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.
| Tuition | $23,405 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Diploma |
| Length | 30 months |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based |
| Campus | Downtown |
| Tuition | $45,986 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Diploma |
| Length | 30 months |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based |
| Campus | Downtown |
| PGWP | International graduates may be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit. |
What to expect
Instructional strategies, design and delivery modes to teach core skills and knowledge are based on the National Essential Competencies for Dental Laboratory Technology Practice in Canada. The Dental Technology Sciences program is competency based and utilizes a variety of teaching and learning activities to enable students to achieve core professional competencies. Theory and authentic laboratory practical experiences in labs are provided throughout the program.
Throughout the program, students engage in learning activities including case scenarios, self analysis, research and oral presentation, group work, seminars, flow charting, planning, brainstorming and role-playing.
The program is designed to develop skills in communication, team work strategies, self and peer evaluation, critical thinking, decision making and problem solving.
Delivery mode is a hybrid of in person and online instruction.
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 requirements
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
- English 12 with a minimum ‘C+’ grade, or equivalent
- 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.
Learn more about VCC's academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended considerations
- Program tasks require precise hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Activities may include instrument handling and small-scale technical work requiring steady hand movements.
- Program tasks require extended periods in fixed positions while performing detailed work.
- Program environment requires extended periods of computer use (6-8 hours per day) with sustained visual focus on digital displays.
- Travel to different locations is required for practicum work experience.
Program availability
Fall 2027 |
|
|---|---|
| Program start date | |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | Oct 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Jun 1, 2027 |
Fall 2026 |
|
|---|---|
| Program start date | Sep |
| Status | Closed |
| Application opens | Oct 1, 2025 |
Courses
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| DENT 1110 | Biosciences 1 | 4 |
| DENT 1130 | Professional Practice 1 | 1 |
| DENT 1140 | Foundations of Removable Prosthetics | 3 |
| DENT 1150 | Foundations of Fixed Prosthetics | 4 |
| DENT 1160 | Foundations of Orthodontics | 4 |
| DENT 1170 | Dental Laboratory Patient Care 1 | 1 |
| DENT 1180 | Digital Technology 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| Term Two | ||
| DENT 1210 | Biosciences 2 | 1 |
| DENT 1240 | Removable Prosthetics 1 | 6 |
| DENT 1250 | Fixed Prosthetics 1 | 6 |
| DENT 1260 | Orthodontics 1 | 3 |
| DENT 1270 | Dental Laboratory Patient Care 2 | 1 |
| DENT 1280 | Digital Technology 2 | 3 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| Term Three | ||
| DENT 2330 | Professional Practice 2 | 1 |
| DENT 2340 | Removable Prosthetics 2 | 6 |
| DENT 2350 | Fixed Prosthetics 2 | 7 |
| DENT 2360 | Orthodontics 2 | 3 |
| DENT 2380 | Digital Technology 3 | 3 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| Term Four | ||
| DENT 2440 | Removable Prosthetics 3 | 8 |
| DENT 2450 | Fixed Prosthetics 3 | 8 |
| DENT 2460 | Orthodontics 3 | 4 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| Term Five | ||
| DENT 2530 | Professional Practice 3 | 1 |
| CSIH 1010 | Introduction to Cultural Safety and Indigenous Holistic Health Equity | 0 |
| DENT 2510 | Dental Technology Practicum | 19 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| Total Credits | 100 | |
This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.
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
| Application fee | $36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $23,405 |
Year 1 - $11,703 Year 2 - $11,703 |
| Student union | $362 | |
| College initiative | $241 | |
| Materials | $286 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | $469 | |
| Laundry | $203 | |
| Uniform deposit | $60 | |
| Medical and dental | $713 | Explore medical insurance options |
| U-Pass | $1,126 | Get your student transit pass |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Other fees | $25 | |
| Total | $26,971 |
Books and Supplies
Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.
* 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 non-refundable deposit.
Refund policies vary for domestic and international students. Review the applicable policy for eligibility, deadlines, and refund amounts.
Need help with tuition?
Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.
Technical requirement
Tuition deposits are usually payable within three weeks after an offer is issued. The amount listed on this page is based on the first-term estimate. Refer to your offer for the exact amount required to accept an offer – either First-Term Estimate or First-Year Estimate. Tool kit: approximately $5,555 plus tax (subject to change). Check the Bookstore for updates and other required materials.
| Tuition deposit | $13,150 | $10,000 non-refundable |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $145 | |
| Tuition | $45,986 | |
| Student union | $362 | |
| College initiative | $254 | |
| Campus resource | $460 | |
| Laundry | $214 | |
| Uniform deposit | $60 | |
| Medical and dental | $713 | Explore medical insurance options |
| Temporary medical insurance | $149 | |
| U-Pass | $1,126 | Get your student transit pass |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Other fees | $25 | |
| Total | $49,839 |
Books and Supplies
Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.
* 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 non-refundable deposit.
Refund policies vary for domestic and international students. Review the applicable policy for eligibility, deadlines, and refund amounts.
Need help with tuition?
Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.
Technical requirement
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.
Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5
International students
Apply to VCC international programs online. Check the availability status for your desired program and intake before applying.
Contact us
Advising services
Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: [email protected]
Advising services for International students
Do you have any questions?