Program Tips

Academic Advising & Student Success

Academic advisors assist students with developing education plans based on their graduation audit. Their goal is to plan the right pathway to graduation by maximizing students' potential and ensuring success based on the student's previous academic experience, career path, and responsibilities outside of being a student. Student success specialists assist students in overcoming barriers that many students encounter over their academic career. Their goal is to help students become academically successful by assisting with goal setting, interpersonal issues, success plans, and community-based referrals. More information can be found on Commons (Student Services).

Technology Requirements

It is expected that students have access to a laptop, computer, or device with a webcam and have reliable Wi-Fi at home or off-campus. 

Financial Aid Consideration

This program is not financial aid eligible.

Students with Disabilities

CVTC welcomes individuals with disabilities. We will provide and coordinate reasonable accommodations for all individuals with documented disabilities. Students that might benefit from accommodations during their college experience at CVTC can contact the Student Success and Accessibility team at 715-833-6234 or access@cvtc.edu to determine what accommodations they may be eligible for and what documentation may be required.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

CPL offers CVTC students an opportunity to earn college credit toward an associate degree or technical diploma for previous knowledge and mastered skills directly related to the program curriculum. Previous knowledge and skills may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military experience, and courses completed at other institutions. If a student wishes to attempt CPL for a course in progress, it is imperative that CPL is attempted within the first week of the class to be eligible for tuition refund. More information can be found at cvtc.edu/CPL.

Title IX Pregnancy and Related Conditions

CVTC does not discriminate against any student based on pregnancy or related conditions and will fully comply with Title IX regulations. Related conditions include, but are not limited to, childbirth, breastfeeding/pumping, miscarriage, abortion, false pregnancy, and recovery from these or related conditions. Students who are pregnant or are experiencing related conditions are entitled to reasonable modifications to ensure equal access to CVTC's educational program and activities. Any student seeking reasonable modifications must contact the Student Success and Accessibility team at 715-833-6234 or access@cvtc.edu to discuss appropriate and available modifications based on their individual needs. Students are encouraged to request pregnancy-related modifications as promptly as possible

Program Information

Instruments & Books

There are instruments that are part of the program, plus books. The book will be in an online module format. The instruments will be ready for you on campus on the first day of the face-to-face lab.

Uniforms & Equipment

Students will be required to wear scrubs when on campus. There is no specified color of scrubs. Wear comfortable shoes.  Loupes are not required, but recommended to be able to see.

Certified Dental Assistant

To complete this program, students need one of the following:

1. Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB) certified dental assistant credential and a minimum of 1,000 hours of dental assistant practice, OR  
2. A minimum of 2,000 hours of dental assistant practice, as verified by the supervising licensed dentist.

Dental Health Safety 508-101 and Dental General Anatomy 508-304

If students are a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), they are eligible for industry experience through Credit for Prior Learning. Graduates from CVTC’s Dental Assistant program will be given transfer credit for Dental Health Safety and Dental General Anatomy. If students have graduated from a WTCS dental program, they will either be eligible for Credit for Prior Learning or transfer credit, depending on certification. All other certifications from other states will work with the Program Director for review. Applicants with post-secondary credits should submit an official transcript* to the Admissions Office at admissionsmail@cvtc.edu for evaluation and possible transfer credit.

Dental Labs

All face-to-face lab times will be on Fridays and Saturdays. Lab work held on-site at the Eau Claire Campus will be practiced and demonstrated in a new state-of-the-art dental simulation lab.

Hybrid Courses

Courses will be offered in a variety of schedules and delivery methods to accommodate the needs of working students. Hybrid courses are a combination of face-to-face classroom instruction and online learning. The division of online and classroom instruction for each hybrid course will vary depending on the course content and the instructor's preference. Your instructor will blend participation opportunities in the classroom, as well as online learning opportunities.

Clinical Requirements

Clinical will be completed at the place of employment. Students will work with the Program Director and the place of employment for clinical hours and verification.

Certification

Upon completion, students will be able to become EFDA certified through the Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS).

Last Updated: February 26, 2026 @ 3:33 p.m.