Dental office administrators handle billing, insurance, patient records, scheduling, and everything else that keeps a dental clinic running. It is precise work that requires solid systems thinking and knowledge of dental-specific processes -- including government benefit programs like CDCP and FNHA.
This fully remote certificate program at Ascentia Career Institute in Kelowna covers exactly that. You will get remote, hands-on experience 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. Online classes are live, instructor-led classes that include a practicum.
Who Is This Program For?
The fully remote Dental Office Administration program in Kelowna is ideal for anyone who wants a career in the dental industry without working chairside. If you are organized, enjoy working with numbers and systems, and are comfortable in a patient-facing office environment, this program is built for you.
It is also a great option for people already working in general office administration who want to transition into the specialized — and higher-paying — dental administration field. No previous dental experience is required.
What You Will Learn
Over 12 weeks and 240 hours, the Dental Office Administration program covers every aspect of running a dental front office:
- Dental Practice Management Software - Remote Learning — Hands-on training with the scheduling, billing, and patient management systems used in dental clinics across BC
- Insurance and Billing - Remote Learning — Process claims for private insurance, CDCP (Canadian Dental Care Plan), FNHA, and other government-funded dental programs
- Patient Records and Privacy - Remote Learning — Create and maintain patient files in compliance with BC privacy legislation and dental regulatory standards
- Professional Communication - Remote Learning — Clear, professional interactions with patients, dentists, specialists, and insurance providers
- BCCOHP Compliance - Remote Learning — Understand the professional standards and ethical requirements that apply to dental offices in BC
- Financial Coordination - Remote Learning — Manage treatment estimates, payment plans, accounts receivable, and patient billing
- Work Experience — 40 hours of supervised placement in a dental office in your area
Career Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for administrative roles in the dental industry, including:
- Dental Office Administrator in general and specialty dental practices
- Dental Receptionist (with a focus on billing and administration)
- Insurance Claims Coordinator for dental clinics
- Dental Treatment Coordinator
- Front Desk Manager in multi-dentist practices
The average salary for dental administrative professionals in BC is approximately $53,000 per year, with approximately 1,500 related job openings projected between 2023 and 2033 (WorkBC Labour Market Outlook 2023–2033). With dental clinics expanding across Kelowna and the Okanagan, qualified dental administrators are in steady demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Dental Office Administration program take?
The program is 12 weeks (approximately 3 months), including 240 hours of remote instruction and 40 hours of supervised work experience in a dental office.
What software will I learn?
You will train on dental practice management software used by real clinics across BC, covering scheduling, patient records, billing, and insurance claims processing.
Do I need previous dental experience?
No. The program is designed for beginners and career changers. General office or administrative experience is helpful but not required.
What is the difference between Dental Office Administration and the Dental Receptionist program?
The Dental Office Administration certificate (12 weeks) focuses specifically on the billing, insurance, and administrative systems used in dental offices. The Dental Receptionist diploma (29 weeks) is a longer program that covers a broader scope, including extended front-office skills and additional clinical knowledge. Choose DOA if you want a focused, fast-track entry into dental administration.
How much does the program cost?
Total tuition and fees are approximately $6,334 CAD. Interest-free payment plans are available, typically split into 3 monthly payments. Contact our admissions team for details.
Start Your Career in Dental Administration
Ready to begin your career in dental office administration in BC? Learn about admissions or request more information.
Explore related programs: Chairside Dental Assistant, Dental Receptionist, or browse all dental programs.
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:
|
| 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 approximately $2,111. Funding is available for those who qualify. | |
Reviews
Reviews from verified graduates of this program collected via Google. See all school reviews →
This is going to be a lengthy review coz this team deserves it. I’m currently in the middle of the online Dental Administration program, and my experience has been exceptional. Even though it’s an online program, I’ve never felt like I was learning alone because of the incredible support from the entire team. Having completed two university degrees, I’ve experienced different learning environments, and I can honestly say this college stands out for how welcoming, organized, and student-centered it is. A heartfelt thank you to Alda, the director, for creating such a positive atmosphere where students truly feel valued. Darcy is an outstanding instructor who is patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in helping every student succeed. I truly wish I had an instructor like Darcy throughout my academic journey. Her patience and the way she genuinely cares for her students are remarkable. She, along with the entire team, creates such a calm and supportive learning environment that I’ve felt more at ease here than I have in any other educational institution. Mike is always ready to help with any technical issues and beyond ,making sure everything runs smoothly. A special thank you to Mary for taking the time to review my resume and cover letter and for providing valuable guidance with job placement. Her support has been incredibly encouraging and has helped me feel more confident as I prepare to begin my career. What I appreciate most is how approachable and supportive everyone is. You can ask any questions at any time and they get back to you as soon as they can. No question ever feels too small, and you can tell they genuinely care about their students’ success. Even for exams, I have zero anxiety because of how it is set up and how they don’t make it stressful. I’m grateful to be part of this program and look forward to completing it. I would highly recommend this college to anyone considering a career in dental administration. This place is a hidden gem and I’m lucky to have found it.