Program Overview

Dental Office Administration

Develop the specialized skills and professionalism needed for a rewarding career as a dental office administrator. Learn how to manage essential systems, software and communications that keep a dental office running smoothly while supporting exceptional patient care.

Credential

Ontario College Certificate

Duration

Two semesters

Start Date(s)

September (Fall)

Locations

Belleville

Open to

Domestic Students

CIP Code

51.0716

On this page:

Find your career

Dental office administrators play a vital role in the seamless operation of a dental practice, applying a wide range of skills to:

• Maintain patient files and financial records using both paper and electronic management systems.
• Schedule appointments efficiently, optimizing the workflow for patients and dental professionals.
• Coordinate requests from patients and dental care professionals, creating a smooth, supportive experience.
• Facilitate clear communication, ensuring a client-centred practice that prioritizes patient needs.

Is it for you?

You may be well-suited for a career as a dental office administrator if you:

• Are a people person with strong communication skills, able to connect with patients and staff effectively.
• Have customer service experience and take pride in delivering a positive, welcoming experience for every patient.
• Uphold a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Possess excellent attention to detail and outstanding organizational skills to keep everything running smoothly.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks with ease and efficiency.

How you'll learn

Through a combination of academic learning and hands-on experience, gain the knowledge and professional skills needed to excel in a fast-paced dental office, supporting quality treatment and compassionate patient care.

• Master appointment scheduling and recall systems to balance patient needs with practice sustainability.
• Learn to manage patient and practice information, upholding privacy, confidentiality and security.
• Gain expertise in handling insurance documents, managing bookings and overseeing financial records.
• Explore using management software systems and office equipment to support and streamline daily operations.
• Acquire knowledge of dental procedures, anatomy and imaging to communicate effectively with patients and the dental team.
• Support infection prevention and emergency protocols to ensure a safe, compliant practice environment.
• Learn about professional and ethical standards and how these contribute to a positive and inclusive office environment.
• During two field placements, apply learned knowledge and skills in a professional setting.

Courses

Semester One

COMM1048 College Writing Skills

This course focuses on writing and research skills required for successful completion of college-level studies. The course will promote development and improvement of research and writing skills that can be applied to students’ chosen programs of study.

DENT1002 Dental Anatomy & Terminology 1

Course description not available

DENT1003 Dental Office Management 1

Course description not available

DENT1000 Dental Software 1

Course description not available

DENT1001 Dental Theory & Imaging

Course description not available

WKPL1041 Field Placement

Co-requisite: DENT 1000, DENT 1003

COUN1032 Interpersonal Psychology

This course is designed to assist students in gaining self-awareness and skills to interact effectively with others. Key areas to be addressed include interpersonal communication, self-esteem and personality, values, goals, and personal excellence.

MATH1039 Mathematics

Topics covered include whole numbers, fractions, decimals, proportion, percent, measurement, algebra, and statistics. The course uses application problems that are appropriate for students who are preparing for programs in health sciences, technology and business.

Semester Two

DENT1006 Dental Anatomy & Terminology 2

Prerequisite: DENT 1002

DENT1007 Dental Office Management 2

Prerequisite: DENT 1003

DENT1005 Dental Science for Office Administrators

Prerequisite: DENT 1001

DENT1004 Dental Software 2

Prerequisite: DENT 1000

WKPL1042 Field Placement 2

Prerequisite: WKPL 1041

Co-requisite: DENT 1004, DENT 1007

MATH1056 Managing Dental Office Finances

Prerequisite: MATH 1039

HLTH8054 Working and Communicating in a Medical Setting

Learn theory and techniques for effective interactions and work skills in a wide variety of medical settings. Students will focus on developing their communication and human relations skills in addition to increasing their ability to navigate the medical settings including professional roles, responsibilities and professional development.

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

*Courses subject to change.

Admission requirements

Required academic preparation

• OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level, AND
• Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent (60% minimum)

OR

• Mature applicant

Academic upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Discover how Career and College Prep at Loyalist can help you get started on your journey.

Costs

Domestic students

Approximate costs (2025 – 26, two semesters at full-time student status)

• Domestic Tuition: $2,722
• Full-Time Ancillary Fees: $1,595.26
• Total: $4,317.34

Additional student-purchased costs may include textbooks, supplies, software, and other resources. Additional expenses related to off-campus experiential learning activities may also be incurred.

*All fees are subject to change. Fees for programs shorter or longer than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. In addition to the costs listed above, some programs also have program ancillary fees based on their specific requirements. For a detailed breakdown of tuition and ancillary fees – including any program-specific charges – please visit the Tuition and fee schedule 2025–26.

Further study

Pathways and university transfer

What’s next? Build on the knowledge and skills you learned in the Dental Office Administration program by continuing your academic journey. Return to Loyalist to complete a diploma or receive credit recognition for your Loyalist studies when pursuing a degree at a university. Explore pathway opportunities.

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