Get the Skills to Become a Dental Receptionist

Dental receptionist helping a client fill out a clipboard.
Dental Receptionists oversee all of the administrative duties in a dental office

Professional Dental Reception Training in as Little as 19 Weeks

Dental Receptionists play an essential role in managing a dental office’s administrative operations and serving as the first point of contact for patients. By taking care of administrative duties, they allow dentists and dental hygienists to focus on patient care.

 
  • Jul 28thDental Reception - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday: Dental Reception - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday Discovery Community College - Online Interested in starting a rewarding career in the dental industry? In as little as 19 weeks, you\'ll receive the medical knowledge and technical skills needed to succeed as a Dental Receptionist.https://discoverycommunitycollege.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AdobeStock_319526449.jpegDiscovery Community College
  • Sep 15thDental Reception - Tuesday - Friday: Dental Reception - Tuesday - Friday Discovery Community College - Online Interested in starting a rewarding career in the dental industry? In as little as 19 weeks, you\'ll receive the medical knowledge and technical skills needed to succeed as a Dental Receptionist.https://discoverycommunitycollege.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AdobeStock_319526449.jpegDiscovery Community College
The best way to see if Discovery Community College is the right fit for you is to see it for yourself. You can tour our facilities, get all your questions answered, and meet with both learners and instructors. Schedule a Tour Now or Get more info.

Why Upskilling is Essential in Today’s Job Market

Like many Canadians, you may be concerned about the rising cost of living and the need to find ways to increase your income potential. If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve, training to obtain new qualifications could be a great solution.

Discovery Community College is dedicated to offering convenient, supportive, and affordable career training. With a range of funding options available, there has never been a better time to invest in upskilling. Contact us today to learn how we can help you get ahead in today’s job market.


Dental Reception

19-Week Certificate

  • Expected Job Openings in BC (2022-2032): 2,610**
  • Occupations include Dental Receptionist, Dental Office Assistant

NOC – 13112

**https://www.workbc.ca/career-profiles/medical-administrative-assistants visited on March 20, 2026.

Becoming a Qualified Dental Receptionist

If you’re looking for a rewarding and fulfilling career, look no further than a career in dental reception.

During this program, you will learn:

  • Dental Terminology
  • Client Records
  • Dental Office Procedures
  • First Aid
  • And more!

Upon successful completion of this program, you will possess the skills, knowledge, and attitude of an entry-level Dental Receptionist to successfully begin your career in dental practice.

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 Receptionist Right for You? Take the Discovery Community College “Dental Receptionist 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 Career Training Readiness score now >>

Dental Reception Program

Dental Receptionist Curriculum Guide

Dental Receptionist Curriculum Guide w/CWE

After completing this program, you will have the skills, knowledge, and attitudes of entry-level dental receptionists to successfully begin their careers in dental practice.

Ready-to-work graduates of the Discovery Community College Dental Reception Program will have the following entry-level competencies to practice as a dental receptionist:

  • Theoretical knowledge of the oral cavity for educating patients, scheduling appointments, billing dental services, and communicating with health professionals.
  • Practical skills in keyboarding, business communication, conflict resolution, accounts receivable and payable, maintaining patient records, inventory control, and appointment scheduling using dental software.
  • Professionalism as demonstrated by the ability to communicate and work collaboratively with the oral health care team.
  • Maintain patient confidentiality and privacy.

This program is offered over 19 weeks, exclusive of statutory holidays. Trainees attend online classes 20 hours per week. Practicums, which are held in private dental practices, are based on an eight-hour workday.

Practicums may occur anywhere in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. Learners must supply their own transportation.

Applicants will complete a first aid workshop during the program.

 

Discovery Community College programs are not eligible for Post Graduate Work Permits (PGWPs).

Orientation Courses:

  • GO 901 Get Oriented (20 hours)
  • IT 701 Introduction to Computers (60 hours)
  • ES 501 Employability Skills (20 hours)

Subtotal: 100 hours / 5 weeks

Dental Reception Theory Courses:

  • DR 100 Business Communication (60 hours)
  • DR 101 Dental Terminology (60 hours)
  • DR 102 Client Records (60 hours)
  • DR 103 Dental Office Procedures (60 hours)

Subtotal: 240 hours / 12 weeks

Practicum:

  • DR 104 Practicum

2 weeks, 4 days a week, 8 hours per day Subtotal: 64 hours / 2 weeks

Total program: 404 hours / 19 weeks

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must meet the following requirements prior to acceptance into the program.

  • Grade 12 graduation from BC secondary school or equivalent*, or equivalent* from another school system, or be a mature applicant (19 years of age on the first day of class).
  • Satisfy one of the following language proficiency requirements:
    • Completion of three years of full-time secondary (grades 8-12), or two years if the grades are 10, 11, 12, in English, in a country where English is one of the principal languages **.
      • This may be demonstrated by providing a high school transcript, completion of a BC Adult Graduation program, or providing international education credentials recognized through WES, ICES, or IQAS.
    • Completion of two years of full-time post-secondary education, in English, in a country where English is one of the principal languages ** (includes international education credentials recognized through WES, ICES, IQAS.)
      • Language development courses (i.e., ELL courses) cannot be included in this calculation.
    • Provide verified results for one of the English language proficiency tests listed below. Test results must be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program.

Mature student applicants.

  • If the applicant is 19 years or older at the start of the program and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who cannot access their educational records or provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education as described above, then:
    • Provide attestation that they have 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 (Next Generation Reading, Writing, WritePlacer) with these minimum scores:
      • Reading 230
      • Writing 230
      • WritePlacer 4

English language proficiency tests.

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS academic, IELTS general, IELTS academic online)
    • Overall score of 5.5 minimum
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition)
    • Overall score of 46 minimum
  • Canadian Academic English language Assessment (CAEL or CAEL Online)
    • Overall score of 40 minimum
  • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP General or CELPIP Online)
    • Scores of listening 6, speaking 6, reading 5, writing 5 minimum
  • Duolingo English test (DET)
    • Overall score of 95 minimum
  • Pearson test of English (PTE) academic
    • Overall score of 43 minimum
  • Cambridge English qualifications B2 first exam (FCE)
    • Overall score of 160 or “C” minimum
  • Cambridge linguaskill
    • Overall level of B2 minimum
  • LanguageCert academic
    • Overall level of B2 minimum
  • The Michigan English test (MET)
    • Overall level of B2 minimum
  • iTep academic
    • Overall score of 3.5 minimum
  • Eiken
    • Placement of Grade Pre-1 minimum

Applicants must meet with a DCC Admissions Advisor and complete the required documents.

*Equivalent:

For detailed information about equivalencies please speak with your DCC Admissions Advisor.

**Countries list:

For the list of countries where English is one of the principal languages speak to your DCC admissions advisor.

Criminal Record Checks
Discovery Community College will submit each applicant’s criminal record check (CRC) on-line to the Criminal
Record Review Program (CRRP). The status of the CRC does not automatically prevent an applicant from
attending this program. However, any CRC that reveals “relevant” offences may make it difficult or impossible
to place the student in a practicum. Students who cannot be placed in a practicum cannot graduate from this
program and will be withdrawn.

Dental Reception Domestic Fees:

Application Fee: $125.00
Criminal Record Check: $28.00
Tech Fee: $95.00
Tuition: $8,244.01
Textbooks: $286.75
Supplies: $15.00
Total: $8,809.90

Dental Reception International Fees:

Application Fee: $175.00
Criminal Record Check: $28.00
Tech Fee: $95.00
Tuition: $10,717.21
Textbooks: $286.75
Supplies: $15.00
Total: $11,333.10

Practical Experience

As a learner in the Discovery Community College Dental Reception program, you’ll train hands-on during a 2-week practicum at a variety of private dental practices in the community. Practicums are an excellent way to gain real-world experience, make important industry connections and try different aspects of the profession before you complete this program.

Convenient Learning Options

At Discovery Community College, you don’t have to put your life on hold to start career training. We offer accessible learning including on-campus, online and blended on-campus and online learning options.

Is a Rewarding Career as a Dental Receptionist Right for You?

If you’re interested in learning more about Dental Reception training and exploring whether this might be the career path for you, fill out the form on this page.

Our friendly and knowledgeable Career Advisors are also happy to answer any questions you have and can help with everything from courses, to job outlook, to helping you find ways to reduce, or even pay for, your tuition.

To speak with an Admissions Rep right away, give us a call at 1-877-315-5241.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Dental Receptionist program at Discovery Community College cover?

This dental receptionist program trains students in the administrative and communication skills essential for managing the front office of a dental clinic. The curriculum includes appointment scheduling, billing, dental insurance processing, dental software systems, and patient relations. Students also learn key dental terminology to effectively communicate with clinical staff and patients.

Can I take a dental receptionist course online in BC?

Yes. Discovery offers the dental receptionist course online, in-person, or in a blended format—making it accessible to students across British Columbia who want flexibility in how they study.

Is this a certified dental receptionist program?

Yes. Upon completion, students receive a Dental Receptionist Certificate from Discovery Community College, which qualifies them for entry-level administrative roles in dental clinics, orthodontic offices, and other oral health settings. While this is not a provincially regulated certification, it is widely recognized by employers across BC due to the college’s strong regional reputation and career-focused training.

How long is the Dental Receptionist course?

The program can be completed in approximately 19 weeks. It includes both theoretical instruction and hands-on training using dental office software, ensuring students graduate with real-world skills in patient communication, scheduling, administrative coordination, and a practicum.

Where is the program offered in BC?

The dental receptionist course is available at Discovery’s campuses in Surrey and Campbell River, as well as online. This provides multiple options for students looking to become dental receptionists anywhere in BC.

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