Dental Technology Sciences

Overview

Learn traditional and digital technologies used in the design and fabrication of dental restorative prostheses, orthodontic appliances, and implant-supported restorations.  

What to expect

What you will learn

• Design, fabricate, modify and repair fixed and removable oral/dental prostheses, as well as orthodontic appliances
• Integrate general knowledge of dental laboratory procedures, physics and chemistry principles, associated with the fabrication of oral appliances and dental restorations
• Assess the characteristics and properties of dental materials associated with the fabrication of oral appliances and dental restorations and make decisions about their appropriate application in practice
• Assess the characteristics and operation of equipment and special instrumentation associated with the fabrication of oral appliances and dental restorations and make decisions about their appropriate application in practice
• Assess the fundamental elements of dental anatomy, dental physiology, dental morphology and basic elements of oral pathological conditions and apply relevant knowledge to dental technology practice
• Practice current workplace health and safety standards including dental laboratory asepsis, and infection control
• Apply essential elements and skills of behavioral sciences, communications, professional ethics, legal obligations and business management to dental technology practice
• Make decisions that reflect critical thinking and problem solving; integrate pertinent theoretical knowledge and empirical data and information literacy skills to justify and/or revise services

Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion

This is a 2.5-year diploma program with five semesters (30 months). Four semesters are offered onsite at VCC and most of semester five is offered as a practicum in commercial dental laboratories.

Maximum time to complete the program is three years six months (3.5 years).

Admission Requirement

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

• Valid Emergency or Basic First Aid and CPR-C certification. Certificate must remain valid throughout the program.

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.

Program Availability

Courses

The program must be completed within 3.5 years.

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

How to Apply

Are you interested in this program? Here is how to apply:

Seats are offered to successful applicants throughout the application period until all seats are filled. Although preference may be given to top-ranked qualified applicants, seats are offered upon completion of the admissions interview.

STEP 1: Prepare your portfolio according to the Dental Technology Sciences Portfolio Guidelines

STEP 2: Start your application

• Apply online at EducationPlanner BC
• Remember to submit your transcripts 
• Remember to submit your portfolio

STEP 3: Check your email regularly

• Your application documents will be reviewed by the selection committee.
• If you are selected, you will receive an email to schedule a 15-25 minute interview.
• If you are not selected, you will receive an email informing you of the decision and your application ends here.

STEP 4: Attend the admissions interview 

STEP 5: Check your email regularly

• If you are accepted, the Admissions Office will contact you within two weeks with information about fees and deadlines.
• If you are not accepted, you may apply to another intake.

Ready to apply?

Online

You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.

Mail

Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5

Contact us

Advising services

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

Advising services for International students

study@vcc.ca