Dental Assisting A.A.S. Degree
View Admissions Information for CLC Dental Programs
Career Description
The career of dental assisting is an exciting, challenging, rewarding, and very in-demand career, where no two days will be alike as you help make dental experiences enjoyable for your patients! Dental assistants are critical members of the dental team, responsible for assisting the dentist, dental therapist, or hygienist with many chairside duties, performing many duties independently according to the State Dental Practice Act, in addition to working in the business end of dentistry. This career is also a great building block if you want to further your education as a Restorative Functions Dental Assistant, dental hygienist, office manager, dental therapist, dental sales representative, dental educator, or dentist.
Program Information
The 15-month Dental Assisting AAS Program at CLC was the first program established in the state, back in 1967! This hands-on, fast-paced program is designed to educate students in chairside skills and expanded functions delegated by the Minnesota State Board of Dentistry. Students will learn ways to treat and prevent dental disease, as well as teach patients preventive dental care. Fall and spring semesters are on-campus, followed by a nine-week summer session where 2 internships are completed in dental practices of your choice. This education prepares students to take national and state written licensing examinations, which are required for certification and licensure as dental assistants in the state of Minnesota.
Program Outcomes
Graduates will be able to:
- Perform chair side procedures in a clinical setting;
- Apply infection control, biohazards and treatment area practices;
- Perform dental office procedures;
- Perform radiographic and radiation safety procedures;
- Communicate professionally with patients, peers, and members of the dental health team; and
- Model professionalism through continuing education and membership in the American Dental Assistants Association.
Special Program Requirements
In addition to the program requirements, students must meet the following conditions in order to graduate:
- College Cumulative GPA Requirement: cumulative grade point average (GPA) of credits attempted and completed at CLC must be at least 2.0;
- College Technical Core GPA Requirement: cumulative GPA of credits attempted and completed towards the technical core of the diploma or degree must be at least 2.0;
- Residency Requirement: students must complete 25% of their credits at Central Lakes College.
- Students who apply for the Dental Assisting Program who meet requirements for Admission will be accepted into the Dental Assisting Diploma for their first year with the option of pursuing their Associates in Applied Science (AAS) their second year.
Accreditation
The CLC Dental Assisting program has been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) since 1967. The most recent reauthorization visit was conducted in Fall of 2019.
Admissions
HS GPA 2.6 or higher within the past 10 years OR
Accuplacer NG Reading score: 236 or higher OR
MCA Reading 1047 or higher OR
HS GPA of 2.5 AND MCA Reading 1042 OR
Completion of college course equivalent to CLC’s ENGL 1410 Composition I or higher
A Minnesota Department of Human Services Background Study and Fingerprinting is required and will be completed at the beginning of the program. More details will be provided by the Program Director at Orientation.
Employment Statistics
For more information regarding employment statistics, career salary information and estimated job growth, follow the resource links below:
Career Center | Minnesota Dental Association
https://apps.deed.state.mn.us/lmi/ces/
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm
Salary information from indeed.com
Program Course Requirements
Required Discipline Courses (45 Credits)
DENT 1106 Dental Orientation and Anatomy, 3 cr
DENT 1114* Pathology, Pharmacology, and Law, 3 cr
DENT 1116 Dental Clinic I, 8 cr
DENT 1118 Dental Radiology I, 3 cr
DENT 1120 Preventive Dentistry, 2 cr
DENT 1123* Dental Clinic II, 9 cr
DENT 1124 Dental Materials, 3 cr
DENT 1129* Dental Radiology II, 2 cr
DENT 1132* Dental Specialties, 2 cr
DENT 1133* Principles of Practice Management and Communication, 2 cr
DENT 1150** Dental Internship (336 Hours), 7 cr
EMTS 1130 AHA Healthcare Provider CPR, 1 cr
Required MnTC Courses (15 Credits)
An A.A.S. degree requires a minimum of 15 credits selected from at least three of the ten goal areas of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC). Students must include the following course:
ENGL 1410* Composition I (Goal 1), 4 cr OR
ENGL 1420* Honors Composition I (Goal 1), 4 cr OR
ENGL 1422 Practical Writing (Goals 1,2), 3 cr
Additional MnTC credits as needed to total 60 credits
For students planning to pursue Dental Hygiene, we suggest you choose courses that will meet prerequisite requirements for Dental Hygiene. See an advisor for assistance choosing courses for your targeted program/college. Typical Dental Hygiene course prerequisites may include:
BIOL 2457* Microbiology
BIOL 2467* Anatomy and Physiology I
BIOL 2468* Anatomy and Physiology II
COMM 1420 Interpersonal Communication
PSYC 2421 General Psychology
SOCL 1401 Intro to Sociology
*Denotes Prerequisites
**Requires permission by Instructor
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT – 60 CREDITS
Program News
Initial Dental Assistant Licensure (pdf)
Dental Assisting Program students provide the following services at a very reduced cost: radiographs (x-rays), teeth polishing, fluoride treatments, whitening trays, and sealants. Appointments may be scheduled during the months of February-April. Please call: 218-855-8254 or email: clcdental@clcmn.edu to make an appointment.
CLC ranks among the top Dental Assistant Degree Programs in the U.S. – CLC News
“Central Lakes College has been ranked by Intelligent.com as having one of The Best Online Dental Assistant Degree Programs for 2021, with a unique distinction for Best Technical College.”
