Assisting with restorative procedures require smooth interaction between the dentist provider and the chairside assistant, who must be familiar a wide variety of instruments, materials and their uses, and be able to anticipate what the dentist will require for each step in the procedure.
This course will provide the student with the basic knowledge on the elements of selected restorative procedures, which include armamentarium and their uses, as well as develop the skills required to be an efficient chairside dental assistant, with emphasis on the dental assistant’s role in restorative procedures. The course will also cover identifying challenges, assessing needs and modifying treatment to accommodate medically and physically compromised patients.

Students begin this course with an introduction to ethics and protecting the privacy of dental clients. This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to maintain patient records. Topics will include patient registration, health history forms, records retention and records transfer.
Students will learn symbols and abbreviations used in clinical charts and practise entering existing conditions and recording treatment procedures on a clinical chart.

This course provides the clinical and practical applications to the chairside dental assisting practice. Students practice and apply the skills acquired from the theoretical component courses. Students are expected to demonstrate mastery of the core competencies associated with the didactic courses. Students are assessed on their practical clinical and laboratory skills.

• Infection Control and Safety practices
• Safe handling of dental materials and equipment
• Dental Laboratory Practices

This course prepares students to take and process intra-oral and extra-oral dental radiographs according to Safety Code 30 standards. The students are introduced to the basic physics and principles of radiography; safety precautions and operation of a dental x-ray unit. Instruction is provided on exposing dental radiographs using paralleling and bisecting angle techniques, recognizing radiographic errors and solving problems, and client education/management.

This course covers the theoretical aspects of radiography, preliminary interpretations of radiographs, and the hazards and safety involving radiation. Emphasis is placed on the safe and effective use of x-rays in the dental practice. Subject matter includes:

• The basic principles of radiation
• Dental x-ray machines
• The ALARA concept
• Generation of an X-ray
• Biological effects of ionizing radiation
• Provincial and federal guidelines
• Quality assurance

This course prepares the students to take and process intra-oral and extra-oral dental radiographs according to Safety Code 30 standards. The students are introduced to basic physics and principles of radiography, safety precautions and the operation of the dental x-ray unit. Students will be exposed to dental radiographs using bisecting angles and paralleling techniques. Instruction will be provided on recognizing dental radiographic errors and solving problems, patient education and management. Current radiographic techniques will be covered, with an emphasis being on the safe and effective use of x-rays in dental practice. Upon successful completion, the student will be eligible to obtain a dental Radiography module designation from the College of Dental Surgeons of BC.

This course presents complete and accurate coverage of the basic skills needed to perform effectively as a dental receptionist and will provide students with the knowledge and skills related to dental reception procedures. Topics will include the daily routines and tasks of an office, telephone, developing client communication skills and the basic steps in filing. Students will practise appointment management, and establish continuing-care systems.
This course will also teach students various formatting styles to written communication, inventory systems, and time management. Other topics include becoming familiar with dental specialties and become acquainted with types of drugs commonly prescribed in a dental office.

Following dental reception and office procedures training, this course expands into an overview of dental insurance. The course provides students with the knowledge and skills related to the use of provincial dental fee guides and claims terminology. Topics will include dental benefits and identifying parties affected by dental benefits.

This course will also teach students how to perform all tasks associated with preparing dental claim forms. This will include paper claim forms and predeterminations. The course introduces the student to common dental benefits, benefit limitations, exclusions, coordination of benefits and determining order of liability. Other topics will include assignment of benefits, copayments, calculating copayments and explanation of benefits.

Students are introduced to dental software packages commonly used in offices and facilities. The software functions include patient registration, appointment booking, billing, reconciliations, and records management. The course also describes the various reports used in dental office bookkeeping in a computerized system.

Topics in this course also include:

• Dental software applications
• Setting up and adjusting appointments
• Insurance billing/pre-determinations
• Reconciliation of accounts at day-end; month- and year-end processing
• Correcting billing errors
• Office reporting: providers’ work; A/R; patient lists; labels

In addition to learning career-oriented skills, students learn how to get a job in their chosen profession. Our Employment Services department will assist the graduate in resume writing, as well as preparing for job interviews. Our staff is sensitive to current job market trends and the needs of employers in each local market.
Our graduates receive guidance and training to use career tools that help job seekers build a better resume and cover letter, manage an online portfolio, hone interviewing skills, and develop a personal brand online.
Students will have the use of a computer lab which has unlimited Internet access, as well as job search resources. Facilitators will also be made available to advise on job finding resources, interview skills and techniques and to carry out mock interviews.

This course also looks at the planning, preparation, execution, and follow-up stages of an interview:

• How people find jobs
• Employer expectations
• Presenting an enthusiastic attitude
• Focusing on the right job and the hidden job market
• Transferrable skills
• Thank you letters
• Effective telemarketing
• Handling objections, self-confidence, and self-esteem
• Individual counselling and coaching