Dental Office Receptionist Certificate

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.

Eighty-nine per cent of UFV's Dental Office Receptionist 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 as Australia.

View entrance requirements in the UFV Academic Calendar.

Students are also required to complete a keyboarding assessment before you start your classes. 

Skills and knowledge

Skills and knowledge covered include:

• Role and responsibilities of the dental receptionist
• Familiarization of tooth anatomy, dental terminology, and dental procedures
• Understanding of dental fee guides, codes, insurance companies and billing procedures
• Management of dental payment plans and estimates
• Booking and maintaining dental appointments and recall system
• Dental office procedures
• Working knowledge of dental computer software
• Effective oral and written communication skills

Courses

The program is comprised of nine modules that include a combination of theory and hands-on exercises, followed by a two-week clinical and administrative practicum placement. After completing your practicum, you come back to the classroom for a one-week in-class program review. The nine modules are:

• Communication
• Dental Terminology
• Insurance
• Treatment and Payment Plans
• Computer Skills
• Practicum Orientation
• Dental Office Procedures
• Practicums (2-day clinical practicum, 2-week administrative practicum)
• Review

Practicum

In order to qualify for the practicum module, you must have successfully completed all previous coursework and attendance requirements.

When you qualify for a practicum, UFV Continuing Education will assign you a practicum that provides you with meaningful work-like experience and exposure to the dental office field.

Practicum placements reflect the business practices of the practicum host, which includes placement during standard business hours. Transportation to the practicum site is your responsibility and may require travel outside your community of residence. If you refuse an assigned practicum site you will need to find your own site and obtain departmental approval prior to the start of your practicum.

Please discuss any barriers that may affect your practicum assignment with UFV Continuing Education immediately after registration.