Dental Assisting – Certified
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.
| Tuition | $11,313 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Certificate |
| Length | 10 months |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based |
| Campus | Downtown |
| Start Dates |
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.
Admission Requirement
Program-specific
- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent*
- English Studies 12 with a minimum ‘C’ grade, or equivalent
- One of:**
- Anatomy and Physiology 12, or equivalent (recommended),
or - Life Sciences 11, or equivalent
- Anatomy and Physiology 12, or equivalent (recommended),
* Students who have completed the Vancouver Community College Dental Reception program are exempt from this admission requirement.
** Students who have completed the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) Provincial Radiography credential are exempt from this admission requirement.
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
- A Certified Dental Assisting and Dental Reception Immunization Record must be completed. Students may be declined placement in a clinical or practicum site if a completed immunization record is not provided.
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
- Program tasks require sitting for extended periods and maintaining proper body positioning.
- Program activities involve continuous, repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements such as passing instruments, oral evacuation, and reaching for instruments and materials.
- Learning environment involves exposure to bright lights, high-pitched sounds from dental equipment, and vibrations from dental handpieces.
- Program environment involves regular exposure to chemical products such as disinfectants and dental materials.
- Program environment involves regular exposure to aerosols.
- It is highly recommended that applicants spend a minimum of two days observing in a dental practice prior to entering the program.
Program Availability
Fall 2026 |
|
|---|---|
| Program Start Date | Sep 2026 |
| Status | Closed |
| Application opens | October 1, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | |
Courses
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.
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| DENT 1105 | Dental Assisting Professionalism 1 | 1 |
| DENT 1115 | Applied Dental Sciences 1 | 2.5 |
| DENT 1125 | Clinical Support Theory 1 | 2.5 |
| DENT 1135 | Preventive Approaches for Dental Health 1 | 1.5 |
| DENT 1145 | Dental Assisting Practice 1 | 9.5 |
| DENT 1190 | Dental Office Management | 1 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Term Two | ||
| DENT 1205 | Dental Assisting Professionalism 2 | 1 |
| DENT 1215 | Applied Dental Sciences 2 | 2.5 |
| DENT 1225 | Clinical Support Theory 2 | 2 |
| DENT 1235 | Preventive Approaches for Dental Health 2 | 2.5 |
| DENT 1245 | Dental Assisting Practice 2 | 8.5 |
| DENT 1255 | Dental Assisting Practicum 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 19.5 | |
| Term Three | ||
| DENT 1345 | Dental Assisting Practice 3 | 2.5 |
| DENT 1390 | Patient Care Clinic | 2 |
| DENT 1355 | Dental Assisting Practicum 2 | 3 |
| Credits | 7.5 | |
| Total Credits | 45 | |
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
The tuition for this program is changing. Please see the details below.
Full program tuition rates:*
- September 2025 through August 2026: $6,500
- September 2026 through August 2027: $8,900
- September 2027 through August 2028: $11,539.23
- September 2028 and onward: 2% increase annually
Other costs as of 2026 (these costs may increase annually):
- Application fee: $36
- Student Union: $217
- College initiative: $136
- Materials (not including textbooks): $160
- Campus resource: $453
- Laundry: $414
- Uniform (non-refundable deposit): $30
- Medical and Dental: $285
- U-PASS: $469
- Graduation: $45
- Total other costs: $2,245
*Effective September 2025, the VCC Board of Governors approved tuition fees of $11,091.15 for the Certified Dental Assisting Certificate program. However, the increase will be introduced in stages, and VCC will waive a portion of the fees in 2025/26 and 2026/27. The waivers are as follows:
- 2025/26: $11,091.15 total tuition - $4,591.15 waiver = $6,500 tuition
- 2026/27: $11,313.00 total tuition - $2,412.97 waiver = $8,900 tuition
- 2027/28: $11,539.23 total tuition (no waiver)
Books & 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 ($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.
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Technical requirement
How to Apply
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
Contact us
Advising services
Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca
Advising services for International students
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