Minor in Dental Administration (DAD)
Program at a Glance
18 Credits
(six 3-credit courses)
Fully online,
synchronous courses
Open to all undergraduate majors
(sophomore standing or program director approval)
Complete in as little as 3 semesters
In collaboration with the VCU School of Dentistry, the VCU College of Health Professions has created a minor career pathway in Dental Administration. The minor adds specific organizational dentistry knowledge into its curriculum and delivers students who not only have the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to help practices create positive and empowering oral health work environments, but also specific dentistry experience as a dental administrator upon graduation.
Through this program, learners will:
- Explore organizational dentistry knowledge
- Develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for empowering dental practices
- Gain hands-on dental experience through an internship in a dental practice
Career Impact
The DAD minor develops learners to support oral health organizations, including dental practices. Graduates are positioned for career growth in and towards roles such as:
- Dental Office Administrator
- Electronic Health Record Manager
- Health Services Manager
- Medical Records Manager
- Team or Shift Lead
Skill Development
The DAD minor builds adaptable administration skills aligned with the priorities of the dental professions, preparing graduates to tackle challenges across oral healthcare settings. Key skills include:
- Insurance
- Communication
- Decision Making
- Innovative Thinking
- Leadership
- Problem Solving
- Project Management
Learners refine these skills through case-based projects, problem analysis, and in-person experience with real-world dental practice challenges.
Curriculum
The six 3-credit courses (18 total) introduce learners to strategies and practices for leading and communicating within the dental field, with assignments that allow them to apply these skills in their professional context. Courses include:
- ALHP 300 – Communication Strategies in Health Services
Explore principles of effective communication essential for teamwork and conflict resolution across healthcare fields. - ALHP 302 – Advanced Communication Strategies for Health Professions
Build on what you learned in ALHP 300, and have more hands-on practice with teamwork, collaboration, and leading change within the workplace. - ALHP 360 – Fundamentals of Dental Science
Gain foundational knowledge on oral health needed for a career in dentistry. - ALHP 362 – The Business of Dentistry
Learn strategies to run an effective dental practice and how to foster a positive oral health workforce. - ALHP 490 – BSHS Community Internship Experience
Apply what you’ve learned and get hands-on experience in a dental clinic. - Student Choice for Elective
Use this elective to gain experience in business, accounting, or other leadership skills.
Admission requirements, degree requirements, recommended course sequences and more information about the B.S. in Health Services minor can be found at VCU Bulletin.
Start Your Journey in Dental Administration Today
For more information, or any questions regarding the minor, please contact:
Lauretta Cathers, PhD
Director of BSHS Program
Email: s2lasaff@vcu.edu