Dental Assistant - Technical Diploma
As a dental assistant, you work with dentists as they examine and treat patients. You may carry out a variety of laboratory, clinical, and office duties such as patient scheduling and bookkeeping functions. While dental assistants typically work in general or specialty dental offices, you may also choose to work for insurance companies, dental lab studios, or dental supply companies. You may also find employment with federal agencies such as the Veterans Administration, US Public Health Services, the Armed Forces, or a state, county, or city health facility. Students have the opportunity to achieve certification as a dental assistant by passing the Dental Assistant National Board (DANB).The Dental Assistant program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Delivery
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Program Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition: $7,023, Books: $661, Supplies: $425
This program is partially eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Please visit the following URL to learn more about tuition and fees for this program. /admissions-and-aid/paying-for-college/tuition-and-fees?ProgramCode=315081
Requirements for Program Entry
- Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply.
- Submit the following:
- High school transcript (or GED/HSED transcript).
- College transcript.
- If your cumulative GPA is below 2.6, complete or submit a placement evaluation.
- Complete these prerequisite requirements (unless already completed):
- Caregiver background check and vaccine records.
- Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with 冈本视频 Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444.
Program Outcomes
- Perform a variety of advanced supportive dental procedures
- Manage infection and hazard control.
- Produce diagnostic intraoral and extraoral images on a variety of patients
- Perform advanced dental laboratory procedures
- Demonstrate professional behaviors, ethics, and appearance
- Perform dental office business procedures
Accreditation
The Dental Assistant program is accredited by the American Dental Association-Commission on Dental Accreditation 211 East Chicago Avenue Chicago, IL 60611-2678 (312) 440-2500
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Dental Assistant technical diploma in the number of semesters shown. Start dates for the first semester are September and January.
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Third Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
- Curriculum Note: Students must earn a "C" or higher in all 31-508-XXX and 10-508-XXX courses. A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a “C” in a program course may apply for re-entry into the program. Consideration for re-entry will be at the discretion of the re-entry team.
- The following courses may transfer into the Dental Hygiene Associate Degree program: 10-508-101, Dental Health Safety; 10-508-103, Dental Radiography Application; 10-508-113, Dental Materials; 10-508-120, Dental Office Management
- The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a "C" or better.
Course Descriptions
Students gain skills that lead to success in college, employment, and life. Students should take this course in their first semester. (Pre-requisite: None.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringPrepares dental assistant students to apply fundamentals of general and dental anatomy to informed decision-making and to professional communication with colleagues and patients. (Prerequisite: Accepted into the Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary Program; Corequisites: 10-508-101, Dental Health Safety; 31-508-307, Dental Asst Professionalism)
Course Typically Offered: Summer FallPrepares dental auxiliary students to respond proactively to dental emergencies, control infection, prevent disease, adhere to OSHA Standards, and safely manage hazardous materials. Students also take patient vital signs and collect patient medical/dental histories. (Prerequisite: Accepted into the Dental Hygiene or Dental Assistant or Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary Program)
Course Typically Offered: Summer FallPrepares dental auxiliary students to manage telephones, appointments, recall systems, and inventory. Students also develop the skills need to process accounts receivable and payable, collections, and third party reimbursements.
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringPrepares dental assistant students for professional success in a dental practice or another dental health care environment. Students develop professional appearance and image. More importantly, they learn to work within ethical guidelines and legal frameworks. In preparation for entering the work force, dental assistants customize or develop their portfolios and lay out an ongoing professional development plan. (Corequisites: 10-508-101, Dental Health Safety; 31-508-304, Dental & General Anatomy)
Course Typically Offered: Summer FallThis course focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory course-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringPrepares dental auxiliary students to operate x-ray units and expose bitewing, periapical, extra oral, and occlusal radiographs. Emphasis is placed on protection against x-ray hazards. Students also process, mount, and evaluate radiographs for diagnostic value. In this course students demonstrate competency on a manikin. In addition, students expose bitewing radiographs on a peer, role-play patient. (Prerequisite: 10-508-101, Dent Health Safety; Corequisite: 10-508-102, Oral Anat & Hist)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringPrepares dental assistant students to chart oral cavity structures, dental pathology, and restorations and to assist a dentist with basic dental procedures including examinations, pain control, amalgam restoration, and cosmetic restoration. Students will also develop the ability to educate patients about preventive dentistry, brushing and flossing techniques, and dental procedures, using lay terminology. Throughout the course, students will apply decoding strategies to the correct use and interpretation of dental terminology. (Prerequisites: 10-508-101, Dental Health Safety; 31-508-304, Dental & General Anatomy; all other second semester classes)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringPrepares dental auxiliary students to handle and prepare dental materials such as liners, bases, cements, amalgam, resin restorative materials, gypsum products, and impression materials. They also learn to take alginate impressions on manikins and clean removable appliances. (Prerequisites: 10-508-101, Dental Health Safety; 31-508-304, Dental & General Anatomy OR 10-508-102, Oral Anatomy, Embry, Histology)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringStudents apply skills developed in Dental and General Anatomy, Dental Health Safety, Dental Chairside, Dental Materials, Dental Radiography, and Professionalism in a clinical setting with patients. Emphasizes integration of core abilities and basic occupational skills. (Prerequisites: 10-508-101, Dental Health Safety; 10-508-103, Dental Radiography Applications; 31-508-304, Dental & General Anatomy; 31-508-307, Dental Assistant Professionalism; Corequisite:10-508-113, Dental Materials; 31-508-302, Dental Chairside)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringPrepares dental assistant students to adapt chairside skills to assisting with dental specialties as they are performed in general practice. Focuses on pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, oral maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, periodontic, and prosthodontics. Students will also develop the ability to assist with sealants, perform coronal polishing, and apply topical fluoride and topical anesthetics. (Prerequisites: 31-508-302, Dental Chairside; all other 2nd semester classes; Corequisite: 31-508-309, Dental Lab Procedures; all other 3rd semester classes)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringBuilds on principles and skills developed in Dental Radiography. Dental assisting students expose full mouth series, extra-oral and specialized radiographs on adult and child patients. Emphasis is placed on protection against x-ray hazards. Students will also acquire and evaluate radiographic images for diagnostic value. In addition, they will use radiographs to explain dental health and treatment plans to patients. (Prerequisite: 10-508-103, Dental Radiography Applications; all other 2nd semester classes; Corequisite: 31-508-311, Dental Assistant Clinical Advanced; all other 3rd semester classes)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringPrepares Dental Assistant students to produce alginate impressions and fabricate diagnostic models, oral appliances, temporary restorations, and custom trays. Students also polish oral appliances. (Prerequisites: 10-508-113, Dental Materials; all other 2nd semester classes; Corequisite: 31-508-311, Dental Clinical Advanced; all other 3rd semester classes)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringDental assisting students apply skills developed in Dental Chairside - Advanced, Dental Lab Procedures, Dental Radiography - Advanced, and Dental Office Procedures in a clinical setting with patients. Emphasizes integration of core abilities and basic and advanced occupational skills. (Prerequisite: 31-508-306, Dent Asst Clinical; All other 2nd semester classes; Corequisites: 31-508-309, Dental Lab Procedures; 31-508-310, Dental Radiography Advanced)
Course Typically Offered: Fall Spring