Health Care
Combine office administration skills with specialized dental knowledge to become a skilled dental office receptionist who is in demand in dental offices, dental supply companies, insurance companies, and dental labs.
Learn from instructors with current industry knowledge and master dental terminology, office procedures, appointment bookings, billing software, and insurance claims. Complete your classroom learning with a hands-on practicum to prepare you to support any dental team with your strong communication and administrative skills.
Credential: Certificate
Format: Full time
Delivery: Hybrid: Mondays on campus, Tuesday to Thursday online at scheduled times
Duration: 15 weeks
Days and times: Monday–Thursday, 9:00 am–3:30 pm
Location: Abbotsford — Clearbrook Centre
Tuition*: $5,610
Program eligible for financial aid
Practicum available? 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. Textbooks 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 UFV'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 UFV 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 Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening using access code CACJXKC5VT.
After making the fee payment, you will receive an online receipt from the Ministry of Justice. Your results are sent directly to Continuing Education.
Students in this program can expect to learn the following:
The program comprises nine modules that include a combination of theory and hands-on exercises, including a clinical practicum and an administrative practicum. After your second practicum, you will come back to the classroom for a one-week in-class program review. The modules are:
As part of the Dental Office Receptionist program, you will complete two practicums that provide a meaningful work-like experience and exposure to the dental office field. First you will complete a two-day clinical practicum, and then you will complete a two-week administrative practicum.
In order to qualify for the practicum module, you must have successfully completed all previous coursework and attendance requirements.
Practicum schedule
Practicum placements will reflect the hours of the 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 both practicums is a requirement for graduation. If you are unable to attend or complete a 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:
Please discuss any barriers that may affect your practicum assignment with Continuing Education immediately after registration.
To find your textbooks, use the UFV Bookstore's textbook search tool. 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