This program is designed to familiarize students with the clinical procedures of a dental office, ensuring the effective management of the business side of the general clinic or specialty dental practice.
The program is comprised of both practical and theoretical study of clinical and administrative procedures and provides learners with skills and knowledge integral to the office environment and client management.
OverviewAdmission RequirementsProgram Formats and DurationUpcoming DatesCourse DescriptionsFees
Students will be immersed in a dental office environment. Our on-site dental clinic and job placements will ensure students are prepared for their careers moving forward. Also, students will work with relevant dental industry materials, tools, and documentation to enhance their experience. Students will also receive First Aid and CPR training and certification.
Graduates may perform a variety of tasks ranging from appointment booking, public relations and bookkeeping, to keeping financial records in a dental office environment.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
A minimum of a high school diploma, 19 years or older at the start of the applicant’s program or course;
A minimum typing speed of 20 words per minute; and
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of correct keyboarding technique, whether they had previous keyboarding experience or not. They will learn through directed drills and timed drills, which help them refine their keyboarding techniques, to improve speed and accuracy. Upon completion, students will type at a speed of 45 words per minute with five or fewer errors. Students will also develop both their proofreading and word processing techniques on the Windows Operating System.
CDOR 02: Business Communication (40 hours)
Students will study formal and informal business communication formats including letters, memos and business presentations. They will learn to apply these formats, choosing methods and appropriate technologies to communicate effectively with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
CDOR 03: Dental Terminology (40 hours)
This course introduces common dental terminology, covering a broad spectrum of topics from dental anatomy and oral structures to terminology applicable to general dentistry and dental specialties.
CDOR 04: Dental Office Procedures (60 hours)
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the administrative duties and professional responsibilities of a dental receptionist. Emphasis is placed on the development of the student’s ability to exercise initiative and judgment and to make decisions within the scope of his/her authority while ensuring the safety and well-being of patients. Communication, organization and human relations skills are emphasized on an ongoing basis throughout this subject.
CDOR 05: Dental Billing and Scheduling (60 hours)
This course is designed to introduce the student to automated dental billing software and procedures, including insurance documentation, treatment planning and estimates, patient financial plans, appointment control, recall systems, patient charts, medical and dental history, fee guides, codes, and fees.
Tuition fees for this program are due and payable at least 30 days prior to the cohort start date. Students with guaranteed funding arrangements will be exempt from this requirement provided that they produce documentary proof at least 30 days prior to the cohort start date.
All formats of the program are eligible for Canada Student Loans, other forms of government funding, and bank financing. However, students are responsible for making their own funding arrangements and are advised to contact the relevant funder well in advance of the start date to make an application.
Application and tuition fees for this program are as follows:
Application fee: $200 (Domestic Students) or $300 (International Students)
Tuition fee (Domestic): $3,300
Tuition fee (International): $4,290
Note: Tuition fees do not include the cost of the required textbooks.
Nicole Manalo is a 2008 Dental Assistant graduate from the SIAST Wascana Campus in Regina, Saskatchewan. She has gained many skills working as a treatment coordinator, dental receptionist, sterilization assistant, and as a dental assistant.
She continuously attends dental lectures and seminars to educate herself about the latest products and procedures in the dental industry. She has been acknowledged for her excellent manners, kindness, and patience when dealing with patients and team members in the dental office.
Nicole received her TESOL certification to teach English as a second language in 2004, and she looks forward to using her teaching skills and dental knowledge to help students with their careers in the dental field.
