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Diploma Program

Dental Office Administration

Diploma

43 weeks

Qualified Instructors

This program can be offered at the campus(es) below. Please contact the campus of your choosing for program availability and delivery methods.

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In Person (On Campus)

Employment Rate

97%

*Jan-Dec 2023, CDI College AB;

Average Wage

$26 /hour

*alis.alberta.ca; 2024;

Master the fundamentals of Dental Office Administration

The Dental Office Administration program trains you for a career as a dental office administrator. It covers dental terminology, billing, appointment management, insurance protocols, professional communication skills and more. This comprehensive program also includes hands-on training in dental software and a 100-hour practicum for real-world experience - so you can excel in your future healthcare career!

  • MICROSOFT 365
  • MEDICAL EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
  • CPR/FIRST AID/WHMIS
  • KEYBOARDING
  • MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
  • OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
  • INSURANCE AND BILLING 
  • DENTAL SCIENCES
  • CHARTING AND RECORDS MANAGEMENT
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Licensed Program

CDI College Alberta programs are licensed under the Private Vocational Training Act in the province of Alberta.

Program Intro Background

Program Courses

Student Success Strategies

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The purpose of this course is to provide students with the knowledge, skills and study techniques to help foster effective learning and a positive educational experience. This course explores two components of learning styles, Multiple Intelligence-based theory and Personality Spectrum – MBTI-based theory, and how learning styles and personality types affect learning. The course will cover the importance of values, their relationship to goals and goal setting. Strategies for setting personal goals, prioritizing tasks, managing time, and the stress that results from study or work situations will be explored and practiced through active participation in learner-centred activities. Effective study habits, techniques for preparing for tests and productive note taking strategies are key topics of this course that will provide the students with the necessary skills and attitudes to be successful in school. Having a sound understanding of financial, money, credit and debt matters and their implication on our lives is critical knowledge to have. Students taking this course will benefit from completing the Financial Management Workshops, which provides comprehensive coverage of financial and money management skills that will allow them to better save, budget, and manage their money and financial situations.

Microsoft Outlook

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This course explores information management using Microsoft Outlook 365. It will present the Microsoft Outlook application interface, tools and features. You will learn about the fundamentals of an e-mail application, scheduling and calendars, contact lists, creating forwarding and managing messages. This course relies heavily on hands-on practical activities that allow you to learn the concepts by practicing them on a regular basis.

Microsoft Word

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This course introduces the students to word processing with Microsoft 365: Word. Relying very heavily on a hands-on practical training approach, students learn by doing through skills based simulations, training and assessments. The course starts with an overview of Microsoft 365 where you will learn about the common features of the Office applications and file management fundamentals. The course then focuses on the core features of Microsoft Word where students learn proper document formatting, organization and editing using the tools and features of the ribbon. The course will then continue with more advanced topics such as working with tables, lists, objects, templates footnotes and endnotes and mail merges. Finally, the course will explore the collaboration features of Word that allow users to share and collaborate on documents through the use of track changes, sharing and reviewing and the use of OneDrive.

Microsoft Excel

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This course introduces the students to spreadsheets with Microsoft Excel 2016. Relying very heavily on a hands-on practical training approach, students learn by doing through skills based simulations, training and assessments. The course starts with an overview of spreadsheets and how to use the common features and functions of Microsoft Excel. The course then focuses on the core features of Microsoft Excel where students learn how to enter and format data and use the various functions and formulas to manage and manipulate the data. The course will then continue with more advanced topics such as performing quantitative analysis with logical, lookup and various mathematical and financial functions. Depicting data visually is an important feature of Excel. Students will learn how to work with charts in Excel to produce a variety of different charts based on data housed in a spreadsheet. Finally students will learn to handle large volumes of data with DataSets and tables.

Professional Skills

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This course is designed to equip students with interpersonal skills identified by employers as essential for success in the professional world. Using a variety of instructional methods including case studies, group exercises, and discussion, students learn and practice key communication skills.

  • Customer Service
  • Team Building
  • Presentation Skills
  • Personal Marketing Skills

Medical Emergency and First Aid Procedures, CPR and WHMIS

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This course provides students with the knowledge and skills that are required to recognize and prevent medical and dental emergencies within a pharmacy/medical/dental office. It will prepare students to assist the physician /dentist/ pharmacist in administering immediate care for the client in the medical office environment. Students also participate in CPR-first aid training. Lectures, reading assignments, and laboratory projects will provide a basic understanding of medical emergencies and the role of the office assistant in assisting with the administration of care used in the office. This information permits the student to interpret and relay information and to communicate to the health care team and emergency workers. Canadian law requires that any person exposed to hazardous materials in the workplace must be trained in the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). This course has been developed to meet and exceed the Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. WHMIS 2015 training includes the new Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling for chemicals (GHS), as well as WHMIS legislation introduced in 1988. Subjects include:  Typical medical emergencies  Roles of individuals in emergencies  CPR training and certification  First Aid Level 1 certification  WHMIS training

Keyboarding

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This course gives the student an introduction to the fundamentals of keyboarding. This course will help the students reinforce their English language skills and develop their ability to key and compose information, develop the proper keyboarding techniques and skills, The gradual pace of this course will help the students develop both speed and accuracy while applying the proper keyboarding techniques and position. Students will also develop their proofreading techniques, and improve their word processing techniques in a windows environment. Students must achieve a speed of 50 words per minute.

Health Care Communications

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Learning basic communication skills especially relating to the medical field will assist the student in dealing with all patients. Understanding cultural differences and encouraging diversity can add a new dimension and safer patient healthcare delivery to the medical office.

Medical Language I

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Medicine, like other professions, has its own language. Students will learn to work with the specialized terminology of medicine, including the pronunciation and spelling of terms to describe medical circumstances and situations. Students will learn through descriptions, illustrations and exercises to identify the major anatomical features and systems of the body and the common pathologies, which can adversely affect these systems.

Medical Language II

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In the second level of the course, students will learn the medical language including: Urologist – the urinary system, Endocrinologist – the endocrine system, Neurologist – the nervous system, Otolaryngologist – the special senses – ear and eye, Gynecology and Obstetrics – the female reproductive systems, Genitourinary – the male reproductive system.

Dental Sciences Foundations

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This course introduces the students to dentistry and the dental team. In this course, students will learn prefixes and suffixes used in the formation of medical and dental words while building a medical-dental vocabulary. Students will learn detailed anatomy of the head and examine the normal development of the oral cavity and teeth. Topics include:  Tooth morphology  General anatomy of the tooth and periodontium  Eruption schedules – primary and permanent  Types of occlusion  Anatomy of the head  Numbering systems  Preventive dentistry  Oral health

Dental Insurance

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Following dental reception and office procedures training, this course expands into an overview of dental insurance. The course provides students with the knowledge and skills related to the use of provincial dental fee guides and claims terminology. Topics will include dental benefits and identifying parties affected by dental benefits. This course will also teach students how to perform all tasks associated with preparing dental claim forms. This will include paper claim forms and predeterminations. The course introduces the student to common dental benefits, benefit limitations, exclusions, coordination of benefits and determining order of liability. Other topics will include assignment of benefits, copayments, calculating copayments and explanation of benefits.

Charting and Records Management

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Students begin this course with an introduction to ethics and protecting the privacy of dental clients. This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to maintain patient records. Topics will include patient registration, health history forms, records retention and records transfer. Students will learn symbols and abbreviations used in clinical charts and practice entering existing conditions and recording treatment procedures on a clinical chart.

Financial Systems

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This course will teach students how to perform all tasks associated with basic office bookkeeping. Students will learn financial systems used in a dental office including accounts receivable and accounts payable. The course also covers establishing financial arrangements, payrolls basics, petty cash, debit and credit transactions, daily banking and bank reconciliation. Other topics include marketing the dental practice.

Dental Software Management

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Students are introduced to dental software packages commonly used in offices and facilities. The software functions include patient registration, appointment booking, billing, reconciliations, and records management. The course also describes the various reports used in dental office bookkeeping in a computerized system.

Career & Employment Strategies

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In addition to learning career-oriented skills, students learn how to get a job in their chosen profession. Our Employment Services department will assist the graduate in resume writing, as well as preparing for job interviews. Our staff is sensitive to current job market trends and the needs of employers in each local market.
Our graduates receive guidance and training to use career tools that help job seekers build a better resume and cover letter, manage an online portfolio, hone interviewing skills, and develop a personal brand online.
Students will have the use of a computer lab which has unlimited Internet access, as well as job search resources. Facilitators will also be made available to advise on job finding resources, interview skills and techniques and to carry out mock interviews.

This course also looks at the planning, preparation, execution, and follow-up stages of an interview:

  • How people find jobs
  • Employer expectations
  • Presenting an enthusiastic attitude
  • Focusing on the right job and the hidden job market
  • Transferrable skills
  • Thank you letters
  • Effective telemarketing
  • Handling objections, self-confidence, and self-esteem
  • Individual counselling and coaching

Practicum

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Students will be placed in actual work places related to their field of study and will be expected to act as a regular employee in order to gain the valuable real world experience that so many employers seek. Students are encouraged to find their own work experience placement; however, once placed, continuation in that placement is mandatory.

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Admission

Benefits of this program

Employment Opportunities

  • Standard Admissions
    • Alberta high school diploma or equivalent verified by transcript or DAR
    • Provide a CRC/Immunization disclaimer (form provided by the college)

 

  • Mature Admissions
    • Be at least 18 years of age prior to admission (19 for out of province)
    • Provide a CRC/Immunization disclaimer (form provided by the college)
    • Successful completion of the CDI College admissions test
  • Transfer your skills to a range of dental and medical office settings
  • Get real-world, hands-on training
  • Thrive in a supportive community with classmates, instructors, and support staff
  • Learn day to day operations of a dental office
  • Experience an unmatched level of support from our Student Services department
  • Get proficient dealing with insurance and billing processes
  • Receive assistance finding jobs and creating resumes from our Career Services team
  • Dental Specialist Offices
  • Dental Distribution Companies
  • Dental departments Within Hospital Settings
  • Standard Admissions
    • Alberta high school diploma or equivalent verified by transcript or DAR
    • Provide a CRC/Immunization disclaimer (form provided by the college)

 

  • Mature Admissions
    • Be at least 18 years of age prior to admission (19 for out of province)
    • Provide a CRC/Immunization disclaimer (form provided by the college)
    • Successful completion of the CDI College admissions test
  • Transfer your skills to a range of dental and medical office settings
  • Get real-world, hands-on training
  • Thrive in a supportive community with classmates, instructors, and support staff
  • Learn day to day operations of a dental office
  • Experience an unmatched level of support from our Student Services department
  • Get proficient dealing with insurance and billing processes
  • Receive assistance finding jobs and creating resumes from our Career Services team
  • Dental Specialist Offices
  • Dental Distribution Companies
  • Dental departments Within Hospital Settings
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Industry Certifications

Gain a distinct advantage by earning industry-recognized certifications that validate your expertise and skills in key areas such as digital marketing, project management, and CRM. Our program prepares you to succeed, whether you're advancing, switching careers, or starting your own business. Invest in yourself and join a community of certified professionals shaping the digital economy.

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Industry Leading Employers

Our extensive network and reputation for excellence ensure that graduates are in high demand in today's competitive job market. Prepare to excel in sought-after roles with renowned companies and unlock limitless career opportunities. Elevate your career trajectory and secure your future with our program tailored to meet the demands of industry leaders.

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Hear From Our Graduates

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I just finished my Dental diploma here, and it was a great experience. The staff there are so supportive and make sure that everyone has what they need to succeed. I loved my class and felt like everyone really clicked, which made the course really enjoyable.

Katelyn G.

Dental Program Graduate

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 I love the instructors. They're amazing at what they do and super supportive. I feel very confident walking into my new career with the knowledge they have given me. I would highly recommend this college to anyone! 

Courtney V.

Dental Program Graduate

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