Dental Assistant
MCTC's Dental Assistant Diploma program is a one-year evening program for individuals employed in a dental office who wish to become certified and registered dental assistants (CDA, RDA). Students who have completed the Dental Office Support Personnel Certificate are also eligible for enrollment in the diploma program.
As part of a dental team, the dental assistant is an important communication link between the dentist and patient. You will need to interact with a wide variety of patients under sometimes stressful situations. The program will increase your knowledge to work chair-side with the dentist and their patients, perform a variety of patient cares, provide assistance within the business office, and/or complete laboratory duties.
The curriculum in the dental assistant 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.
To enter the program you must have a minimum of one year of dental office experience and be presently employed in a dental office. Your coursework will include basic and dental sciences, dental materials, chairside assisting, Radiology, MN expanded functions, and clinical experience. The goal is to ensure you will be an indispensable member of the dental health team.
The program's classroom, preclinical and clinical experiences will prepare you to take the Certification Examination offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and the Registration Examination offered by the Minnesota Board of Dentistry.
The Dental Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association (211 East Chicago Avenue; Chicago, IL 60611; 312-440-4653) and by the Minnesota State Board of Dentistry (University Park Plaza; 2829 University Avenue SE, Suite 450; Minneapolis, MN 55414; 612-617-2250).
Degrees, diplomas and certificates
- Dental Assistant Diploma
- Dental Office Support Personnel Certificate
- Expanded Functions Certificate
Refer to the 2009-10 College Catalog for the requirements to degrees, diplomas and/or certificates available through the Dental Assistant program.
Read MCTC's articulation agreements with other colleges and universities.
Faculty/staff listing
- Main number: 612-659-6071
- Fax number: 612-659-6129
Frequently asked questions
- How long will it take to complete the diploma program?
- It will take 3 semesters to complete the diploma program, which leads to both Certification and Registration. Classes are taken fall, spring and summer semesters.
- Can I begin the program Spring semester?
- The diploma program begins only once each year in the fall. Courses are sequenced such that students must take them in a specific order and build on one another. For individuals who have already completed training, but it did not include the Minnesota expanded functions, they may qualify to complete just expanded functions training and earn a Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Certificate. The dental office support personnel courses courses are offered Spring semester.
- Must I be working in a dental office?
- Yes, the diploma program is designed for individuals working within a dental office. We work with the dental community, to offer this program so a person who wishes to become Certified and Registered can attend school while maintaining employment. A student can attend the dental office support personnel courses without having worked in a dental office.
- What if I do not have work experience in a dental office?
- A student can attend the dental office support personnel courses without work experience. The student can transition into the diploma program. To enter directly into the diploma program, individuals must have a minimum of one year work experience.
- How can I have a job in a dental office before I have the training?
- Due to the lack of available Certified and Registered dental assistants, dentist will hire individuals whom have not yet received formal training. There are many opportunities within a dental office in which a person may receive on the job training. After completing one year, an individual is qualified for this program.
- Can I receive credit for course work taken elsewhere?
- Yes, it may be possible. Course work taken at other colleges must be evaluated to determine if credit can be granted. The college, as well as the program, has specific guidelines as to what can be considered and accepted as transfer credits.
- Are there classes during the day?
- The dental assistant courses identified by, DNTA before the number, are offered only in the evening. General education course can be taken during the day, evening, or Saturday.
- Can I attend the program on a part-time basis?
- The program is designed to take all the course work offered each semester. Though it is not recommended, arrangements could be made to take courses over a two-year time frame
- Will I automatically be Certified and Registered when I graduate from the program?
- Graduation from the diploma program allows an individual to sit for the Certification examination and the Registration examination. Successful completion of each of these examinations are required before you are Certified and/or Registered.
- What additional expenses will there be?
- In addition to tuition, books, and parking, students are required to have their own safety glasses and lab coat. During the clinical phase of the program, students will be required to wear scrubs or uniform.
