- Standard Admission
- High school graduation or equivalent
- Mature Admissions
- 19 years of age upon starting classes
- Pass CDI College's admissions test
Certificate Program
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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Distance (Online)
Employment Rate
86%
*Jan-Dec 2023, CDI College;
Median Wage
$23 /hour
*Jobbank.gc.ca; 2024;
The Dental Reception Program includes hands-on training with dental professionals from the industry.
Get the in-demand training you need to help keep busy dental offices running smoothly. In under a year, this 100% Online program program will give you the specialized skills to get hired in various dental industry environments.
You learn how to obtain patients' dental records, bill patients, handle payments, order dental supplies, take dental radiographs, and so much more!
This program is approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of British Columbia. CDI College is designated by the Education Quality Assurance (EQA).
Student Success Strategies
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.
Introduction to Computers
This course introduces the students to the basic elements of using a computer with an emphasis on the functionality of an operating system and tasks related to file management and word processing. Relying very heavily on a hands-on practical training approach, students learn by doing through skills based
simulations, training and assessments. The course provides an overview of Microsoft 365 where you will learn about the common features of the 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.
Health Care Communication & Interpersonal Skills
This is a specially designed course for the new health care professional in the medical field. In business, as in other interpersonal contacts, the impression formed is in the first 10- 15 seconds and is crucial to the success of the relationship. The importance of the customer and of customer relations to business success is examined through case studies and roleplaying. Students learn relevant techniques of human behaviour and how they may be applied to improve customer relations in the medical office. 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 health care delivery to the medical office. Some topics covered in this course include demonstrating respect in the health care field to co-workers/patients/clients, legal issues such as “The Scope of the MOA’s Realm,” defusing angry patients/customers, and customer values and how to deliver those values. Being knowledgeable about these topics keeps customers coming back due to excellent customer service skills
Dental Sciences Foundations
In this course, students will explore medical-dental language and dental terminology while learning the oral structures and facial anatomy, the general anatomy of the tooth and the eruption schedules for both primary and permanent dentition and tooth numbering systems. The course will also cover the introductory knowledge as a pre-requisite to the Dental Radiography course. The course will also provide a basic understanding of dental specialties and their unique requirements within the dental practice. This information permits the student to understand the importance and unique requirements of dental knowledge and equipment used in the specialty practices.
Dental Emergency Procedures
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills that are required to recognize and prevent medical and dental emergencies within the dental office. It will prepare students to assist the dentist in administering immediate care for the patient in the dental office environment. Students also participate in CPR/First Aid training. Lectures and reading assignments will provide a basic understanding of medical emergencies and the role of the dental assistant in assisting with the administration of care used in the dental office. This information permits the student to interpret and relay information and to communicate on the dentist, and emergency workers.
Dental Infection Control and Safety
This module will provide students with knowledge of the practices for infection control in dentistry. This course will cover terminology as it relates to the study of disease transmission and infection control and safety, chain of infection, methods of prevention and control of transmission of microorganisms, principles and techniques of disinfection and sterilization and processing of dental instruments, safety and workplace management of hazardous wastes. Emphasis on how to adapt federal, provincial and CDI clinic infection control and safety guidelines and recommendations will also be discussed. The course will also provide didactic background as pre-requisite knowledge for Dental Radiography building on the principles of infection control and safety. Students will also complete the WHMIS module as part of this course.
Charting and Records Management
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 practise entering existing conditions and recording treatment procedures on a clinical chart.
Dental Reception Procedures
This course presents complete and accurate coverage of the basic skills needed to perform effectively as a dental receptionist and will provide students with the knowledge and skills related to dental reception procedures. Topics will include the daily routines and tasks of an office, telephone, developing client communication skills and the basic steps in filing. Students will practise appointment management, and establish continuing-care systems.
This course will also teach students various formatting styles to written communication, inventory systems, and time management. Other topics include becoming familiar with dental specialties and become acquainted with types of drugs commonly prescribed in a dental office.
Dental Insurance
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.
Dental Software Management
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.
Topics in this course also include:
Career & Employment Strategies
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:
Admission
Benefits of this program
Employment Opportunities
Admission
Benefits of this program
Employment Opportunities
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.
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.
The dental instructors here are absolutely incredible. They're so motivating and encourage us to work together. Every day, I feel like I'm making progress.
Jennifer T.
Dental Program Graduate
I just finished the dental program at CDI College, and it was a great experience. The courses are challenging, but the instructors are supportive and ensure 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