Testimonials
Dental Assistant
Our Tuesday Info Session are now available both virtually and in-person.
| Awards | Credits | Course Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Assistant - A.A.S. Degree | 60 cr. | Online | On Campus |
| Dental Assistant - Diploma | 40 cr. | Online | On Campus |
| Program Datasheet: Download the Dental Assistant Datasheet | ||
This program prepares students for employment in dentistry as a Certified Dental Assistant and a Licensed Dental Assistant. Students are trained to expose and process dental x-ray films, master a variety of chairside skills and expanded functions delegated by the Minnesota State Board of Dentistry. Students also study ways to control and prevent dental disease. Excellent communication skills are required for patient education.
Employment in this field typically requires successful completion of the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) and Licensed Dental Assistant (LDA) licensing exams.
The Dental Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
Park Dental
Park Dental |
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I had an amazing experience in the Dental Assisting program. The hands on work in the lab helps to prepare you for the dental office. The externship program is an invaluable experience; it is a great time to learn how an office runs and what your role will be as an assistant. With the great training at DCTC and externship I was able to obtain employment right after graduation.
| Dental Assistant A.A.S. Degree • 60 credits |
Dental Assistant Diploma • 40 credits |
|
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $212.74/cr. | $212.74/cr. |
| Fees | $22/cr. | $22/cr. |
| Textbooks | $800 | $800 |
| Other | $360 | $360 |
| Personal Property Fee | $133 | $133 |
| Grand Total | $15,377.40 | $10,682.60 |
Each year, Dakota County Technical College and the DCTC Foundation make more than $200,000 in scholarships available to our students. Students are encouraged to create an account and apply for scholarships online.
Students looking for ways to help finance their college education can find part-time jobs on campus with various DCTC departments and programs. Deliver your completed Work-Study Application to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid and search for openings on Handshake. For more information, you can review Work Study Procedure.
Step 1: Apply now for financial aid. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
DCTC's Federal School Code: 010402
Step 2: After receiving an official award letter from DCTC, you may apply online for a Federal Stafford Student Loan. Visit the Loans page for more information.
Dental assistants provide patient care working under the supervision of a dentist. Potential work settings include dental practices in both general and specialty offices. Work areas are near the patient in the dental chair to permit efficient assistance to the dentist.
According to CAREERwise Education, Minnesota's career, education and job resource, dental assistants are in high demand and there will be a need for about 6,657 new Dental Assistants to meet market demand between 2020-2030. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.
If you are looking to bring in any college credit, visit our Transfer To DCTC Resource Page and DCTC will help you through the process.
If you are looking to transfer to a 4-year institution after completing your degree, DCTC can help you through the process! Check out our Transfer From DCTC Resource Page.
Transferology is used to find out how your courses might transfer to DCTC and any of the participating schools in the Transferology network. Get an account for free and create a plan now!
The Dental Assistant program at DCTC is active throughout the year and makes headlines in college publications. Read about student success in design competitions, student field trips to national conferences and the accomplishments of our interior design instructors.
As a student in DCTC's Dental Assistant program, you have many opportunities to make connections in the design industry through your involvement in professional clubs and organizations.
At minimal cost, students can become student members of important professional organizations such as:
DCTC features active, industry-relevant clubs for Dental Assistant students right on campus. Getting involved in these clubs allows you to make the most of your college experience and gives you an edge when seeking employment in the dental assistant field. The following clubs are open to Dental Assistant students:
Community-Based Learning
Community development through service-learning projects promotes citizenship and civic involvement in our students. In a wide selection of DCTC programs, students are required to demonstrate their commitment to community service by participating in approved service-learning projects.
Dental Assistant students are required to participate in a minimum of 10 hours of community-based learning. Some get the opportunity to participate in Give Kids a Smile, an annual program sponsored by the American Dental Association to provide dental care to underserved children.
Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society (PTK)
Phi Theta Kappa is recognized as the official honor society for community colleges by the American Association of Community Colleges. PTK provides many leadership and civic engagement opportunities for students. To be eligible for membership, you must have completed a minimum of 12 hours of coursework at DCTC with a cumulative GPA of 3.5. Invitations to join the society are mailed to eligible students at the end of each term. To learn more about PTK, visit www.ptk.org or contact the PTK advisors.
