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Get the Skills to Become a Dental Office Administrator

Dental Office Administrator working behind the desk of a dentist office.
Dental Office Administrators make sure that the office runs smoothly so the dental staff can focus on patient care

25-Week* Dental Office Administrator Training Program in British Columbia

Dental Office Administrators help ensure that a dental office functions efficiently while providing a professional, friendly point of communication for patients. Professionals in this role make sure that the office runs smoothly so the dental staff can focus on patient care and dental treatment.

If you’re interested in a rewarding career in the dental field and enjoy working with and helping others, a career as a Dental Office Administrator could be a great fit for you.

The best way to see if Cambria College is the right fit for you is to come in and visit the school. You can tour our facilities, and meet with both students and instructors. Book an Appointment Now or Get more info.

Dental Office Administration Overview

25-Week* Diploma | $43,798 median annual salary**

  • Expected Job Openings in BC (2023-2033): 8,780**
  • Graduates hired by medical and dental centres
  • Advance into Dental Assisting, Office Management and much more!


**https://www.workbc.ca/career-profiles/receptionists visited on May 30, 2024. Salary source for receptionists in British Columbia with lowest 10% earning $34,840 to the highest 10% of workers earning $56,160.

Training to Become a Qualified Dental Office Administrator

The Dental Office Administrator program is designed to prepare students for an exciting and challenging career. Students will gain knowledge of dental terminology, billing procedures, appointment management, insurance company protocols, and telephone and communication skills. Students will have hands-on training working with some of the industry’s best dental software.

This program is eligible for up to $3,000 in scholarships.

Is a Career as a Dental Office Administrator Right for You? Take the Cambria College “Dental Office Administrator Career Training Readiness Quiz”

This fun, online quiz takes 3-minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get Your Dental Office Administrator Career Training Readiness Score Now >>

Practical On-The-Job Training

At Cambria College, we believe that you should not only complete training with theoretical knowledge, but with real experience in the industry. That’s why students in the Dental Office Administrator program will complete a 100-hour practicum placement during their training.

Your practicum enables you to apply what you’ve learned in a real setting and gain not only experience to put on your resume, but also industry connections, references, and confidence.

Course Breakdown
Course No.Course NameHours
001Microsoft Word60
002Microsoft Excel40
003Dental Science Foundations80
004Charting and Record Keeping40
005Dental Office Admin Procedures20
006Dental Insurance20
007Dental Office Financial Systems40
008Dental Office Software Management60
009Standard First Aid/CPR/AED and WHMIS20
010Infection Control in the Dental Practice20
011Career and Employment Strategies20
012Practicum100
Total520

Program Duration

Total Program Hours
(including work experience hours)		520
Work Experience hours100
Total Program Weeks24*

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements prior to acceptance into the 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; Overall IELTS 5.0 or equivalent.
  • Pass the College’s English Assessment test

Learning Objectives

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

  • Greet individuals coming into the dental offices, 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.

Program Fees

Domestic Students: 

  • Application Fee: $250
  • Assessment Fee: $100
  • Tuition: $8,115
  • Textbooks: $330
  • Course Materials: $155
  • Others: $50

Total: $9,000

International Students: 

  • Application Fee: $500
  • Assessment Fee: $250
  • Tuition: $10,765
  • Textbooks: $330
  • Course Materials: $155
  • Others: $50

Total: $12,050

Career Opportunities in Dental Office Administration

Dental Office Administrators can find employment in some of the following areas classified under NOC 1414:

  • Dental offices/clinics
  • Dental specialist offices
  • Dental distribution companies
  • Dental departments within hospital settings
  • Education facilities

This program is approved by the Private Training Institution Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.

Rewarding Career as a Dental Office Administrator

If you’re interested in learning more about careers in Dental Office Administration and exploring whether Cambria College is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.

For immediate questions, call your nearest Cambria College location today.

Richmond: (604) 242-4000
Surrey: (604) 416-5522
Vancouver: (604) 428-7500
Victoria: (778) 265-7547

*Program length when completed in normal time