Health Care
The Dental Office Receptionist certificate program provides students with a mix of office administration skills and specialized dental knowledge. This program prepares students to become skilled dental office receptionists that are in demand in dental offices, dental supply companies, insurance companies, and dental labs.
Students learn from instructors with current industry knowledge on dental terminology, office procedures, appointment bookings, billing software, and insurance claims. This program combines classroom learning with a hands-on practicum to prepare students to support any dental team with their strong communication and administrative skills.
Credential: Certificate
Format: Full time
Delivery: Hybrid: Mondays in person at the Clearbrook campus, Tuesday to Thursday online at scheduled times
Duration: 5 months
Days and times: Monday–Thursday, 9:00 am–2:30 pm
Tuition*: $5,722
Program eligible for financial aid
Practicum required? Yes
Start dates: September
Application deadline:
Students can apply at any time and will be considered for the next available intake.
* Tuition subject to change without notice. are not included in tuition.
WorkBC reports that the growth in awareness about good dental hygiene has increased the level of dental care in the general population. As a result, job opportunities for dental office receptionists should remain strong as BC's growing population continues to increase the demand for dental services.
89% of 51's Dental Office Receptionist program graduates have gained employment upon certificate completion. Grads are working in Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack, Langley, Maple Ridge, Surrey, Delta, Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Alberta, and even as far away as Australia.
View the entrance requirements in the 51 Academic Calendar.
Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening
A satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening may be required for practicum, depending on your host. If this is required, you can complete the using access code CACJXKC5VT.
After making the fee payment, you will receive an online receipt from the . Your results are sent directly to Continuing Education.
Students in this program can expect to learn the following:
DOR 01 | Introduction to Administrative Dentistry | 45 hours |
DOR 02 | Office Communications | 30 hours |
DOR 03 | Introduction to Clinical Dentistry | 75 hours |
DOR 04 | Dental Treatment Coordination | 60 hours |
DOR 05 | Dental Office Accounting | 45 hours |
DOR 06 | Career Planning | 30 hours |
DOR 07 | Dental Office Receptionist Practicum | 75 hours |
As part of the Dental Office Receptionist program, you will complete a two-week practicum that provides a meaningful work-like experience and exposure to the dental office field.
In order to qualify for the practicum module, you must have successfully completed all previous coursework and attendance requirements with a minimum grade of A-.
Practicum schedule
Your practicum schedule will reflect the hours of your practicum host.
Practicum location
If you live in the Lower Mainland, Continuing Education will provide you with a practicum placement. While we try to place students near their city of residence, we cannot guarantee a practicum placement in a specific city. For example, students who live in Chilliwack may need to travel to Abbotsford to complete their practicum. Transportation to the practicum site is your responsibility.
If you refuse your assigned practicum site, you will need to find your own site and obtain departmental approval prior to the start of your practicum.
Missing your practicum
Completing your practicum is a requirement for graduation. If you are unable to attend or complete your practicum due to extenuating circumstances, please contact Continuing Education immediately.
Extenuating circumstances are defined as a situation beyond your control that prevents you from completing a course, program, or practicum. These are circumstances that are unexpected and/or uncontrollable and arise during the course of the program. Examples include:
The following does not qualify:
Students who miss their practicum may re-register for practicum at the next intake date, but will be required to pay the tuition cost of the practicum again.
Please discuss any barriers that may affect your practicum assignment with Continuing Education immediately after registration.
To find your textbooks, use the . Select "CE - Continuing Education" as your area of study.
Phone: 604-851-6324
Toll free: 1-888-504-7441 ext. 6324
Email: continuingeducation@ufv.ca
Or ask online