Dental Assistant Program

The dental assistant program at Minnesota West Community and 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 M State is accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation for more than 55 years.

Learn more by requesting information now!

Minnesota West Community and Technical College (M State)

1414 College Way, Fergus Falls, MN

Minnesota West Community and Technical College, located in Granite Falls, Minnesota, was founded in 1997 through the merger of two previous colleges, Worthington Community College and Southwestern Technical College.

The school has five campuses in total, all of which have individual histories stretching back several decades, if not more.  MWCTC is currently part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System which manages and, budgets and maintains most of the public institutions of higher learning throughout the state.

Academics

Minnesota West Community and Technical College is a comprehensive institution that provides various services and programs in order to meet the varied needs of residents within its service area. The school offers technical and career training for individuals seeking to obtain an education that allows for the development of skills and abilities related to the establishment and maintenance of long term careers.

Such programs take between one and two years to complete, often employing instructors with familiarity and expertise in the chosen field, and resulting in a degree or certificate upon completion. The school also offers transfer programs for students wishing to continue their education at higher levels. This allows students to complete their first two years at the college, followed by transfer to a four year institution to complete the final two years and receiving their bachelor's degree.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Business Administration
• Carpentry
• Cosmetology
• Phlebotomy

Admissions and Financial Aid

Minnesota West Community and Technical College is an open enrollment institution that maintains the most minimal of requirements to be considered for admission, specifically a high school diploma or equivalent. Interested students may submit an application for admission and pay all fees in order to enroll.

Submission of transcripts and standardized test scores is encouraged, and a placement exam may be required for students who do not have them. Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships and distributed based on need as determined by the Applicant's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Financial aid must be reapplied for prior to each academic year.

Students Enrolled in the Dental Assistant Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. M State has offered the following program levels 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

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