Continuing Education

Dental Office Receptionist certificate

This certificate will prepare students to assume the role of a dental office receptionist. The program is designed to meet the requirements of dental offices and clinics in the Fraser Valley.

Program learning outcomes

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.

Entrance requirements

1. Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent.
2. 30 net wpm typing speed (attach copy of certification).
3. Successful interview with program instructor.
4. Applicants must meet the Entry-level English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see the English language proficiency requirement section of the calendar.
5. Willingness to undergo a criminal record check.

When to apply

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year. Qualified applicants are considered for the next intake in which there is space. See Continuous application process for more information.

How to apply

1. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply.
2. Attach all required documentation and return completed registration package to the Office of the Registrar (OReg).
3. Applicants will be advised of an admission decision and, if accepted, will be provided with registration information. Full tuition is due at the time of registration.

Fees and additional costs

Please see the Continuing Education webpage for current fee information. See the Fees and Other Costs section for additional information.

Financial aid

Financial aid is available from a variety of sources. For more information, contact the Financial Aid and Awards office at either the Abbotsford or Chilliwack campus. A variety of bursary applications are also available from the Financial Aid and Awards offices.

Program duration

The Dental Office Receptionist certificate is 15 weeks in duration. Classes are Monday through Thursday, 9am–4pm, in the Fall semester.

Location

The program is located at the Clearbrook Centre in Abbotsford.

Program outline

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 their practicums, students 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 (two-day clinical practicum, two-week administrative practicum)
• Review

Practicum regulations

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

When students qualify for a practicum, UFV Continuing Education will assign them a practicum that provides them 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 students' responsibility and may require travel outside their community of residence. If a student refuses an assigned practicum site they will need to find their own site and obtain departmental approval prior to the start of their practicum.

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

Program requirements

Students will be evaluated for each course in the program on classroom participation, classroom assignments, study projects, practica, and by examination. Students must maintain a grade percentage of 85% and an attendance record of 90% in each course to participate in the practicum.

Graduation requirements

To be eligible to graduate, students must successfully complete both theory and practicum.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.

For more information

Contact Continuing Education at 604-851-6324, or 604-504-7441 local 6324, or toll-free (within Canada) 1-888-504-7441 local 4626, or continuingeducation@ufv.ca.