CERTIFIED DENTAL OFFICE PROFESSIONAL
The VDA is pleased to introduce the Certified Dental Office Professional program, a certification program for practice managers and other dental office professionals. This one-year program offers continuing education and a cohort of peers to hone your skills, learn from each other, and take your dental practice to the next level.
The 2023-2024 inaugural class is limited to 25 participants who will go through the year-long program together. The program kicks off in Norfolk at the 2023 Virginia Dental Showcase, continues with online learning throughout the year and will conclude with a graduation at the Virginia Dental Showcase in September 2024.
Secure your spot today!
• Save your practice time and money
• Understand opportunities in insurance and marketing
• Be ready for new trends in scheduling and practice management
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Who should participate in the Virginia Dental Academy’s Certified Dental Office Professional Program?
Any dental office team member that is interested in enhancing their skill set, learning the latest in front office management techniques and staying up to date with important regulations like OSHA, HIPAA and Virginia employment requirements would benefit from attending the program. Additionally, participants will be able to network with their peers in their Academy cohort to learn from one another and form strong professional relationships.
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What are the requirements to complete the Certified Dental Office Professional program?
The program consists of 15 hours of continuing education received at two consecutive Virginia Dental Showcase meetings (2023 at Hilton the Main Norfolk and 2024 at the Greenbrier) and online between the two in-person events. Following completion of the program, graduates will receive their Dental Office Professional Certificate. The certificate is valid for three years from the date of issue and can be renewed by completing online continuing education courses made available by the VDA.
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Can I take these courses a la carte or only as a package?
All courses will be available a la carte in addition to being a part of the Virginia Dental Academy's Certified Dental Office Professional program. Courses can be taken in-person at the Virginia Dental Showcase and the online courses will be available on vadental.org. However, only those that enroll in the Academy program will be eligible to receive their certification following the completion of the coursework.
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Can dentists take some of these courses too?
Yes, all courses are available to take at either the Virginia Dental Showcase or online, respectively. To take courses at the Virginia Dental Showcase, dentists must register for the Showcase(s).
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Can a dental assistant, hygienist or other office staff participate in the Dental Office Professionals Certification program?
Absolutely! Any members of the dental team (or individuals interested in a career in the dental profession) are more than welcome to register for the program.
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What is included in the $695 registration fee for the program?
The registration fee includes dental team member registration for the 2023 and 2024 Virginia Dental Showcase, five hours of online continuing education and a graduation celebration following the completion of the program.
Note: Registration for the 2023 and 2024 Showcase includes access to the CE that is part of the Academy’s Certified Dental Office Professional program, additional continuing education, access to the exhibit hall and great social events.
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Will there be group discounts on hotel rooms for the in-person portion?
Yes! The 2023 Virginia Dental Showcase at the Hilton Norfolk the Main and the 2024 Showcase at the Greenbrier will both feature discounted room rates for attendees. Please be on the lookout for communications from the Showcase for details on how to make your hotel reservations.
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What meals and entertainment will be included at the Virginia Dental Showcase?
Showcase attendees enjoy food, beverages, and fun throughout the event! Coffee breaks, receptions with exhibitors and sponsors, one boxed lunch, the Membership Party on Saturday night and a continental breakfast Sunday morning are all included with your registration.
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Will the online learning portion be recorded or live webinars?
The online CE courses will be recorded and will be available on-demand at www.vadental.org/academy.
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Can more than one person from the same office attend?
Yes, participation is not limited to one attendee per office. However, overall participation is limited and spaces for each cohort of the Certified Dental Office Professional program will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.