This first course in the program is designed to present an overview of the dental profession including a brief history of dentistry, discussion of dental team members and their roles, legalities, ethics, continued competency and life-long learning. Additionally, a unit of dental and medical terminology provides the student with the basic “language of dentistry” for the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). This course is part of the Certified Dental Assisting (Distance) program.

The fundamentals and principles of microbiology and the responsibility of the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) for infection control are introduced in this course. Office experience and a detailed research project assist in the assimilation of the critical concepts. This course is part of the Certified Dental Assisting (Distance) program.

This course focuses on the supporting role of the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). Concepts and principles related to the preparation and the assisting phase of patient care are discussed. Dental equipment, instruments and armamentaria for a variety of dental procedures are introduced. This course is part of the Certified Dental Assisting (Distance) program.

This course provides an overview of body systems, head and neck anatomy, dental morphology and tooth development. Intra-oral effects of medical conditions and pharmaceuticals and the modification to dental treatment are explored. The Certified Dental Assistant's (CDA) role in determining and interpreting vital signs is also introduced. This course is part of the Certified Dental Assisting (Distance) program.

Health hazards in dentistry as well as protocols and procedures to assist in the prevention of medical emergencies for staff and patients are explored in this course. The role of the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) in dental office medical emergencies is also examined. Cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course certification is required prior to attending clinical courses. This course is part of the Certified Dental Assisting (Distance) program.

This course introduces the student to the causes and contributing factors of dental disease. Preventive materials, procedures and techniques and the role of the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) in the delivery of preventive therapies are emphasized. This course is part of the Certified Dental Assisting (Distance) program.

This course focuses on the procedures directly related to restorative dentistry and the Certified Dental Assistant’s (CDA) role. Dental equipment, instruments and armamentaria as well as the properties and manipulation of restorative dental materials are discussed. This course is part of the Certified Dental Assisting (Distance) program.

This on-site clinical course provides an opportunity for the student to integrate theory with clinical practice in the dental clinic and laboratory settings at Vancouver Community College. The course focuses on the independent role of both the chairside (non-licensed) and Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). Competencies are met through simulated manikin (SIM) and peer practice (PR). This course is part of the Dental Assisting - Certified (Distance Delivery) program.

This final on-site clinical course builds upon acquired skills and knowledge from Clinical Dental Assisting 1. Clinical Dental Assisting 2 provides an opportunity for the student to integrate previous and new theory with independent clinical practice in the dental clinic and laboratory settings at Vancouver Community College. The course focuses on the independent clinical role of the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). Competencies are met through simulated manikin (SIM) peer practice (PR) and patient care (PC). This course is part of the Dental Assisting - Certified (Distance Delivery) program.

Laboratory materials and techniques used in both commercial laboratories and dental offices are described in this course. The fabrication of dental prosthetics, appliances and trays and the Certified Dental Assistant's (CDA) role in their fabrication is discussed. This course is part of the Certified Dental Assisting (Distance) program.

This course provides an overview of the dental specialties. The role of the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), related dental equipment, instruments and armamentaria for dental specialty procedures are introduced. Patient management considerations are emphasized. This course is part of the Certified Dental Assisting (Distance) program.

An exploration of community dental health care, health promotion through group presentations and the role of the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) in the community are emphasized. Nutrition and nutritional counselling within the context of overall wellness and the prevention of dental diseases are examined. This course is part of the Dental Assisting - Certified (Distance Delivery) program.

In this course the student is introduced to dental office management and the role of the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). Treatment planning, accounts payable and receivable, dental insurance and payroll are discussed. This course is part of the Certified Dental Assisting (Distance) program.

This course provides the theoretical foundation for the direct patient care clinical procedures which may be authorized or delegated by a dentist to a Temporary or Practising Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) in BC. This course is part of the Dental Assisting - Certified (Distance Delivery) program.

This lecture course introduces the students to the history and current application of radiation in dentistry. The components, operation and variables of the dental x-ray machine are examined in tandem with the principles of radiation biology, safety and protection for patients and operators. Radiography prescription requirements, chart entries, quality assurance and image management are discussed. Digital and conventional intra and extra-oral radiographic technologies and various imaging techniques are explored. Principles for inspecting and assessing the oral cavity and dentition and the required modifications in exposure techniques are examined.

The clinical component of the course is delivered on-site at the VCC Dental Clinic. In the clinical setting, using digital and conventional technology and various techniques, competencies are met through simulated manikin (SIM), peer (PR) and patient care (PC) practice.

The course is individually tailored for National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Clinical Practice Evaluation (CPE) candidates with clinical skill deficiencies OR College of Dental Surgeons of BC (CDSBC) applicants for licensure and registration who do not meet the current BC standard. Course will be offered 4 times per year.