Dental Assistant

Program description

The demand for certified and registered dental assistants exists with excellent placement, salary and benefits. The dental assistant is an important member of the professional health team, participating in an increasing variety of duties and tasks.

This hands-on program trains you for:

• Chairside assisting
• Infection control
• Preparing instruments and materials
• Patient education
• Laboratory procedures
• Office tasks

As a registered dental assistant, you will perform all expanded duties authorized by the Minnesota Board of Dentistry including:

• Polishing teeth
• Applying fluoride and sealants
• Taking radiographs and impressions
• Placing and removing rubber dam
• Performing orthodontic procedures
• Administering nitrous oxide

Program delivery

You can begin this program in the fall or spring semester. Courses are offered during the day and full-time enrollment is preferred.

Three and one-half semesters of training is provided through classroom, laboratory and clinical experience as well as an internship at an off-campus dental office.

Courses are taken as follows:

Half Sem. or Summer School

• DenA 1781
• DenA 1782

Personal qualities

The personal qualities needed to succeed as a dental assistant include being punctual, dependable, organized and a team player. To be successful as a dental assistant you must:

• Like working with people
• Enjoy doing a variety of duties
• Have good manual dexterity
• Follow direct supervision
• Have good communication skills

Program accreditation

The Dental Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. Graduates of our Dental Assistant Program are able to write the Dental Assisting National Board Certification Exam and the Minnesota Registration Exam. Successful completion of these exams qualifies you to become a Certified Dental Assistant, Registered Dental Assistant.

Occupational trends

Career opportunities are available in:

• General dental offices
• Specialty practices (oral surgery, orthodontics, pedodontics, periodontics)
• Public health clinics
• Dental education facilities
• Insurance and supply companies

Work schedules are often flexible and include full-time and part-time opportunities.

Application requirements

Students applying to this program must meet the requirements identified on the Admissions Checklist. In addition the following is required:

• Current CPR certification
• Vaccination for Hepatitis B
• Mantoux test

Background checks may be required prior to internships. You must have medical insurance/coverage while on an internship.

Clubs and groups

Professional Organization and Dental Assistant Club

The American Dental Assistants Association offers membership to students at a minimal cost. Also, you can join the Dental Assistant Club, where you will have leadership and service learning opportunities.