Dental Assistant Overview
Brighten up your future in less than one year by enrolling in CVTC’s Dental Assistant program. As a dental assistant, you will be a vital part of the dental office.
In the Dental Assistant program, you will learn how to:
- Assist the dentist in dental procedures.
- Sterilize and prepare instruments.
- Manage infection and hazard control following OSHA guidelines.
- Take impressions, prepare models, and lab work.
- Assist with general office procedures.
- Produce diagnostic x-rays with both film and digital sensors.
- Maintain and update dental charts.
- Perform coronal polishing
- Model professional appearance, behaviors, and ethics.
CVTC has a full service dental clinic in which dental assistant students, dental hygiene students and dental students from Marquette School of Dentistry work together in a collaborative learning environment to provide care to patients who lack access to dental care. All dental assistant students rotate through the dental clinic as part of their training as well as complete clinical rotations at local dental offices to gain hands-on experience.
Earn credit for prior learning! Do you have previous educational or work experience in the field? You could be eligible to receive credit for prior learning.
Explore This Program
Just the Facts
Dental Assistant
16 Credit Technical Diploma
Program Length
Less Than One Year
Delivery Method
Face-to-Face
Program Location
Eau Claire
Start Months
August, January
Bloodborne Pathogens
Students in this program should be aware of the risks associated with bloodborne pathogens. Learn more.
Learn more about the cost of attendance.
Term 1
$ 3,054
Books
$ 496
What are estimated program costs? Estimated Total: $3,550
Career Opportunities
Dental Assistant
Orthodontic Assistant
Graduate Employers
Bullis Pond Dental
Clear Water Dental
Kristo Orthodontics
Maple Ridge Dental
Midwest Dental
Regis Court Dental Associates
Program Outcomes
CVTC graduates are ready for the workforce. Each year, we send our graduates the Graduate Follow-Up Survey asking several questions related to employment. Here are the program outcomes and job data.
// Program Scorecard$35K Yearly Salary
Our recent Dental Assistant graduates reported an average starting salary of $35,487.
75% Employed
75% of our recent Dental Assistant graduates got a job in the industry.
82 Regional Jobs
There are 82 job openings in the CVTC district for the Dental Assistant industry.
Transfer
Credits to Other Institutions
Should you choose to continue your education after you leave CVTC, we have agreements in place with several institutions to ensure an easy transfer.
Program Courses
These are a few of the courses you will take in this program. Courses and the recommended sequence change from year to year; once you are enrolled in a program at CVTC you will be given a recommended course sequence that outlines what courses you should take and the order in which to take them.
You may search for available courses. If you are ever unsure of what courses to take, talk to your academic advisor. If you are looking for course information for previous years, check out our past catalogs.
Here are a few of the courses you can take in the Dental Assistant program.
Sample Courses
Dental Health Safety
Prepares dental auxiliary students to respond proactively to dental emergencies, control infection, prevent disease, adhere to OSHA standards, and safely manage hazardous materials.
Dental Chairside
Prepares 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.
Applied Dental Radiography
Prepares dental auxiliary students to operate x-ray units and expose bitewing, periapical, extral oral, and occlusal radiographs using both film and digital imaging.
Request More Information
Please provide your contact information and an Admissions Advisor will get back to you ASAP with more information about this program.
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Your future is waiting…Are you ready to get started?
Apply NowStudent Testimonial
I really enjoyed the Dental Assistant program and learned so much in the 16 weeks I was there. Emily Severson and Katrina Borgen really know what they are doing and are wonderful instructors. I am so glad that I got the opportunity to work with them and learn from them.
Dental Assistant Graduate
Related Programs & Certificates
Whether you're looking to continue your learning to another program or to gain continuing education credit, CVTC offers a variety of learning opportunities for students.
Degrees & Diplomas
Dental Hygienist, Associate Degree
Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary, Advanced Technical Certificate
Continue Your Learning
CVTC can help you achieve your learning goals whether you are looking to advance your career or enrich your personal life.
// Explore Continuing Ed OpportunitiesUnsure of which program you'd like to go into? Learn more about our Career Assessment to help narrow down your options.
Additional Admissions Resources
Admission Requirements
Each program requires specific requirements a student must meet to be considered for admissions to this program.
// View Admission RequirementsAdvising Tips
We have compiled helpful tips and general information for students in this program.
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