CPDOA
Certified Professional Dental Office Administrator. Validating dental office administrators through national professional standards.
The front desk role
The first person every patient meets
Dental administrators handle a wide range of administrative work at the front desk of a dental office.
Many are trained on the job, while others complete an educational program at a technical or community college that prepares them for certification. The CPDOA confirms that knowledge against a national standard.
What the designation covers
As a Certified Professional Dental Office Administrator, you will be well versed in the following areas.
Terminology
CPDOA members understand terms related to dental procedures and common dental ailments. Pronunciation, definitions and usage of dental terms are in daily use, so that administrators can relay dental information accurately to dentists, patients and insurance companies.
Professional skills in the workplace
A receptionist is often the first person a patient sees. Public relations skills are a necessity for effective communication with patients and dental staff. Professionalism and the practice of self-awareness are the expectation of every CPDOA member.
Dental office dynamics
You understand the roles and responsibilities of everyone in a dental office, including the dentist, hygienist, receptionist and other staff. Administrative processes are a core strength: practice management and scheduling software, phone systems, proper handling of dental records, insurance claims and inventory.
Accounting and billing
You are versed in the basics of billing dental patients, dental insurance, billing codes and reimbursement processes. General bookkeeping skills are crucial to the day-to-day running of a clinic.
Law and ethics in a dental office
Dental office staff must abide by the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). Health information is also covered by many provincial statutes: PHIPA in Ontario, the Health Information Act in Alberta, and others. A CPDOA understands the privacy regulations in these acts and the procedures dental offices use to protect patient records.
Register
Take the leap, become a CPDOA today
Invest in your future and join the ranks of esteemed Certified Professional Dental Office Administrators. The CPDOA certification will empower you to make a meaningful difference in dental clinics, drive business growth and foster success for your clients.
Complete the form to register. We will send you a reminder of the documentation to submit for review, and walk you through the process from there.
- Complete the CPDOA registration form below.
- Prepare your documentation for submission. The required documents are listed on the Certification page and in the email you receive once you register.
- If you are not already a free member with a signed Code of Conduct, follow the instructions in that email to join us.
- Submit your documentation for review. Once it is approved, we send you an invoice for the application and exam fee.
- Once fees are paid, you receive access links to the practice exam and the final exam.