Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant

A.A.S. Degree
Credits Required for Graduation: 72

Dental Assistant

Diploma
Credits Required for Graduation: 40

Program Description

The Dental Assistant program is a nationally accredited course which prepares students for a rewarding career in the field of dental assisting. Within nine months, students learn a variety of skills required of a chairside assistant, laboratory technician, and dental receptionist.

Students master the skills of polishing teeth, applying fluoride, taking impressions, placing and removing rubber dams and taking x-rays during school clinic sessions. Extramural training in area dental offices allows students to practice the skills they have acquired in school.

After successfully completing the program, students are eligible to take the National Chairside Assisting Certification Exam and the Minnesota Registration Exam.

This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, and the instructors possess comprehensive background in the dental professions with more than 40 years of combined experience.

Employment Opportunities

Positions in dental assisting are available with general practitioners and specialists in private and group practices and in public health programs.

Gainful employment programs are those “that prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.” Public institutions are required to report this information for all undergraduate and graduate programs that are Title IV eligible and that lead to certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates or specialist awards. Reporting is not required for undergraduate certificates and diplomas less than 16 credits and graduate certificates and specialist awards that are less than 8 credits. Degree programs at all levels are not considered to be gainful employment programs.

Gainful Employment Report for Dental Assistant (Diploma)

Course Descriptions

Dental Assistant A.A.S. Degree Program Plan

Dental Assistant Diploma Program Plan

Dental Assistant Diploma-Online Program Plan

Faculty