Dental Reception and Administration

Program Overview

Dental receptionists and administrators play a vital role that enhances operations in the dental setting such as processing information, utilizing paper and electronic management systems, scheduling, financial records and proficient interpersonal skills. They create a connection between clients and dentists by coordinating requests from both parties. This program includes the operations of two predominant dental software applications commonly used by dental personnel and exposure to community dental services. Durham College’s dental programs are highly regarded within dental communities.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
Grade 12 English (C or U) (minimum 60 per cent)

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Tuition

Year one domestic: $2,722 (CAD)
Year one international: $13,322 (CAD)

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Semester 1 Courses

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Computer Skills

Reception

Organization

Technology recommendations

To help students succeed in programs with remote learning requirements, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified minimum technology recommendations. While these are not program requirements, these suggestions will help ensure students have the right tools to support a quality remote learning experience.

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Intakes and Availability

Date	Domestic Availability	International Availability
September 2021	Open	Open

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

Administrative assistant
Dental administrator
Dental office manager
Dental receptionist

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Program Details

Dental administrators are vital members of a dental office. This program will prepare you to maintain a collaborative relationship with clients and all members of the oral health-care team in order to deliver the highest level of client-centered care. It will prepare you to be a multi-skilled, ethically responsible dental administration professional.

You will acquire knowledge and applications of the latest computer software used in dental offices; how to process claims; and how to carry out appointment management. You will also become familiar with dental anatomy and terminology; learn basics of radiography; understand banking and account payables and receivables; and gain effective personnel relations skills. You may also participate in dental services offered to the public.

Program Learning Outcomes

Assist in the establishment and operations of dental office systems to process confidential patient information and communications.
Manage dental office business and financial applications that meet organizational requirements and legislative guidelines.
Identify dental structures and terminology to maintain client clinical records.
Support client treatment by applying basic principle of dental imaging and the maintenance of dental images.
Employ communication and conflict resolution strategies to engage with a diverse audience and support the requirements of the daily operations of a dental practice.
Support the dental team during various dental processes and emergencies.
Adhere to professional, reflective and ethical standards to create a positive image within a dental environment.
Promote a dental practice by using communication strategies that build interpersonal relationships with potential and existing patients.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
Grade 12 English (C or U) (minimum 60 per cent)

Courses

The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyCampus.

Semester 1

Semester 2

Courses and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2020-21 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes. Students should refer to their timetable for the most up-to-date course information.

Costs

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

Administrative assistant
Dental administrator
Dental office manager
Dental receptionist

WHERE YOU COULD WORK:

General and specialty dental practices
Hospital, chronic care and correctional institution dental clinics
Receptionists in health-related offices

Field Placement

Your learning will be complemented by experiencing the dental operations of the Durham College dental hygiene clinic located on campus. Further development of your knowledge, skill and attitude will occur with an 80-hour field placement in a dental office that provides you with further practical, hands-on learning opportunities in order to apply classroom theory to an occupational setting. Field placement occurs immediately following semester 2 and may run into the month of May.

PRE-PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS

Please note: There are costs associated with Electronic Student Permit Checking (ESPC), immunizations, lab tests and certifications. Be sure to keep all of your receipts for income tax purposes. These costs include:

Service fees for Verified, our documentation collection and ESPC verification partner.
Costs to complete mandatory immunizations, lab tests, and certifications.

It is required that students have completed the ESPC with Verified to be eligible for the field placement component of this program. You must (at your expense) provide:

Current Level C CPR from a recognized provider
Current standard first aid certification from a recognized provider
Entry immunization form completed by a health-care provider

Links:

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

Graduates are eligible to obtain certification through the Ontario Dental Assistants Association (ODAA).

Technology Recommendations

To help students have the best remote learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.

Processor: i3
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1
Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version)
Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter
Camera: Webcam/built-in camera
Internet connection