Computer Fundamentals — 30 hrs

In this course, students build foundational computer skills, including keyboarding techniques, understanding hardware, software, peripherals, and wireless technology. They learn to use the internet as a resource, explore data storage and networking methods, and practice transcribing audio to text accurately. By the end of the course, students will be able to identify key hardware, software, and internet components, gaining confidence in their effective use.

Keyboarding — 30 hrs

This course focuses on developing ergonomic keyboarding techniques to enhance typing speed and accuracy. Students will practice proper posture and hand positioning, aiming to improve comfort and efficiency in typing tasks.

Personal Financial Planning — 30 hrs

This course equips students with essential personal financial planning skills, providing a solid foundation in financial literacy. Topics include the value of money, managing credit and credit history, analyzing student loans, and budgeting. Students will gain insights into the stock market, investing strategies, and savings practices, including TFSA and RRSP accounts. Additionally, the course covers real estate investment basics and the role of financial advisors, empowering students to master their financial future and protect their personal brand.

Microsoft Word — 20 hrs

This course introduces students to key features in Microsoft Word, focusing on document formatting, editing, and proofreading. Students will learn how to use tools like copy and paste, find and replace, and apply basic formatting such as creating lists, adjusting margins, and changing paper size and orientation. They will also develop skills in proofreading and editing using Spelling and Grammar check, as well as practice word expander technology with AutoCorrect. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce professionally formatted and error-free documents.

Microsoft Excel — 30 hrs

This introductory course provides students with a foundational understanding of Microsoft Excel. Students will learn about electronic spreadsheets, the Excel program’s capabilities, and key elements and terminology within the software. By the end of the course, students will be able to effectively use Microsoft Excel to create and manage spreadsheets.

Microsoft Outlook — 16 hrs

This course teaches students how to effectively use Microsoft Outlook, focusing on key features such as the ribbons, quick access toolbar, and navigation pane. Students will learn how to address, compose, read, reply to, forward, and format email messages. By the end of the course, students will be proficient in utilizing the essential tools and features of Microsoft Outlook for efficient email management.

Microsoft PowerPoint — 20 hrs

This course includes a quiz that assesses students’ understanding of Microsoft Outlook. Students will demonstrate their knowledge and skills related to the key features and functions of the program. Successful completion of the quiz will reinforce their proficiency in using Microsoft Outlook for efficient email management.

Microsoft OneNote — 8 hrs

In this course, students will learn how to use Microsoft OneNote to create and organize notebooks, enhance their functionality, and collaborate effectively on group projects. The course will also cover customization techniques to tailor notebooks to individual needs, ultimately improving productivity and organization. By the end of the course, students will be proficient in using OneNote to manage and collaborate on various projects.

Microsoft Access — 16 hrs

In this course, students will learn how to use Microsoft Access to create and manage databases, enabling them to track information, generate reports, analyze data, and streamline data entry processes. The course also covers best practices for ensuring effective database design and maintaining data integrity. By the end of the course, students will be proficient in building and managing functional databases in Microsoft Access.

Dental Terminology — 60 hrs

In this course, students will learn to pronounce, define, and spell key terminology specific to the dental administrative field. They will also explore essential dental terminology related to anatomy, oral structures, tooth development, practice setups, infection control, emergency care, pain management, pharmacology, radiography, and various dental specialties such as prosthodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, pediatric dentistry, and more. By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of dental terminology and its application in administrative tasks within the dental field.

Understanding the Dental Field — 30 hrs

In this course, students will explore the structure and roles within the Dental Administrative Assistant workforce. They will learn key terminology specific to the dental field, summarize the history of dentistry, and analyze the basic administrative team structure.
Students will gain an understanding of dental specialties, legal and ethical standards, and the importance of maintaining confidentiality and ethical document management. The course will also cover key regulations such as HIPAA and PIPEDA, along with the Code of Ethics. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to discuss the importance of continued professional development, technological advancements, and risk management in the dental industry.

Dental Practice Models and Processes — 20 hrs

In this course, students will learn how to design and structure a dental office to optimize productivity. They will compare various dental practice models and identify the role of Dental Administrative Assistants (DAAs) within each model. The course will cover systems and protocols for both non-clinical and clinical work areas, office and dental equipment used in daily operations, and the layout of these work areas. Students will also focus on ergonomics, developing routines, and practicing ergonomic techniques relevant to the role of a Dental Administrative Assistant.

Ergonomics principles, office routines and time management — 25 hrs

In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of ergonomics, including the benefits of an ergonomically designed workspace and the importance of proper seating. They will recognize signs of physical discomfort due to improper workstation setup and use an Office Ergonomic Checklist to ensure proper workspace organization. Students will also explore strategies for developing an efficient work routine, adjusting to changing office conditions, and managing office supplies and equipment. Additionally, the course covers Canadian and American shipping and mailing services, analyzing mail procedures, postage, courier services, and a review of weights and measurements in both imperial and metric systems.

Keeping Accurate Records — 15 hrs

In this course, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of an efficient records management program. They will learn to differentiate between centralized and decentralized filing systems, identify various filing methods, and explore electronic filing. The course will cover the records cycle, including the activities necessary to properly control the creation, distribution, use, maintenance, and disposition of recorded information, ensuring that business activities and transactions are accurately documented and managed.

Midterm Examination — 4 hrs

This exam is designed to assess students’ learning outcomes at this stage of the program. Upon completion, students will receive a skill-level evaluation based on the courses they have completed, providing a comprehensive overview of their progress and understanding of the material covered thus far.

Clinical Knowledge and Practices — 65 hrs

In this course, students will learn to identify and describe the structures of the face and oral cavity, the parts of the tooth and surrounding tissues, tooth surfaces, and the eruption cycle. They will also be able to distinguish between the primary, mixed, and permanent dentitions using commonly used tooth identification systems. The course will cover charting dental conditions as part of general examinations and treatment plans. Additionally, students will compare routes of infectious disease transmission in a dental office, explore the ethical and legal considerations when treating patients with infectious diseases, and gain an understanding of immunity, as well as infection prevention and control regulations, recommendations, and training.

Infection Prevention and Control — 20 hrs

This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of infection prevention and control practices in healthcare settings, particularly within dental offices. Students will learn about the principles of infection control, including the identification and management of infectious diseases, methods for preventing transmission, and the role of personal protective equipment (PPE). The course covers sterilization and disinfection protocols, safe handling of instruments, and best practices for maintaining a clean and safe clinical environment. Emphasis will also be placed on ethical and legal considerations, as well as the importance of compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines.

Effective Communication and Meetings — 25 hrs

This course focuses on the essential components of effective communication, emphasizing how to convey messages clearly and ensure they are understood. Students will explore key aspects of communication, including active listening, body language, and nonverbal cues. The course also delves into the variables that influence communication clarity and effectiveness, and the fundamental skills involved in providing and receiving feedback. Additionally, students will learn the principles of negotiation and how to apply them in various communication scenarios. Upon completion, students will be equipped with the tools to enhance their communication skills in both personal and professional contexts.

Communication in the Dental Profession — 15 hrs

Communication in the Dental Profession introduces students to the essential communication skills required in a dental practice. The course covers various communication types, methods, and techniques, enabling students to effectively interact with both colleagues and patients. Students will learn how to identify and apply the most appropriate communication styles for different settings and situations they may encounter as Dental Administrative Assistants. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to demonstrate efficient and effective communication, fostering positive relationships within the dental office environment.

Business Writing and Legal Documents — 40 hrs

This course equips students with essential skills in English grammar, punctuation, and professional writing. Students will learn to construct grammatically correct sentences, create business letters, and effectively use memos, emails, and meeting minutes.
Additionally, the course provides an overview of basic legal documents, covering key components necessary for drafting and understanding legal content.

Human Resources — 16 hrs

This course introduces the key responsibilities of an HR Specialist, including recruiting, screening, interviewing, and placing employees. Students will explore core HR functions such as recruitment, retention, discipline, health and wellness, and workforce management. The course also covers the benefits of workplace diversity and equips students to assess and enhance an organization’s hiring plan. Additionally, students will learn to support employee development and implement work-life balance initiatives for a positive work environment.

Introduction to Accounting — 35 hrs

This course covers the fundamentals of accounting principles and concepts. Students will learn to analyze transactions, apply debit and credit entries, journalize, post to ledger accounts, adjust and close entries, and prepare financial statements. By completing this course, students will gain practical skills to perform the full accounting cycle and analyze financial statements effectively.

QuickBooks Online — 10 hrs

This course introduces students to QuickBooks Online, guiding them through the setting up of an account and creation of a new company within the software. Students will gain hands-on experience navigating QuickBooks and will learn to identify and manage key functions, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll processes.

Administrating Dental Systems — 40 hrs

The Administrating Dental Systems course introduces students to essential practices for managing patient clinical records and dental office systems. Students will learn to develop and maintain both electronic and paper-based records, schedule appointments, and manage recall systems. The course covers filing systems, financial record-keeping, and inventory management specific to dental practice. Additionally, students will gain foundational knowledge of dental software systems and their basic functions.

Dental Practice Management Software — 50 hrs

This course provides students with training in Maxident Dental Management Software. Students learn to navigate the program, enter data, schedule appointments, and manage accounts receivable. They also utilize the recall system and interpret the data generated from their entries. The course focuses on applying the fundamental functions of Maxident software to support efficient dental office management.

Marketing — 10 hrs

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of marketing, covering the history of marketing, tracking and analytics, and strategies for creating and posting on social media platforms. Students will learn to develop buyer personas, design landing pages, and identify business leads. The course also explores search engine optimization (SEO) and teaches students how to plan, research, and write effective presentations. Additionally, students will define key customer service strategies to enhance marketing efforts.

Career Development — 20 hrs

In this course, students create a professional resume and cover letter. They consider and develop strategies for a targeted job search. Students practice effective interview techniques including answering practice interview questions. Lastly, the students explore the importance of networking in order to advance their career goals.

Simulated Practice — 40 hrs

In this course, students will use a simulation tool to perform tasks commonly found in dental practice. They will familiarize themselves with office procedures, including opening the office, greeting patients, handling phone calls, scheduling and rescheduling appointments, updating patient information, processing treatments and payments, managing insurance e-claims, creating and evaluating reports, and completing end-of-day procedures.

Final Examination — 6 hrs

This assessment determines how successfully the student has achieved course and program learning objectives.