Dental Office Administrator

Course Delivery

Online with some in-class sessions (cohort model)

Wages

$21.00 – $32.97/hr in B.C.

Start & Duration

Start: October 26, 2026

16 weeks, full-time, including a 3-week practicum

Accredited By

BC Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (PTIRU) — EQA designated

Part of the General Administration program family. Explore General Administration →

About the Career

Dental office administrators are the first person a patient meets and the last one they talk to before they leave. They book appointments, keep patient records accurate, handle billing and insurance claims, and keep the day running on time for the whole dental team.

It's a good fit if you're organized, stay calm when things get busy, and like working with people. You work at a desk, but you're part of a health care team, and the way you handle a nervous patient at the front counter can change their whole visit.

Graduates work as dental office administrators and dental office receptionists.

Potential Employers

Dental practices across British Columbia rely on a strong front desk. Here's where you could work:

Dental offices

Orthodontist offices

About the Program

The Dental Office Administrator program gives you the dental terminology, software skills, and administrative training you need to run the front end of a dental office.

The program is 375 hours over 16 weeks. Most of your learning happens online in our Learning Management System. You meet your instructor and classmates in live sessions three times a week, and complete the rest of your work on your own schedule. One course includes some in-class time. You can expect about 20 hours of coursework a week, plus 10 to 15 hours of homework during theory courses.

You learn in a cohort, so you move through the program with the same group of classmates from your first week to your last.

The program finishes with a 3-week practicum in a working dental office, so you graduate with real experience behind you.

Related Programs

Office Administrator Medical Office Assistant General Administration

Is This Program For You?

This program is a fit if you:

Enjoy creating order, managing tasks, and keeping information easy to find
Take pride in accuracy and precision in your work
Are open to learning new technologies, procedures, and systems
Enjoy helping others and making sure each patient has a positive experience
Stay calm and optimistic under pressure
Are interested in dental terminology, office management systems, and the role admin staff play in quality patient care

Accreditation and Recognition

Stenberg College is designated by the BC government's Ministry of Advanced Education through the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU). This program is approved by the PTIRU of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. PTIRU is responsible for setting standards of quality and ensuring consumer protection. Stenberg College has also received the BC government's Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation, which is BC's brand or "seal" of quality post-secondary education for public and private institutions.

BC Education Quality Assurance designation

Admission Requirements

PROGRAM-SPECIFIC ACADEMIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Grade 12 graduation, or equivalent, or Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older)
Grade 11-level English course or higher, or one of the following:
Acceptable score in one of the approved LPR tests as noted below
Accuplacer: Reading 230, Writing 230 and WritePlacer 4
CLBPT: No component less than 6
English challenge exam (minimum 70%)
Minimum typing speed of 20 wpm
Successful completion of the online Computer Skills Entrance Test (minimum 70%)
Completion of Stenberg College informational interview as part of the admissions procedure
Completion of a Criminal Record Consent Form under the Criminal Record Review Act as part of the admissions procedure

Your practicum is 75 hours over 3 weeks in a working dental office.

If you register from the Lower Mainland, you may be placed anywhere in the region from Hope to Squamish, which covers Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. You can ask for a placement outside that area, including the B.C. Interior, Vancouver Island, or Northern B.C., but we cannot guarantee a specific location.

Before your placement starts, you will need:

An acceptable Criminal Record Review with a Vulnerable Sector Check from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
TB screening results
Proof of immunity status as required by industry
Some placement sites may ask for extra orientation or training

English is the language of instruction at Stenberg College. Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate an adequate level of English proficiency to ensure success in any program and courses by meeting one of the following minimum requirements:

1) Evidence of completion of 3 years of full-time Secondary if Grades 8-12, or 2 years of Secondary if Grades 10-12, or 2 years of Post-Secondary education in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages. (Language courses cannot be included in this calculation)
OR 2) Submit the results of one of the accepted English language proficiency tests at the score level specific to the program as listed in the admission requirements below:
IELTS Academic – Overall band score of 6.0 with no component less than 5.5
Duolingo – Overall score of 105 with no component less than 85
CELPIP – Overall score of 7 with no component less than 6
TOEFL – Minimum overall score of 68
CAEL – Minimum overall score of 50
Pearson PTE Academic - Minimum overall score of 50
OR 3) Mature students that are 19 years of age or older at the start of the program and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who cannot access their educational records or provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education as outlined above can:
a. Complete an English Language Attestation to confirm completion of 3 years of full-time instruction in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages, AND
b. Complete an Accuplacer Next Generation English Assessment with minimum scores of: Reading 230, Writing 230 and WritePlacer 4

Evidence may be demonstrated by providing a high school transcript, completion of a provincial Adult Graduation program, permanent student record, GED, or by providing international education credentials confirming medium of instruction in English as recognized through WES, ICES, or IQAS. Alternatively, where 2 years of post-secondary education are being determined based on credits, it is expected that the student has taken studies with a minimum of 18 credits per academic year and/or indicates completion of a minimum of 36 credits in total. For regulated programs, language proficiency requirements, including permitted tests and scores dictated by the regulatory body, will supersede all else.

Financing

You could be eligible for Employment Insurance funding for education, government student loans as well as other financing options; the Stenberg College Financial Aid Officer would be happy to provide further assistance.

Program Courses

Orientation and Student Success Skills

This course will provide a comprehensive orientation to Stenberg College and the program you are enrolled in. In addition to orienting you to Stenberg College resources, policies, and procedures, this course will explore the transition to postsecondary education, learning styles, critical thinking, and citation and referencing. You will undertake self-evaluation, set learning and study strategy goals, and investigate the resources available to support you in achieving those goals.

Computer Fundamentals

This course is designed to provide you with a detailed introduction to correct typing technique and the computer skills required to work in a fast-paced environment. Throughout the course, you will work to improve proficiency with the Internet, Windows environment, and Microsoft Word and Outlook. You will also learn how to use an online calendar.

Customer Service & Client Relations

This course introduces you to the principles and practices of professional customer service and client relationship management in an office setting. Emphasis is placed on effective communication, active listening, problem-solving, and conflict resolution strategies that foster positive client interactions. You will learn how to manage diverse customer needs, maintain professionalism under pressure, and support organizational goals through high-quality service delivery. By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the skills to enhance customer satisfaction, strengthen workplace relationships, and represent an organization with confidence and professionalism.

Administrative Procedures

This course provides you with a comprehensive overview of the core administrative functions required to effectively support daily office operations. You will develop practical skills in records management, scheduling, correspondence, file organization, and the use of office technologies. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, efficiency, attention to detail, and adherence to organizational policies and professional standards. You will learn how to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and maintain confidentiality in the workplace. By the end of this course, you will be equipped to perform a wide range of administrative duties that contribute to the smooth functioning of a modern office environment.

Dental Practice Theory

This course introduces you to the profession of dentistry with a focus on the vital role of the Dental Office Administrator. You will build foundational knowledge of head and oral cavity anatomy to better understand common dental procedures. The course also explores oral health and hygiene in relation to overall health and wellness. Key topics include safety in the dental environment, infection control, accident prevention, and emergency procedures.

Dental Office Procedures

This course introduces you to the essential administrative functions of a dental practice, with a strong focus on accuracy, compliance, and professional communication. You will learn to use dental terminology and fee guides effectively when interacting with patients and completing office tasks. Topics include payment collection methods, accounts payable procedures, and the preparation and verification of dental insurance claims. Emphasis is placed on managing patient information, medical histories, treatment details, and service records in accordance with industry standards.

Personal & Professional Development Certificate

The Personal and Professional Development (PPD) Skills Certificate is a combination of interactive online modules. In addition to the Soft Skills Development module, you will develop your ability to work with diverse clients, patients, and colleagues through the Gender Diversity and Sexual Orientation; Disability, Neurodiversity, and Accessibility; Anti-Indigenous Racism Response and Indigenous Gender Diversity; and Anti-Racism modules.

Career Search Strategies

This course is offered in an online format. You will learn to network effectively (online and in person), to search and apply for jobs, and to prepare targeted resumes and cover letters. You will be provided with coaching and individualized instructor feedback on your resume, cover letter, and interview skills.

Please note: The modules listed above may not be presented in the order they appear on this outline. To guarantee the most effective delivery possible, class hours may be subject to change (i.e. rescheduling due to instructor illness, etc.). The College reserves the right to change course curriculum or remove/add program modules in the program outline as a result of a program review and/or to meet new and emerging employment needs.

Superhost Foundations of Service Quality

A comprehensive, practical introduction to the principles of providing quality customer service.

Student Support

Academic tutoring and skill-development support
Open study-skills tutorials and typing practice support
One-on-one student support coaching sessions
English language learning support
Online learning resources, academic journals, and databases
Campus life events

Ready to Apply?

Talk to a program advisor to get started on your journey.

Contact an Advisor

Next intake: October 26, 2026

Stories from our Dental Office Administrator grads

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