Dental Assistant
- Dental Assistant — A.A.S. Degree 64 credits
- Dental Assistant — Diploma 44 credits
Major Description
The Dental Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. It prepares students for employment in dentistry. Students study ways to control/prevent dental disease, as well as ways to teach patients preventive care. Students are trained to expose/process dental X-rays and perform chairside skills and expanded functions delegated by the State Board of Dentistry. Learning is accomplished in on-campus classrooms and labs, and dental clinics in the metro area. Graduates are eligible to write the Dental Assisting National Board Certification exam and the Minnesota Registration exam.
Nature of Work
Dental Assistants provide direct patient care working under the direction of a dentist. Potential employers include dentists in both general and specialty offices.
Career Opportunities
Employment and career opportunities may be developed in government and private dental offices. Advancement within a work setting may occur with experience. Graduates may choose to pursue a dental hygiene license.
Program Delivery
Students can begin this program in the Fall semester only. Courses are offered during the day. A full-time start is preferred.
Advanced Standing
Previous college courses, certification, licensure and training may be considered for credit in the major. The responsibility for seeking credit rests with the student and can be initiated by completing the course SMGT2950 Prior Experiential Learning Portfolio Development (1 elective credit)
Professional Organizations
The American Dental Assistants Association and the Minnesota Dental Assistants Association offer memberships at a minimal cost for students. Continued membership after graduation provides the graduate with professional contacts, opportunities for learning and a chance to participate in local and national governance of professional associations.
After DCTC
DCTC has transfer agreements for this program with the following colleges: Southwest Minnesota State University and Saint Mary's University. See Career Services for more information.
Admissions Requirements
Students applying to this program must meet the requirements identified on the Admissions Checklist. Students must have a high school diploma or GED to be accepted into the program as required by the American Dental Association (the program's accrediting body).
Student Outcomes
- Graduates of this program will be prepared for immediate employment in the dental assisting field.
- Graduates will be able to successfully pass the National Certification Exam and the State Registration Exam.
- Graduates will be experienced in dental office protocol via externship.
- See General Education outcome statement
Faculty
| Jaime Pieper | 651.423.8543 | jaime.pieper@dctc.edu | BIO |
| Diana Sullivan | 651.423.8483 | diana.sullivan@dctc.edu | BIO |