About this program

  • Credential Awarded: 1 Year Certificate
  • Campus: Welland
  • Code: 0151 P0151
  • Delivery Length: 1 Year
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Overview

Are you a people person seeking a career where you can blend your aptitude for business with your interest in oral health care?

As a Dental Office Administrator, you oversee the daily operations of a dental office including patient care records, health insurance company claims and appointment scheduling.

Highlights
  • Applied learning opportunities through a real-world teaching environment located at Niagara College’s state-of-the-art, fully operational dental clinic.

  • Over 250 hours of hands on field placement experience

  • Excellent program reputation among community employers.

  • Graduates are eligible to write the certification examination for dental receptionists through the Ontario Dental Assistants Association.

Career Opportunities
  • Clerical staff in dental public health department
  • Customer service representative in dental office or insurance company
  • Dental office administrator
  • Receptionist
NC Preferred Admission
Qualified graduates of this program are granted preferred admission into:

For detailed information, requirements and eligibility visit niagaracollege.ca/pathways/.

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Courses

Term one (2025 Fall)
Code Course Name Credits
ADMN1204 Professionalism and Dental Office Ethics 1
CAPL1199 Computer Applications 3
COMM1110 Writing Fundamentals 3
DENT1111 Dental Science for Office Administrators 4
DENT1189 Dental Office Environment I 5
MATH1107 Mathematics 3
PSYC1102 Communicating in Relationships 3
PRAC1212 Field Placement I - Dental Office Administration 2
Term two (2026 Winter)
Code Course Name Credits
CAPD1230 Dental Office Software Applications 2
COMM1201 Writing for the Dental Workplace 3
DENT1217 Philosophy of Preventive Dentistry 2
DENT1289 Dental Office Environment II 4
PRAC1312 Field Placement II - Dental Office Administration 5
Learning Outcomes Term: 1254
  1. Organize the business office.

  2. Manage appointment and recall systems.

  3. Manage patient/client records in compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.

  4. Maintain accounting records using appropriate procedures, documents and software.

  5. Process dental insurance utilizing relevant guidelines and procedures.

  6. Explain various dental procedures and specialties using appropriate dental terminology.

  7. Act in a professional and competent manner.

  8. Apply principles of inventory management.

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Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent including the following required course(s):
  • English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
Recommended Courses and/or Skills:

These courses and skills may help you succeed academically in this program, but they are not required for admission.

  • Computer and Information Science – Grade 11 (M)
  • Introduction to Accounting – Grade 11 (E)
  • Information Technology Applications in Business – Grade 11 (O)
  • Mathematics – any Grade 11 (C) or (M)
Selection and Ranking

Applications are evaluated based on the published admission requirements. When the applicant provides proof of meeting the requirements, an offer of admission can be issued, provided space is available in the program.

Learn more about admission decisions.

Program Requirements
Transportation
  • Students are responsible for their own transportation in order to complete program requirements which may not be readily accessible by public transportation.
  • Program requirements could include co-ops, placements, volunteer requirements, practical labs, field projects, assignments, clinicals, or any other off-campus visits required as part of the program’s curriculum.
Student Dress Code

A student dress code is in effect for clinical courses.

Computer Requirements

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have a Microsoft Windows-based desktop or laptop that meets or exceeds the following general requirements:

  • A desktop or laptop running on an updated Microsoft Windows operating system (Windows 11 recommended).
  • Minimum 256GB SSD storage and 8 GB memory (note that 16 GB memory is strongly recommended).
  • An integrated or peripheral video camera, microphone, and speaker system.
  • Reliable internet connectivity with Broadband capabilities. A minimum download speed of 10 – 50 Mbps is recommended.

Niagara College may not be able to provide support for systems different than the above specifications as provided software may not operate properly. Academic software for your courses will be made available for download and remote use. Access will also be provided to remote high performance computer labs if software downloads are not feasible.

Note: We do not provide support for Chromebooks or Apple products. (learn more)

Computer/technology requirements may be subject to change without notice.

All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.

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Availability

Domestic Applicants Apply
International Applicants Apply
Legendfor intake status table
Open

Accepting applications

Waitlisted

Eligible applications will be placed on a waiting list

Closed

Not accepting applications

Suspended

No longer offered this term

The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.

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Pathways

Explore your pathway options What are pathways? for the Dental Office Administration program below.

Did you know?

Applicants with previous postsecondary education will be assessed for transfer credits upon receipt of an official transcript from their previous institution. There is no fee for this service.

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Tuition

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Even though no one knew how the pandemic would effect colleges, I feel like this year was amazing and teachers had a humility about them that I wasn’t expecting. My instructors have literally been the best instructors I’ve ever had the pleasure of being a student of. The courses are 100% what we need in the field and have experienced in the workplace. Their advice on the reality of the dental industry goes beyond textbooks. I just enjoyed myself so much and learned so much this year.

Christina, program graduate

Deciding to leave the job I envisioned myself doing for the rest of my life was difficult. However, the transition into the Dental Office Administration program was extremely worthwhile. My studies at Niagara College opened the door to my current job through field placement. It is a joy to go to work each day and be surrounded by passionate and hardworking dental professionals.

Kelsey Wiebe, program graduate

The Dental Office Administration program at Niagara College prepared me for a job in the dental field. The combination of practical and theoretical learning helped me to acquire the skills needed to qualify for a job as a dental receptionist.

Karen Breukelman, program graduate

Enrolling in the Dental Office Administration program was without a doubt the best professional decision I’ve made. Not only did I expand my existing business skills, I Iearned valuable new skills that I use daily. Since graduating, I have received many job offers and I am currently employed at a periodontist’s office. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is interested in an education in the dental field.

Jordanna Cardinale, program graduate

Graduating from Dental Office Administration and being recently enrolled in Dental Hygiene has given me knowledge and understanding about two very important aspects of the dental team. Dental Office Administration has given me a great foundation of dental knowledge that has been invaluable for furthering my education in Dental Hygiene.

Marianne Spyksma, program graduate
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