Dental Office Administration

Dental office administrators handle billing, insurance, patient records, scheduling, and everything else that keeps a dental clinic running. It's precise work that requires solid systems thinking and knowledge of dental-specific processes -- including government benefit programs like CDCP and FNHA.

This 12-week certificate covers exactly that. You'll get hands-on with dental practice management software, insurance claim processing, and the compliance standards BC dental offices must meet -- plus 40 hours of work experience in a real dental setting.

Program Highlights
Duration 12 weeks / 3 months / 240 hours (including 40 hours work experience)
Work Experience Hours 40
Curriculum

What you'll learn to do:

  • Use dental practice management software for scheduling, patient intake, and correspondence
  • Process billing and insurance claims accurately, including CDCP and FNHA government-funded programs
  • Create and maintain patient records in compliance with privacy legislation and dental regulatory standards
  • Communicate clearly with patients, dentists, and external contacts
  • Apply BCCOHP professional standards and ethical requirements in daily administrative work
  • Work inclusively and respectfully with patients from all backgrounds
Certification Certificate
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code 51.0712 - Medical reception/receptionist
Compliance Dental Office Administration was reviewed and approved by the registrar of The Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) within the System Integrity Branch (SIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
Average Salary $53,000
BC Job Openings, 2023-2033 1,500

Admissions Requirements
  • All candidates must meet with an admissions advisor before enrollment.
  • Candidates must provide ALL of the following supporting evidence prior to acceptance:

    Age Requirements

    • Be a mature student (minimum 19 years of age) OR a Grade 12 graduate (parent/guardian consent required if under 19 years of age)

    Language Proficiency Requirements

    • Candidates must provide ONE of the following:
      • Evidence of three years of full-time secondary instruction (Grade 8–12 or BC Adult Graduation Program) in English OR two years of full-time post-secondary education at a recognized institution listed under Approved English Speaking Countries. Language courses, such as English as a Second Language (ESL), cannot be considered in this calculation.
      • Evidence of achievement in a recognized standardized language test or assessment at an overall level equivalent to IELTS 5.5 (Academic) or higher, such as:
        • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT: Overall score of 46
        • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, Writing 5
        • Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): Overall score of 40
        • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE-A): Overall score of 43
        • Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum overall score of 95
        • Cambridge Linguaskill, LANGUAGECERT Academic, The Michigan English Test (MET): Minimum overall B2 level
        • iTEP Academic: Minimum overall score of 3.5
        • EIKEN: Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1

    Background and Health Requirements

    • Clear criminal record check
    • Negative TB Test Result

Work Experience

Prerequisites for Work Experience

  • Successful completion of all academic courses
  • Hold a valid First Aid and CPR certificate

Tuition and Fees
Tuition $5,874
Fees:
Books $125
Administrative Fee $85
Application Fee $250
Total Tuition and Fees $6,334

Payment plans are available for all programs, interest-free , typically split into 3 equal monthly payments of $2,111.33.

Other funding options may be available for students who qualify.