Expand Your Career With
Orthodontic Skills
Advance Your Career With the Dental Orthodontics Module
If you’re an experienced Licensed Dental Assistant, orthodontic training can prepare you to take on more responsibilities and support a wider range of patient care.
Discovery Community College’s Dental Orthodontics Module combines online theory with supervised clinical training at our Surrey campus. You’ll learn essential orthodontic concepts before practising techniques with manikins and your peers under the supervision of a registered orthodontist.
After successfully completing the module, you can apply to the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) for an orthodontic designation.
Program Approval
Dental Orthodontics Module was reviewed and approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
- Aug 2ndDental Orthodontics Module: Dental Orthodontics Module Discovery Community College - Surrey 10040 King George Boulevard Surrey BC Caanda V3T 2W4 The Dental Imaging Module prepares you to advance your existing dental career by becoming proficient in dental radiography. You will learn to take X-ray images of patients' teeth and jaws.https://discoverycommunitycollege.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/DCC-Orthodontics.webpDiscovery Community College
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Specialized Training That Fits Your Career
You’ve already built a foundation in dental assisting. This focused module can help you add valuable orthodontic skills without completing another full-length diploma program.
The theory portion is delivered asynchronously online, making it easier to fit your studies around work and other responsibilities. You’ll then put what you’ve learned into practice during focused clinical training at DCC’s Surrey campus.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you get ahead in today’s job market.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements prior to acceptance into the program:
- Licensure. Provide proof of current full certification as a Licensed Dental Assistant (LDA) with the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).
- Clinical experience. Have at least one year of clinical experience as a Licensed Dental Assistant.
- English-language proficiency. Meet one of the three options described under English-Language Proficiency below.
- Authorization form. Submit a signed dental authorization form allowing intraoral peer practice and evaluation.
- Admission documentation. Meet with a DCC Administrator to complete the required admission documentation.
- Suitability review. Meet with the Dental Program Educator to determine suitability for the module.
Please note: One year of experience equals 1,600 hours. Before April 1, 2026, the title Licensed Dental Assistant (LDA) was Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).
English-Language Proficiency
Applicants must meet one of the following three options.
Option 1 — Secondary education in English
Successfully completed three years of full-time secondary education in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages.
- Two years may qualify if the completed grades are Grades 10, 11 and 12.
- This may be demonstrated through a high school transcript, completion of a BC Adult Graduation program, or international education credentials recognized through WES, ICES or IQAS.
Option 2 — Post-secondary education in English
Successfully completed two years of full-time post-secondary education in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages.
- International education credentials recognized through WES, ICES or IQAS may be accepted.
- Language-development courses, including ELL courses, cannot be included.
Option 3 — Approved English-language proficiency test
Provide verified results from one of the approved tests below. Results must be dated no more than two years before the program start date.
| Approved test | Minimum result |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic or IELTS Academic Online | 5.5 overall |
| TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition taken before January 21, 2026 | 46 overall |
| TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition taken on or after January 21, 2026 | 3 overall |
| CAEL or CAEL Online | 40 overall |
| CELPIP General or CELPIP Online | 6 listening, 6 speaking, 5 reading, 5 writing |
| Duolingo English Test | 95 overall |
| PTE Academic | 43 overall |
| Cambridge English B2 First | 160 overall, or grade C |
| Cambridge Linguaskill | B2 overall |
| LanguageCert Academic | B2 overall |
| Michigan English Test | B2 overall |
| iTEP Academic | 3.5 overall |
| Eiken | Grade Pre-1 |
Mature applicant pathway
Applicants who are 19 years of age or older at the start of the program and are Canadian citizens or permanent residents may follow the mature applicant pathway if they cannot access their educational records or provide sufficient evidence of the secondary or post-secondary education described above.
Mature applicants must:
- Confirm that they completed at least three years of full-time instruction in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages; and
- Complete an Accuplacer English Assessment with minimum scores of 230 in Reading, 230 in Writing and 4 in WritePlacer.
The Licence Committee of the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) has approved recognition of Discovery Community College’s Dental Orthodontics Module. Students who successfully complete the module may apply to BCCOHP for an orthodontic designation.
NOC – 33100
Students will:
- Explain the history and objectives of orthodontic treatment.
- Describe types of malocclusion and the orthodontic treatment-planning process.
- Demonstrate the sterilization and use of orthodontic instruments.
- Use diagnostic records, including taking intraoral and extraoral photographs.
- Apply appropriate materials to irritating orthodontic components.
- Remove irritating orthodontic components.
- Place and remove orthodontic separators.
- Remove excess adhesive following banding, bonding, debanding or debonding procedures using appropriate instruments.
- Remove orthodontic bands and bonded attachments using appropriate hand instruments.
- Instruct patients on the use and care of orthodontic appliances.
- Prepare teeth for orthodontic bands and bonded attachments.
- Fit, place and light-cure orthodontic bands or bondable attachments under the required supervision.
- Fit and adjust orthodontic appliances and archwires under the required supervision.
- Place and ligate archwires following assessment by an authorized dentist.
- Remove ligating materials and archwires.
Some procedures must be assessed or supervised by an authorized dentist in accordance with BCCOHP requirements.
Discovery Community College programs are not eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs).
The Dental Orthodontics Module combines flexible online learning with in-person clinical training at DCC’s Surrey campus.
- Online Theory (25 hours): Orthodontic Fundamentals is delivered asynchronously through Microsoft Office 365 Teams.
- In-Person Clinical Training (24 hours): Orthodontic Clinical Applications takes place at DCC’s Surrey campus dental clinic. Students gain hands-on experience through manikin and peer practice under the direct supervision of a registered orthodontist.
Total Program Length: 49 hours
Students must successfully complete the online theory course before beginning their in-person clinical training.
Domestic Fees:
Registration Fee: $125.00
Tuition: $2,421.84
Technology Fee: $50.00
Lab Fee: $40.00
Textbooks: $0.00
Supplies: $0.00
Other Fees: $0.00
GST on Books & Supplies (5%): $0.00
PST on Supplies (7%): $0.00
Total: $2,636.84
Additional requirements not included in the quote: Gloves, mask, safety glasses, safety shoes, and scrubs.
Build Practical Orthodontic Skills
The Dental Orthodontics Module prepares experienced Licensed Dental Assistants to expand their skills and take on additional responsibilities in orthodontic practice.
After successfully completing the module, graduates can apply to the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) for an orthodontic designation. This additional training supports opportunities to assist dentists and orthodontists with specialized orthodontic procedures and patient care.
Intended career occupation: Dental Assistant (NOC 33100), with additional training in orthodontic assisting.
What You’ll Learn
You’ll learn to:
- Explain the goals of orthodontic treatment.
- Recognize types of malocclusion and understand treatment planning.
- Sterilize and use orthodontic instruments.
- Help create diagnostic records, including intraoral and extraoral photographs.
- Apply and remove materials used to address irritating orthodontic components.
- Place and remove orthodontic separators.
- Remove excess adhesive after orthodontic procedures.
- Remove bands and bonded attachments using appropriate instruments.
- Prepare teeth for bands and bonded attachments.
- Fit and adjust orthodontic appliances and archwires.
- Place and remove ligating materials and archwires.
- Teach patients how to use and care for their orthodontic appliances.
Some procedures require assessment or supervision by an authorized dentist in accordance with BCCOHP requirements.
How You’ll Be Evaluated
Your progress will be assessed throughout the module using the evaluation methods described in each course outline.
The passing grade is 70%, except for courses evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis. You must successfully complete both courses to graduate.
There has never been more funding for career training than there is right now. A variety of funding opportunities may be available to you, including WorkBC, Student Aid BC, and employment grants. An experienced Financial Aid Representative is available to answer any questions you may have, can assist with potential funding applications and help you discover the best options for your specific needs.
Is a Career as a Dental Assistant Right for You? Take the Discovery Community College “Dental Assistant 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 Assistant career training readiness score now >>