vcc.ca
DENT 1355: Dental Assisting Practicum 2
Effective date
September 2025
Department
Dental Assisting
School
Health Sciences
Description
This practicum provides students with the opportunity to engage in dental assisting practice in the general dentistry office. Integrating the knowledge and skills acquired within the program, students continue building their skills and breadth of practice to achieve clinical competency in the practice setting.
Vancouver Community College gratefully acknowledges the invaluable contribution of Camosun College for sharing their curriculum for the new Certified Dental Assisting program.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
DENT 1390, DENT 1345.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate Certified Dental Assistant skills safely and competently to address client needs and support the dental team.
- Apply theoretical knowledge of dental sciences to dental assisting practice.
- Support clients' oral health promotion.
- Evaluate effective communication skills with clients, families, colleagues, team members, and external partners.
- Demonstrate critical thinking processes for problem-solving and decision-making in dental assisting practice.
- Employ effective time management and organizational skills to facilitate the comfort and safety of the client and to contribute to the efficient functioning of the dental office.
- Support the effective functioning of the dental team.
- Practice CDA professional conduct within the dental setting.
- Demonstrate cultural safety and humility in their interactions with patients and colleagues.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 96
Total Hours: 96
Total Hours: 96
Instructional Strategies
This course takes place in a Dental Office setting and with community partners. Experiential learning and consolidation of theory and clinical skills are facilitated in this practicum.
Grading System
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Passing grade
S
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Practicum |
S |
Satisfactory/unsatisfactory completion of practicum as per rubric. |
Course topics
- Hands-on dental assisting practice
- Patient interaction and cultural competency application
- Ethical and legal considerations
- Reflection and self-evaluation
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.