Learn dental terminology, radiography, specialized software, and the full set of skills needed to run a dental office.
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 a Dental Assistant in practice to provide safe and competent patient care.
- Integrate knowledge and critical thinking skills in dental reception practice.
- Use problem-solving strategies and decision-making processes in dental reception practice.
- Integrate ethics and professionalism into dental reception practice.
- Demonstrate professional responsibility and accountability in dental reception practice.
- Demonstrate use of self-reflection to enhance office management and ensure quality dental reception practice.
What to expect
The Dental Reception Coordinator program is offered on a full time basis, over two terms. Term 1 consists of theory, while Term 2 consists of theory and clinical dental radiography.
The theory courses are presented through lectures, small group discussions, seminars, online activities, assigned readings, self-study and dental management software. Clinical radiography skills are presented and practiced in the dental clinic. The clinical competencies are developed on manikins, peers, and patients. Acquisition of computer and radiography skills are enhanced through practica rotations to dental practices.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- Grade 12 graduation, or equivalent.*
- English 12 with a C grade or equivalent.*
- English Language proficiency * at a grade 12 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:
Students who complete DAST 1515 Dental Radiography and DAST 1516 Clinical Dental Radiography or DENT 1505 Dental Radiography 1, DENT 2995 Dental Radiography 2 and DENT 3745 Dental Radiography 3 are exempt from DREC 1242.
Upon Acceptance:
- Criminal Record Check (CRC) is required upon acceptance to the program, in accordance with the Criminal Records Review Act. All individuals who work with vulnerable adults and/or children must complete a Criminal Records Check through the Ministry of Justice. Applicants to this program should be aware that some practicum placement in hospitals and schools may require completion of a Criminal Records Check indicating no relevant criminal record. After submitting an admissions application, applicants will receive by email a web link and unique college access code to apply and pay for a Criminal Record Check online
It is highly recommended that applicants spend a minimum of two days observing in a dental practice prior to entering the program. - Proof of a negative tuberculosis (TB) skin test. In case of 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, and may be required for practicum placement in the program:
- Pertussis
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Polio
- Measles/Mumps/Rubella
- Chicken Pox
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza (required annually)
Program-specific
- Grade 12 graduation, or equivalent.*
- English 12 with a C grade or equivalent.*
- English Language proficiency* https://www.vcc.ca/applying/registration-services/english-language-proficiency-requirements/health-sciences/dental-reception-coordinator/* at a grade 12 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:
Students who complete DAST 1515 Dental Radiography and DAST 1516 Clinical Dental Radiography or DENT 1505 Dental Radiography 1, DENT 2995 Dental Radiography 2 and DENT 3745 Dental Radiography 3 are exempt from DREC 1242.
Upon Acceptance:
- Criminal Record Check (CRC) is required upon acceptance to the program, in accordance with the Criminal Records Review Act. All individuals who work with vulnerable adults and/or children must complete a Criminal Records Check through the Ministry of Justice. Applicants to this program should be aware that some practicum placement in hospitals and schools may require completion of a Criminal Records Check indicating no relevant criminal record. After submitting an admissions application, applicants will receive by email a web link and unique college access code to apply and pay for a Criminal Record Check online
It is highly recommended that applicants spend a minimum of two days observing in a dental practice prior to entering the program. - Proof of a negative tuberculosis (TB) skin test. In case of 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, and may be required for practicum placement in the program:
- 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
- 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
*Program general hours
Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the exception of clinical/practicum experiences that may require a variance of these times. Additionally, some weekends and evenings will be scheduled with notice.
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| DREC 1131 | Dental Administration 1 | 3 |
| DREC 1132 | Dental Communication 1 | 3 |
| DREC 1110 | Dental Theory 1 | 4 |
| Credits | 10 | |
| Term Two | ||
| DREC 1231 | Dental Administration 2 | 7 |
| DREC 1232 | Dental Communication 2 | 7 |
| DREC 1236 | Dental Theory 2 | 1.5 |
| DREC 1242 | Dental Radiography | 4.5 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
* 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 | 35 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 1935 |
Tuition Breakdown
0 - 1
0 - 2
0 - 3
0 - 4
|
| Student union | 128 | |
| College initiative | 56 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 78 | |
| Laundry | 171 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 30 | |
| Medical & Dental | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 221 | |
| Graduation | 40 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
Need help with tuition?
Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.
* 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
Get started