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.

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.

Skills and knowledge

Students in this program can expect to learn the following:

• 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
  
  

Practicum

As part of the Dental Office Receptionist program, you will complete a two-week practicum that provides a meaningful work-like experience and exposure to the dental office field.

In order to qualify for the practicum module, you must have successfully completed all previous coursework and attendance requirements with a minimum grade of A-.

Practicum schedule

Your practicum schedule will reflect the hours of your 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 your practicum is a requirement for graduation. If you are unable to attend or complete your 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:

• Death of an immediate family member
• Car accident
• Medical emergency
• Incapacitating illness
• Serious personal situation

The following does not qualify:

• Inability to achieve a passing grade
• Unawareness of deadlines
• Unfavorable weather conditions
• A short-term illness
• An unmanaged, pre-existing health condition

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.