Dental Assistant Program

The dental assistant program at Dakota County Technical College prepares students for a career in a dental office, dental supply manufacturer, hospital dental department, or insurance company. The program focuses on preparing patients and equipment for dental procedures, and office administrative functions. Program courses include: medical record-keeping, general office duties, reception and patient intake, scheduling, equipment maintenance and sterilization, basic radiography, pre and post-operative patient care and instruction, chairside assisting, taking tooth and mouth impressions, and supervised practice. Get more details below including other Minnesota colleges that offer dental assistant program.

The Dental Assistant program at Dakota County Technical College is accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation for more than 53 years.

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Dakota County Technical College (DCTC)

1282 Concordia Ave, Saint Paul, MN

About
Dakota County Technical College, Rosemount, Minnesota, was founded in 1969 through the approval of the state legislature and began operating in 1970 at a site formerly operated  by the University of Minnesota. The school operates several off campus sites that offer a variety of services to students and the community. Over the years increased enrollment has required the school to expand its programs and facilities, resulting in the addition of new buildings and a commitment to providing excellent services and education. The school has recently become involved in the Green Campus Commitment with the goal of achieving a neutral carbon footprint by 2020.


Academics
Dakota County Technical College offers students a large number of programs primarily dedicated to providing students with career training programs and opportunities.Such programs provide students the skills and abilities necessary to enter the workforce as a qualified professional. This is accomplished through the combination of theoretical and practical courses that allow for the development and implementation of methods and techniques in a controlled environment in order to build experience. Students will earn a certificate or degree upon completion that demonstrates competency and allows for employment at the entry level. Graduates from DCTC have a 94% employment rate.


Students may also use earned credits from DCTC to transfer to a four year institution. Students will apply to a college or university after the completion of studies at the school, and if accepted will transfer credits and use them toward earning a bachelor's degree. Students wishing to pursue a transfer option should visit a counselor to discuss credit transfer, curriculum, and requirements for the student's desired school or schools, due to the fact the requirements will vary by college and certain credits may be non-transferable.


Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Business Management
• Dental Assistant
• Practical Nursing
• Interior Design

Continuing education courses are also available to practicing professionals wishing to update their education or are in need of a certain number of study hours to renew a license or certification.


Admissions and Financial Aid
Any individual interested in enrollment at Dakota County Technical College may do so if they meet the minimum requirements for admission, complete and submit an application, and pay all fees including tuition. Students should supply their transcripts and test scores and may be required to take a placement exam prior to registration. New students are encouraged to participate in orientation to become more familiarized with the campus, services and activities and meet with a counselor to discuss future goals, program enrollment and curriculum.


Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which is used by the school to determine a student's needs and aid program eligibility when putting together a financial aid packet. Aid must be reapplied for prior to the start of each academic year. Students may also be asked to provide additional information to the school at random to verify the FAFSA's accuracy as per recent federal regulations.

Students Enrolled in the Dental Assistant Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Dakota County Technical College has offered the following programs for students:

• Less Than Two-Year Award
• Associate's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

Dental Assistants

Description

Assist dentist, set up equipment, prepare patient for treatment, and keep records.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, dental assistants employment is expected to grow at a rate of 18.4% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI
  • Total Employment: 3
  • Average Hourly Rate: $21.62
  • Average Annual Salary: $44960

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).