Get the Skills to Become a Dental Office Administrator

Program Duration

Applicants must meet the following requirements prior to acceptance into the Dental Office Administration program:

1. High School Graduate or equivalent OR mature student status (19 years or older prior to starting the program)
2. Meet one of the following English Language Proficiency requirements:

• Minimum Grade 12 English (Domestic Students)
• For English as second language students:
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: overall score of 5.5 or higher.
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT: overall score of 46 or higher
  • Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test: overall score of 40 or higher
  • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): minimum score of Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5 and Writing 5
  • Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE) overall score of 160 or higher
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): overall score of 43 or higher
  • Duolingo English Test (DTE): overall score of 95 or higher

Upon successful completion of this program, you will be able to:

• Greet individuals coming into the dental office, direct them to the appropriate contact and provide general information in person or by phone.
• Be able to complete general clerical duties and maintain front desk security.
• Schedule and confirm appointments and receive and communicate messages between the dental team and the patient.
• Respond to telephone calls, or electronic or forward correspondence to appropriate person.
• Enter and format electronic documents and reports.
• Prepare spreadsheets and documents for review.
• Photocopy, fax and mail appropriate documentation as required.
• Sort and file documents according to filing system, locate and retrieve documents as required and maintain files appropriately.
• Process incoming and outgoing mail both manually and electronically.
• Interview patients to complete forms, documents, and case histories.
• Complete insurance and other claim forms.
• Initiate and maintain confidential medical files and records.
• Prepare financial statements and billing reports.
• Order supplies and maintain inventory.
• Perform basic bookkeeping for example prepare invoices or bank deposits.

This Dental Office Administration course equips you with a variety of skills that are essential for managing a dental practice. Skills include:

• Dental Terminology
• Patient Scheduling
• Office Management
• Patient Records Management
• Billing and Insurance Procedures
• Standard First Aid/CPR/AED and WHMIS

No, previous experience in healthcare is not required for this Admin Dental Office program.

This program prepares you for managing the administrative side of a dental practice in several ways:

• Understanding Dental Terminology and Procedures: The program will teach you dental terminology and give you a basic understanding of dental procedures. This knowledge is crucial when communicating with patients, insurance companies, and other healthcare providers.
• Patient Management: You’ll learn how to manage patient appointments, maintain patient records, and handle patient communication effectively. This includes scheduling appointments, managing cancellations, and ensuring the efficient flow of patients through the practice.
• Billing and Insurance: The program will cover dental billing and insurance procedures. You’ll learn how to process insurance claims, handle billing, and understand the financial aspects of a dental practice.

While the Dental Office Administration program does not include an internship opportunity, you will gain hands-on, practical training working with dental software that you will encounter on the job.

The job outlook for Dental Office Administrators is positive. As the population ages, there will be increased demand for dental services, as older adults typically have more dental health needs. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on preventive dental care and maintaining oral health, which increases the demand for dental services.