Dental Assisting – Certified

Diploma: Certificate

Location: Downtown

International students admissibility: Accepts International Students

A young woman in a dental office wears glasses and a lab coat, writing on a clipboard while smiling. In the background, another person is seated at a dental station.

In this page

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.

This program is only open for domestic students(Canadian/Permanent Residents). If you’re interested in as an international students, please visit aaaa.vcc.ca

Tuition N/A
Credential Certificate
Length 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.
Hours Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the exception of certain activities that may require a variance of these times. Additionally, some weekends and evenings will be scheduled with notice.
Delivery Class-based
Campus Downtown
Start Dates Sep

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

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.
UPON ACCEPTANCE TO THE PROGRAM:
  • Criminal Record Check
    • ​​Students in this program are required to complete a Criminal Record Check (CRC). The CRC must be completed according to VCC’s Criminal Record Check instructions. Students whose CRC results indicate they pose a risk to vulnerable populations may not be able to complete the requirements of the program (e.g. practicums) or graduate.
    • Note: BCCOHP is the regulatory body for Certified Dental Assistants. They require each applicant to undergo another criminal records search prior to registration and certification. Registration and certification to practice is mandatory in BC.
  • Valid Standard or Emergency First Aid and CPR-C
    • Certificate must remain valid throughout the program.
  • TB Screening
    • Students must submit a negative tuberculosis (TB) skin test or chest X-ray dated a maximum of six months prior to the program start date. An additional TB test is required after each potential exposure to TB and/or travel to areas with a known prevalence of TB.
  • Immunization Record

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 a team environment
  • Empathic and caring attitude
  • Ability to work independently and within a team environment
  • Ability to complete tasks that require manual dexterity and fine motor skills
  • Detail oriented
  • Effective time management skills
  • Basic computer literacy (email, word processing and use of the internet)
Considerations – The physical demands of the CDA profession may worsen back, wrist, neck or shoulder problems.  Materials used in oral health care may affect persons living with conditions such as latex sensitivity or other allergies.

Program Availability

Not currently available.

Courses

Full-time

Course list is not available at the moment.

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 $11,313 Year 1 - $1,423
Year 2 - $1,546
Year 3 - $1,220
Student union $217
College initiative $136
Materials $161 not including textbooks
Campus resource $453
Laundry $415
Uniform (Deposit) $30
Medical & Dental $285 Provided by Student Union
U-Pass $469 Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more.
Graduation $45
Total $13,558

Books & Supplies

  • Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.
  • Additional costs:
    • Textbooks – Approx. $500
    • Student kits – Approx. $5,100 + tax

Open Educational Resources(OER) at VCC

No-cost textbooks are available for this program.

* 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 ($300 or $500, depending on program).

Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.

Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.

Need help with tuition?

Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.

Application Process

Application information is not available at the moment.

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

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Indigenous Territory Acknowledgment

VCC is located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, and we acknowledge our privilege to be here.