Just the Facts
-
Dental Assistant
- 16 Credit Technical Diploma
-
Program Length
- Less Than One Year
-
Delivery Method
- Face-to-Face
-
Career Cluster
- Healthcare
-
Program Location
- Eau Claire
-
Start Months
-
August, January
-
Financial Aid Eligible
- High Enrollment Demand Program
- Non-Traditional Occupation
- Technical Standards
Bloodborne Pathogens
Students in this program should be aware of the risks associated with bloodborne pathogens.
Estimated Program Cost
Learn more about the cost of attendance.
- Term 1
- $ 3,293
- Materials
- $ 6
- Books
- $ 663
- Estimated Total
- $3,962
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.
Check It Out
Join Us for the Fall Open House!
Thursday, November 5, 20263:30 – 7 p.m.View Event Details
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
Career Opportunities
- Dental Assistant
- Orthodontic Assistants
- Oral Surgery Assistant
Graduate Employers
- Gentle Dental Care
- Maple Ridge Dental
- Bullis Pond Dental
- Dental Health Center
- Smiles In Motion
- Clearwater Dental
- Dental Arts Family Dentistry
- Midwest Dental
- Cedar Creek Dental
- Menomonie Street Dental
- Family Health Center Rice Lake Dental Center
- All Kids Dental
- Winn Family Dentistry
- Neighborhood Smiles
- Hillside Dental
- Ashley Dental
Graduate 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.
$37K yearly salary
Our recent Dental Assistant graduates reported an average starting salary of $36,900.
95% employed
95% of our recent Dental Assistant graduates got a job in the industry.
80 regional jobs
There are 80 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.
We will never share or sell your information outside of CVTC. We may, on occasion, contact you regarding relevant services, events, and materials. You may opt out at any time. View our privacy policy to understand how we collect and use your information.
Your future is waiting…
Are you ready to get started?
Student 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
Student Learning Outcomes
A Student Learning Outcome refers to the specific skills, knowledge, or abilities that students are expected to demonstrate upon successful completion of an academic program or degree.
Students will:
- Perform a variety of entry-level supportive dental procedures
- Manage infection and hazard control
- Produce diagnostic images
- Perform basic dental laboratory procedures
- Collect diagnostic and treatment data (Local)
- Demonstrate professional behaviors, ethics and appearance
Additional Admissions Resources
Admission Requirements
Each program requires specific requirements a student must meet to be considered for admissions to this program.
Advising Tips
We have compiled helpful tips and general information for students in this program.