, and either Chemistry 11 or Physics 11, all with C+ or better

2) Career Investigation and Summary

3) Proof of English Language Proficiency AND ICES evaluation (toll free 1.866.434.9197).

SELECTION PROCESS

4) All qualified candidates who meet the deadline of April 1, 2010 take a manual Dexterity Test in April and May. The sixteen applicants with the highest scores in the dexterity test are offered seats

Upon Acceptance applicants must:
5) Complete a First Aid and CPR-Level C training by August 6, 2010

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

Recommended characteristics

- Good health including good eyesight and hearing

- 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 to manage time effectively

- Good command of spoken and written English

- High standards of personal integrity and maturity

- Ability to take initiative and handle responsibility

Program Status

Accepting applications Oct 1/2009 to April 1/2010

Apply to this Program

The Downtown Admissions Department must receive a completed application and official transcripts and the Career Investigation Form with a completed Summary of Observation by April 1, 2010.

Applicants meeting the requirements are scheduled for a manual dexterity test, which is administered by the College.

Letters of acceptance are sent prior to the start of the program, and students are required to make a first payment at this time to reserve a seat.

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 year 1 $3,050 year 2

International Tuition Fees

Application Fee Tuition Fee Ancillary Fee $125.00 $13,322 per year $800 per year

Other Costs

Cost Type Details College initiative fee $88 per year Student union fee $47.38 per year Student union health plan fee $142.15 Student union dental plan fee $135.41 Uniform $60 deposit Laundry $80 per year Other costs Material Fee: $2.60 per credit hour Textbooks and supplies: $1,350 Tool Kits and hand piece: $4,000

Additional Information

Prior Learning Assessment is offered for most of the courses in the Dental Technology program. You are eligible to participate in Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition for these courses if:

1) You have met the admission requirements and have officially applied and been accepted to the Dental Technology Program

2) You have applied for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Download PLAR Dental Technology Manual.

Health Requirements:

- Applicants with back, hand or shoulder problems may be affected by the physical demands of the profession
- Prospective students with respiratory problems may be affected by dust from grinding and polishing and fumes from materials used
- Those with sensitive skin and conditions such as sensitivity to latex may also be affected by some materials used in dental laboratory practice

Courses