Career Description
Given the ever-increasing demands for
dental care, dental practices are designed for a dental team approved
for the delivery of dental care. An exciting and challenging career
awaits you as a professional dental assistant. A career in dental
assisting offers variety, job satisfaction, opportunity for service,
and financial reward.
Program Information
During this 11-month course you will
study ways to control and prevent dental disease as well as teach
patients preventive dental care. Training is provided in chairside
skills and MN state expanded functions. There are 3 semesters. Fall
and spring are on-campus and the 9-week summer session provides
internships off-campus in dental facilities and private dental
practices. This education prepares the student to take national and
state written examinations required for Certification and
Registration as dental assistants. A Certified Registered Dental
Assistant becomes a member of the dental team.
Special Program Requirements
**American Heart Association –
Health Care Provider CPR is a prerequisite for admission into the
Dental Program Students are encouraged to complete Biol 1404 Human
Biology I prior to entering the dental assisting program to reduce
the amount of credit load fall semester. A current healthcare
provider CPR is required for fall, spring and summer semesters.
Accreditation
Accredited by the American Dental Association
since May 1967.
Admissions
Progression through the program is sequential.
Admission date is fall semester. High school diploma or GED. The
curriculum in the dental assisting program may expose students to
hazardous materials, radiation and/or infectious diseases. Students
will be provided with information through education and program
policies to protect themselves and their patients from harm. Students
will be expected to utilize appropriate safety precautions in the
classroom, laboratory and clinic. Program policies are available upon
request.
Transfer Opportunities
Some courses within the program may
be used as elective credits toward an AA degree.
Employment Opportunities
The career outlook for Certified
and Registered Dental Assistants in Minnesota continues to grow due
to the increased demand for dental care. The majority of graduates
are employed as clinical assistants and Minnesota requires
specialized credentials as an employment criteria. There is a great
deal of stability and employment security for the individual who
becomes a dental assistant.
Career Titles
Chairside dental assistant in
general/specialty practices Expanded-functions dental assistant
Administrative business assistant Dental sales personnel
Sterilization assistant Dental Insurance personnel
