Certified Dental Assisting Certificate

Overview

Learn the specialized skills and knowledge needed to assist dentists with procedures, provide oral health education, and function as a dental health team member.

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Play

My time at Vancouver Community College’s Music and Dance Program has been nothing short of transformative. What began as a pursuit of artistic excellence evolved into a journey that not only refined my skills but also shaped me into a more confident and expressive individual.

John Dow, Music & Dance

What to expect

What you will learn

• Safely and competently perform Certified Dental Assistant skills to address client needs and support the dental team.
• Apply theoretical knowledge of dental sciences to dental assisting practice.
• Promote oral health and support clients to make informed choices.
• Communicate effectively, concisely, and correctly with clients, team members, and external partners.
• Use critical thinking processes for problem-solving and decision-making in dental assisting practice.
• Use 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 and promote the effective functioning of the dental team.
• Function as a CDA in a professional manner within the dental setting.
• Demonstrate cultural safety and humility in their interactions with patients and colleagues.

Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion

The Certified Dental Assisting Program is 10 months (41 weeks) in length, divided into 3 terms, and it should be completed in one (1) year. Students have two years to complete the program.

Job prospectives

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• Dental Technologist / Dental Technician
• Dental Lab Quality Control Specialist
• Dental Materials Sales Representative
• Dental Equipment Technician or Specialist
• CAD / CAM Designer for Dental Restorations
• Dental Laboratory Manager
• Dental Technology Instructor

Admission Requirement

• Grade 12 graduation or equivalent.*
• English Language Proficiency as demonstrated by one of the following:*
  •  English Studies 12 with a minimum ‘C’ grade, or equivalent
    or
  • English Language Proficiency at an English 12 ‘C’ level
• One of:**
  • Anatomy and Physiology 12, or equivalent (recommended),
    or
  • Life Sciences 11, or equivalent

*  Students who have completed the Vancouver Community College Dental Reception program are exempt from these admission requirements.

** Students who have completed the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) Provincial Radiography credential are exempt from this admission requirement.

It is highly recommended that applicants spend a minimum of two days observing in a dental practice prior to entering the program.

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Program-specific

Admission to the Dental Technology Sciences program is on a competitive selection basis.

• Grade 12 graduation, or equivalent
• English Language Proficiency as demonstrated by one of the following:
  • English 12 with a minimum ‘C+’ grade, or equivalent
    or
  • English Language Proficiency at an English 12 ‘C+’ level
• Human Biology 12 with a minimum 'C+' grade, or equivalent
• Knowledge of science and/or mathematics demonstrated through one of the following:
  • Chemistry 11 with a minimum 'C+' grade, or equivalent, or
  • Math 11 with a minimum 'C+' grade, or equivalent, or
  • Physics 11 with a minimum 'C+' grade, or equivalent

Selection Process

• All qualified candidates who meet the admissions requirements will submit a portfolio demonstrating their aptitude for the Dental Technology profession, per the Dental Tech portfolio submission guidelines.
• All qualified candidates whose portfolio submissions are approved by the department’s Applicant Review Panel, will then be required to take part in an interview with the department's Applicant Review Panel by means of face-to-face or videoconferencing.
• The top-ranked qualified applicants are offered seats.

Upon Acceptance

• Current Basic First Aid and CPR-Level C

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.

Recommended Characteristics

1. Appropriate manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
2. Ability to give close attention to detail for sustained periods of time.
3. Ability to work accurately and neatly, and manage time effectively.
4. High standards of personal integrity.
5. Ability to take initiative and handle responsibility.

Courses

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Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Some activities may require a variance of these times to accommodate specific needs.

The program must be completed within 3.5 years.

Term 1

Term 2

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 Costs

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Application Process

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Contact us

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Program information

Program head name

janedoe@vcc.ca

Advising

Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca

For International students

study@vcc.ca