Earn a certificate in dental assisting at your own pace through independent e-learning with instructor support.
NOTE: This program currently has continuous start dates. Please note that Fall 2023 will be the last continuous start date. By Fall 2024, all students will take courses on a set schedule.
What you will learn
Upon completion of this program, the graduate will be able to:
- Apply the Standards of Practice and bylaws of the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia for CDA practice to provide safe and competent patient care.
- Apply the process of evidence-informed CDA practice.
- Integrate knowledge and critical thinking skills in CDA practice.
- Use problem-solving strategies and decision-making processes in CDA practice.
- Integrate ethics and professionalism into CDA practice.
- Demonstrate professional responsibility and accountability into CDA practice.
- Demonstrate use of self – reflection to improve care and ensure quality CDA practice.
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The CDA distance program is self-paced. Progress is largely dependent upon the student’s available study time and dental assisting experience. Each theory course must be completed within a maximum of four months. Onsite clinical courses range from three to ten days in length. Students must complete the program within five years. The majority of students complete their studies within two years.
The Certified Dental Assisting Program (distance) is offered on a part time self - paced basis.
Students must be working/volunteering clinically for a minimum of two days (14 hours) per week as a clinical dental assistant in a general practice dental office for the duration of their studies. This is confirmed by the department on a regular basis throughout the program. The curriculum is designed to include in-office clinical experiences which reinforce and enhance the course content.
Theory courses are presented by the learning management system with learning activities, self - assessments, study questions and assignments. The courses are completed through independent study with instructor support via telephone, learning management system or email.
Clinical courses are presented onsite at the Vancouver Community College Dental Clinic. Clinical competencies are developed on manikins, peers and patients.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent.*
- English Language Proficiency as demonstrated by one of the following:*
- English 12 with a minimum ‘B’ grade, or equivalent
or - English Language Proficiency at an English 12 ‘B’ level
- English 12 with a minimum ‘B’ grade, or equivalent
- Either Biology 11 or Biology 12 (human biology recommended) or equivalent.**
- A signed Sponsoring Dentist Agreement verifying a minimum of 2 days (14 hours) per week clinical dental assisting experience in a general dentistry practice for the duration of the program.
- 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.
Note: The College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia is the regulatory body for Certified Dental Assistants. They require each applicant to undergo another criminal records search prior to registration and certification. Registration and certification to practice is mandatory in BC. - Proof of a negative TB skin test. In case of a positive TB skin test, a negative TB chest x-ray report is required.
- A current “C” certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Notes:
- * Students who have completed the Vancouver Community College Dental Reception Coordinator program are exempt from this admission requirement.
- ** Students who have completed the Vancouver Community College Dental Reception Coordinator program and/or students who have completed the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia Provincial Radiography credential are exempt from this admission requirement.
- Students who complete Vancouver Community College’s DREC 1242 Dental Radiography through Dental Reception Coordinator Program or DENT 1505 Dental Radiography 1, DENT 2995 Dental Radiography 2 and DENT 3745 Dental Radiography 3 through the Certified Dental Assisting Program are exempt from DAST 1515 Dental Radiography and DAST 1516 Clinical Dental Radiography.
- Students who complete Vancouver Community College’s DNTL 1107 Dental Radiography Module through the Certified Dental Assisting Program – Distance Delivery are exempt from DAST 1515 Dental Radiography and DAST 1516 Clinical Dental Radiography.
- Immunizations in the following are strongly recommended:
- Pertussis
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Polio
- Measles/Mumps/Rubella
- Chicken Pox
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza (required annually)
Program-specific
- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent.*
- English Language Proficiency as demonstrated by one of the following:*
- English 12 with a minimum ‘B’ grade, or equivalent
or - English Language Proficiency at an English 12 ‘B’ level
- English 12 with a minimum ‘B’ grade, or equivalent
- Either Biology 11 or Biology 12 (human biology recommended) or equivalent.**
- A signed Sponsoring Dentist Agreement verifying a minimum of 2 days (14 hours) per week clinical dental assisting experience in a general dentistry practice for the duration of the program.
* Students who have completed the Vancouver Community College Dental Reception Coordinator program are exempt from these admission requirements.
** Students who have completed the Vancouver Community College Dental Reception Coordinator program and/or students who have completed the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia Provincial Radiography credential are exempt from this admission requirement.
Notes:
Students who complete Vancouver Community College’s DREC 1242 Dental Radiography through Dental Reception Coordinator Program or DENT 1505 Dental Radiography 1, DENT 2995 Dental Radiography 2 and DENT 3745 Dental Radiography 3 through the Certified Dental Assisting Program are exempt from DAST 1515 Dental Radiography and DAST 1516 Clinical Dental Radiography.
Students who complete Vancouver Community College’s DNTL 1107 Dental Radiography Module through the Certified Dental Assisting Program – Distance Delivery are exempt from DAST 1515 Dental Radiography and DAST 1516 Clinical Dental Radiography.
- 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.
Note: The College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia is the regulatory body for Certified Dental Assistants. They require each applicant to undergo another criminal records search prior to registration and certification. Registration and certification to practice is mandatory in BC. - Proof of a negative TB skin test. In case of a positive TB skin test, a negative TB chest x-ray report is required.
- A current “C” certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Immunizations in the following are strongly recommended:
- Pertussis
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Polio
- Measles/Mumps/Rubella
- Chicken Pox
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza (required annually)
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
- Ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken English
- Empathic and caring attitude
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment Manual dexterity and hand/eye coordination
- Detail oriented
- Effective time management skills
- Computer literacy (email, word processing and use of the internet)
Physical precautions – Those with back problems may be affected by the physical demands of the profession. Sensitive skin and allergies may also be affected by some procedures and materials.
Courses
*Prior learning assessment and recognition
PLAR may be available for clinically experienced dental assistants for some theory courses, as determined by the program.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DAST 1401 | Introduction to Dental Assisting | 1.5 |
| DAST 1402 | Microbiology and Infection Control | 1.5 |
| DAST 1403 | Basic Dental Assisting | 2 |
| DAST 1404 | Patient Assessment | 2 |
| DAST 1405 | Dental Office Emergencies | 1.5 |
| DAST 1406 | Preventive Dentistry | 3 |
| DAST 1407 | Restorative Dental Assisting | 2.5 |
| DAST 1408 | Clinical Dental Assisting 1 | 3 |
| DAST 1510 | Laboratory Procedures | 1.5 |
| DAST 1511 | Dental Specialties | 3 |
| DAST 1512 | Community Dental Health | 3 |
| DAST 1513 | Dental Reception | 2.5 |
| DAST 1514 | Patient Care Procedures | 2.5 |
| DAST 1515 | Dental Radiography | 2.5 |
| DAST 1516 | Clinical Dental Radiography | 1 |
| DAST 1508 | Clinical Dental Assisting 2 | 6 |
| Total Credits | 39 | |
* 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
*| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 36 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 7453 |
Tuition Breakdown
3249 - Year 1
4205 - Year 2
0 - Year 3
0 - Year 4
|
| Student union | 128 | |
| College initiative | 111 | |
| Materials | 132 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 299 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 0 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
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* 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.
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