Introduction to Dental Assisting

Course code DAST 1401

Credit 1.5

Length 45.0 hours

Course outline View

This first course in the program is designed to present an overview of the dental profession including a brief history of dentistry, discussion of dental team members and their roles, legalities, ethics, continued competency and life-long learning. Additionally, a unit of dental and medical terminology provides the student with the basic “language of dentistry” for the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).

This course is part of the Certified Dental Assisting (Distance) program.

Prerequisites

Course type

This course is offered as part of a VCC program and cannot be taken individually.
International students: Eligibility is determined at the program level. Visit the program page for international student requirements and application information.

  • The Dental Team
  • Delivery of Care
  • Professionalism
  • Legalities and Ethics
  • Dental Terminology
  • Head and Neck Anatomy

A challenge exam is offered for this course.

Course schedules

Select your program to see the available course schedules.

CRN# Duration Delivery Location
42174 March 1, 2026
to June 30, 2026
Online Online See full schedule

Online courses listed without scheduled meeting times can be completed on your own schedule. All self-paced courses have on-campus tests. Off-site certified invigilation centres may be used at the student's expense.

How to take this course

This course is offered as part of a VCC program only.

Contact us

If you have any questions, please email at [email protected].

† 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.

Indigenous Territory Acknowledgment

VCC is located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples who have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial.