Dental Reception

Overview

Learn dental terminology, specialized software, and the full set of skills needed to coordinate a dental office.

What to expect

What you will learn

• Apply the Standards of Practice and bylaws of the provincial regulatory authority in the dental practice to provide safe and competent patient care.
• Use problem-solving strategies and decision-making processes when dealing with challenges in the dental health care setting.
• Integrate ethics and professionalism when working with patients and the dental health care team.
• Demonstrate professional responsibility and accountability when working as a dental receptionist.
• Demonstrate the use of self-reflection to enhance office management and ensure quality practice.
• Integrate effective communication strategies when interacting with patients and team members.
• Integrate strategies that support cultural safety and humility in the dental practice setting.
• Employ administrative and dental software skills to effectively coordinate office business.

Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion

The Dental Reception program is fifteen weeks in length. Students must complete the program within two years. Please refer to the Student Handbook for conditions for re-admission to the program.

Admission Requirement

Program-specific

• Grade 12 graduation or equivalent
• English Studies 12 with a minimum ‘C’ grade, or equivalent

OR

• Completion of a Level II Dental Assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada

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

Upon Acceptance:

• Criminal Record Check (CRC): Students in this program are required to complete a 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 will not be able to complete the requirements of the program (e.g. practicums) or graduate. 
• 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.

Recommended Characteristics

• Program tasks require extended periods in fixed sitting positions while performing detailed administrative and clerical work.
• Program activities involve continuous, repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements, such as keyboarding and handling office materials.
• Program environment requires extended periods of computer use (6–8 hours per day) with sustained visual focus on digital displays.
• Program tasks require sustained visual focus for extended periods, such as reading digital screens, reviewing dental records, and navigating dental software.
• Program environment involves exposure to potential skin and respiratory irritants commonly present in dental offices, including disinfectants, dental materials, and aerosols.

Program Availability

Courses

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

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