Purpose

The Certified Dental Assisting Program (onsite) provides graduates with the knowledge and practical experience to enter a career as a Practising Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). Graduates will acquire the specialized knowledge, skills and attitudes to function as a dental health team member with dependent, interrelated and independent roles.

Duration

The Certified Dental Assisting Program is 10 months in length. Students must complete the program within three years. Please refer to Student Handbook for conditions for re-admission to the program.

Learning Outcomes

 

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

1. Apply the Standards of Practice and bylaws of the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia for CDA practice to provide safe and competent patient care.

2. Apply the process of evidence-informed CDA practice.

3. Integrate knowledge and critical thinking skills in CDA practice.

4. Use problem-solving strategies and decision-making processes in CDA practice.

5. Integrate ethics and professionalism into CDA practice.

6. Demonstrate professional responsibility and accountability in CDA practice.

7. Demonstrate use of self-reflection to improve care and ensure quality CDA practice.

Admission Requirements

• Grade 12 graduation or equivalent.*
• English Language Proficiency as demonstrated by one of the following:*
  • English 12 with a minimum ‘B’ grade, or equivalent
    or
  • English Language Proficiency at an English 12 ‘B’ level
• Either Biology 11 or Biology 12 (human biology recommended) or equivalent.**

*  Students who have completed the Vancouver Community College Dental Reception Coordinator program are exempt from these admission requirements.

** Students who have completed the Vancouver Community College Dental Reception Coordinator program and/or students who have completed the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia Provincial Radiography credential are exempt from this admission requirement. 

Program Requirements

Plan of Study Grid

Term One		Credits
DENT 1501	Prep for Practice Theory 1	3
DENT 1502	Patient Assessment Theory 1	2
DENT 1503	Plan, Implemen & Eval Theory 1	3
DENT 1504	Clinical Practice 1	7.5
DENT 1505	Dental Radiography 1	2
	Credits	17.5
Term Two
DENT 2991	Prep for Practice Theory 2	3
DENT 2992	Patient Assessment Theory 2	2
DENT 2993	Plan Implem & Eval Theory 2	4
DENT 2994	Clinical Practice 2	8
DENT 2995	Dental Radiography 2	2
	Credits	19
Term Three
DENT 3740	Prep for Practice Theory 3	1.5
DENT 3741	Patient Assessment Theory 3	2
DENT 3742	Plan Implem & Eval Theory 3	3
DENT 3743	Clinical Practice 3	8
DENT 3745	Dental Radiography 3	1
	Credits	15.5
	Total Credits	52

Evaluation of Student Learning

The clinical competencies and the supporting theory are hierarchically organized within the context of the health model of Preparation for Practice; Patient Assessment; Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Practice and Clinical Practice.  All terms focus on both the assisting and operator roles of the chairside (non-licensed) dental assistant and Certified Dental Assistant. Dental office practica are offered in all three terms.

Entry into the second and third terms is achieved through successful completion of the previous terms.

Theory courses are evaluated by assignments, group projects and presentations, quizzes and examinations. Midterms and final theory exams are weighted at a maximum of 35% each.  The final grade required in all theory courses is 64% (C+).  A maximum of two comprehensive re-write exams are offered within the program for final grades below 64%.

The acquired knowledge from the theory courses is integrated into clinical practice. Clinical competencies provide the basis for evaluation. Students are evaluated using manikins, peers and patients. The clinical portion of the program is evaluated according to provincial competencies with a satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U) grade awarded for each clinical course. A student who is unsuccessful in a final clinical evaluation is offered a supplemental evaluation.

Course outlines are provided to the students on MOODLE (a computer learning management system).

Attendance of all classes and clinical experiences is required in order to truly understand and master the theoretical and practical components of the Certified Dental Assistant role. As per the departmental policy, described in the CDA Student Handbook, students must not miss more than 15% of scheduled classroom and clinical classes. Where a student exceeds this maximum, the College may withdraw the student from the program.  Additionally, the department requires students demonstrate 100% attendance for community presentations, UBC Dental Clinic rotations and practica.  The College may withdraw students who do not attend all scheduled days.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.

Transcript of Achievement

The evaluation of learning outcomes for each student is prepared by the instructor and reported to the Student Records Department at the completion of semesters.

The transcript typically shows a letter grade for each course. The grade point equivalent for a course is obtained from letter grades as follows:

Grading Standard