For individuals interested in pursuing a career in the dental field but who prefer not to invest several years in education to become a dentist or orthodontist, a rewarding option is to become a dental office administrator.
This career path enables a quicker entry into the workforce—often within a year or two of training—while providing valuable experience in the healthcare sector. With skills such as effective communication, organization, and customer service, a dental office administrator plays a crucial role in creating a smooth and welcoming environment for both patients and staff, making this position integral to the healthcare team.
What Is a Dental Administration Professional?
As a dental administration professional, also known as a dental office manager, your day-to-day tasks may vary. However, this role often involves managing the daily operations of a dental practice, which can include greeting patients, checking them in, scheduling appointments, coordinating patient records, budgeting, handling billing and insurance processes, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations.
Typically, dental office administrators require a high school diploma, although many employers prefer candidates with additional training in dental office administration, dental office management, or other relevant certifications.
Education and Training Opportunities for a Dental Office Administration
Numerous educational and training opportunities are available to earn a certificate or diploma in dental office administration, which can also serve as a qualification for a dental office manager. For example, Cambria College offers a 21-week* Dental Office Administration Training Program in British Columbia. Students must either be high school graduates or have an equivalent qualification, or they must meet the requirements for mature student status, which is defined as being 19 years or older at the start of the program. Additionally, students need to demonstrate English language proficiency by meeting one of the following criteria: a minimum of Grade 12 English for domestic students, an overall IELTS score of 5.5, or an equivalent score for students whose first language is not English.
This program is designed to prepare individuals for a rewarding yet challenging career in dental office administration. Throughout the course, students will acquire essential skills, including dental terminology, billing procedures, appointment management, and protocols for working with insurance companies. The program also covers telephone and communication skills, among other topics.
Moreover, students will have the opportunity for hands-on training with some of the industry’s best dental software currently available. Cambria’s program is recognized and approved by the Private Training Institution Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
Course Curriculum and Learning Objectives of Cambria College’s Dental Office Administrator Program
Cambria College provides an extensive program designed to equip all students with a thorough and well-rounded education in dental office administration. This program encompasses vital skills and knowledge, ensuring that graduates are fully prepared to excel in the dynamic and fast-paced dental industry. The courses include:
- Microsoft Word and Excel
- Dental Science Foundations
- Charting and Record-Keeping
- Dental Office Admin Procedures
- Dental Insurance
- Dental Office Financial Systems
- Dental Office Software Management
- Standard First Aid/CPR/AED and WHMIS
- Infection Control in the Dental Practice
- Career and Employment Strategies
As a result, this program provides students with a total of 420 hours of program instruction.
Additionally, for every student who navigates through the program, some of the key learning objectives include:
- Having the ability to greet individuals who come into a dental office as well as be able to provide them with general information in-person or by phone
- Understanding how to enter and format electronic documents as well as reports
- Be able to prepare documents and spreadsheets for review
- Understand how and be able to prepare financial statements as well as billing reports
- Be able to prepare essential bookkeeping items, including invoices or bank deposits
- Understand how to sort and file documents correctly in a filing system and how to locate and obtain needed records.
By achieving these objectives and completing the course curriculum, students will be better prepared for their future careers and equipped with the skills needed to adapt to an ever-changing professional landscape.
Career Outlook for a Dental Office Administrator
Individuals who have obtained a certificate or diploma in dental office administration or management have a wide range of career opportunities available to them. Potential workplaces include general dental practices, specialized dental clinics (such as orthodontic or oral surgery offices), dental supply distribution companies, dental departments within hospitals, and educational institutions that offer dental training programs.
According to Work BC, the demand for dental office administrators is expected to increase significantly. They project that between 2023 and 2033, there will be approximately 8,780 [2] job openings in this field. The average annual salary for dental office administration roles is estimated to be $43,798 [3], reflecting the integral role these professionals play in ensuring the efficient operation of dental practices and clinics. Additionally, the skills acquired through relevant training programs, such as patient management, billing, and office organization, will enhance career prospects and potential for advancement within the dental industry.
Are You Ready to Begin a Career in Dental Office Administration?
For individuals eager to embark on a rewarding career in the dental field without the extensive commitment of lengthy formal education, pursuing a role as a dental office administrator or manager presents an exceptional opportunity. To bolster their qualifications and stand out in this competitive landscape, many prospective candidates consider specialized training programs, such as the Dental Office Administration program offered at Cambria College.
This comprehensive program is meticulously designed to equip students with a wide range of skills and in-depth knowledge, empowering them to excel in the dynamic and fast-paced environment of dental office administration. Through engaging coursework and hands-on training, participants gain invaluable insights into the essential administrative functions that underpin the seamless operation of a dental practice. By immersing themselves in this program, students not only enhance their professional expertise but also position themselves as vital contributors to the success of dental teams.
Additional Information/Sources
*Program length when completed in a standard time frame.
[1] https://cambriacollege.ca/programs/dental-office-administrator/
[2] https://www.workbc.ca/career-profiles/receptionists#career_overview
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/careers/what-does-a-dental-office-manager-do