Dental Assistant

Instructor teaching students how to use a dental tool

Dental Assistant

Technical Diploma

30 Credits | 1 Year

Technical Diploma | Financial Aid-Eligible

Rice Lake

Career Cluster: Health Sciences

Students in selected health sciences programs will travel to the Shell Lake Health Education Center. Travel requirements are customized to meet individual program course competencies.

This program will be modified for the 2025-2026 academic year pending WTCS approval. Please contact an Admissions Advisor if interested or have questions.

If you’re interested in the fast-growing healthcare profession, a career as a dental assistant may be right for you. Northwood Tech’s Dental Assistant program prepares graduates to work with dentists as they examine and treat patients. A variety of career paths await graduates including working in general or specialized dental offices, dental laboratories or employment with federal, state or city agencies.

Program Overview

Dental assistants with documented skills also may carry out a variety of laboratory, clinical and office duties. Some dental assistants manage the office and are responsible for patient scheduling and bookkeeping functions. Most dental assistants work in general or specialized dental offices, either for individual dentists or for groups of dentists. Some dental assistants may choose to work for insurance companies, dental laboratories, or dental supply companies. The dental assistant also may find employment with federal agencies such as the Veterans Affairs; United States Public Health Services; the Armed Forces; or a state, county or city health facility.

Program Outcomes

Dental Assistant graduates will be able to:

  • Perform a variety of advanced supportive dental procedures
  • Manage infection and hazard control
  • Produce diagnostic intraoral and extraoral radiographic images on a variety of patients
  • Perform advanced dental laboratory procedures
  • Demonstrate professional behaviors, ethics, and appearance
  • Perform dental office business procedures

Technical Standards

In this program, students should be able to meet specific technical standards, which are the essential skills and abilities needed to be successful in a program, with or without reasonable accommodation. It is important to review and understand these standards before applying to the program. 

Learn More About Technical Standards for this Program

Dental students gathered around an instructor doing a demonstration

In this nine-month program, you'll apply skills learned in the classroom such as dental and general anatomy, dental health safety, dental chairside, dental materials, dental radiography and professionalism in a clinical setting with patients. 

Close up of dental impression

Take theory learned in the classroom and implement the theory by working with real clients. 

Dental Assistant student working with a real client

Northwood Tech's advisory committee makes sure Northwood Tech has the latest technology available for training purposes.

Dental assistant students in the classroom listening to the instructor speak

Guest speakers, field trip opportunities and interactions with business experts help establish your professional network. 


Academics

Dental Assistant classes are currently offered face-to-face on campus at Rice Lake. It is a nine-month technical diploma program.

Dental Assistant DANB Exam Pass Rates

Experienced Instructors

Northwood Tech is large enough to serve you but small enough to know you. Northwood Tech's experienced instructors are knowledgeable, approachable and eager to help you. 

Cutting-Edge Curriculum

Northwood Tech's continuous networking with business professionals, employers and recent graduates will ensure your courses are up-to-date and applicable for your future career. 

100% Employed

Northwood Tech's Dental Assistant graduates are in high demand. According to a 5-year average from recent graduate survey responses, 95 percent of grads were employed within six months of graduating. 

-  Northwood Tech 2019-2023 Graduate Follow-Up Surveys


Required Courses

Courses address the essential theoretical and practical instruction to develop skills in dental assistant procedures and professionalism. 

Explore the Required Courses

Featured Dental Assistant Courses

31508302
|
UGRD
| 5 CR
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. Students will also develop the ability to educate patients about preventive dentistry, brushing and flossing techniques, and dental procedures, using lay terminology. Throughout the course, students will apply decoding strategies to the correct use and interpretation of dental terminology. COREQUISITES: 10508101 Dental Health Safety, 10508304 Dental and General Anatomy, 10508113 Dental Materials, and 10508103 Dental Radiography and 31508306 Dental Assistant Clinical.
10508103
|
UGRD
| 2 CR
Prepares dental auxiliary students to operate radiographic equipment and expose bitewing, periapical, extra oral, and occlusal images. Emphasis is placed on protection against x-ray hazards. Students also produce, mount, and evaluate dental images for diagnostic value. This course also provides the background in radiographic theory required for students to make informed decisions and adjustments. Corequisites: 10508101 Dental Health Safety, 10508304 Dental and General Anatomy, 10508113 Dental Materials, 31508306 Dental Assistant Clinical, and 31508302 Dental Chairside.
10508304
|
UGRD
| 2 CR
Prepares dental assistant students to apply fundamentals of general and dental anatomy to informed decision-making and to professional communication with colleagues and patients. PREREQUISITE: Acceptance into the Dental Assistant or Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) Program AND COREQUISITE 10508101 Dental Health Safety

Admissions and Tuition

Northwood Tech has an easy admission process that can be completed in one visit. Please see the details under the "Requirements and Application" section to get started.

Requirements and Application

Tuition and Fees

Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to help you pay for your education. It can come in the form of grants, loans, federal work-study, military and veterans benefits, division of vocational rehabilitation benefits, and scholarships. 

Students in the Dental Assistant program may not be eligible to receive full financial aid, due to Department of Education regulations on how credits are recognized. For more information contact your campus Financial Aid Advisor

Learn More About Paying for College

Cost of Attendance

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the costs that you may incur while attending Northwood Technical College.

Learn More About Cost of Attendance

Estimated Total Program Tuition 2024-25*

Dental Assistant 

30 Credits | 1 Year

$6,294

Plus $1,200 for tools, supplies and uniforms


*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented. 


After the Northwood Tech Dental Assistant Program

Upon completion of the program, you will earn a technical diploma in Dental Assistant. 

Student studying at a computer

Transfer Center

Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond. 

View Transfer Center

 

Career Outlooks

Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation. 

View Career Options

Student studying at laptop

Accreditation

The program in dental assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation [and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements”]. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s Web address is https://coda.ada.org/.


Contact

Choose a campus to view contact information, or for general assistance, please contact us.

New Richmond Admissions Contact

Sherry Rehnelt

Admissions Advisor

715.752.8136

Contact

Superior Admissions Contact

Anna Kalin

Admissions Advisor

715.319.7331

Contact

Rice Lake Admissions Contact

Nicole Messicci

Admissions Advisor

715.788.7144

Contact

Ashland Admissions Contact

Jennifer Bednarik

Admissions Advisor

715.685.3039

Contact

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Are you ready to experience success? Northwood Tech staff are standing by to support you in reaching your educational and career goals, so do it. Take the leap.