Dental Assistant Technical Diploma

The program prepares graduates to work with dentists as they examine and treat patients. Dental assistants may carry out a variety of laboratory, clinical, and office duties, such as patient scheduling and bookkeeping functions. Dental assistants typically work in general or specialty dental offices. Some dental assistants may work for insurance companies, dental lab studios, or dental supply companies. The dental assistant may also find employment with federal agencies such as the Veterans Administration, US Public Health Services, the Armed Forces, or a state, county, or city health facility.

Graduates may find employment as a:

• Dental Assistant

• Dental Office Manager

• Dental Laboratory Assistant

• Dental Laboratory Technician

• Dental Treatment Coordinator

• Maxillofacial Dental Assistant

• Endodontic Dental Assistant

• Prosthodontic Dental Assistant

• Dental Receptionist

• Dental Practice Manager

• Dental Sales Representative

• Orthodontic Dental Assistant

• Pediatric Dental Assistant

• Periodontic Dental Assistant

Graduates will be provided the opportunity to obtain the CDA credential.

• REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM APPLICATION

• Completed application.

• High school transcript or equivalent. (For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted.)

• REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM ENTRY

• To be admitted to this program, learners must achieve a prior cumulative high school or college grade point average of 2.6 or higher OR a satisfactory academic skills assessment score. College grade point average must be based on 15 credits or more. To learn more about starting this program, please contact an academic advisor at (920) 498-5444 or (888) 385-6982.

• Attend mandatory program orientation and welcome week.

• Complete caregiver background check. A fee is charged for this service. Additional information will be provided upon acceptance into the program.

• Students are expected to have entry-level computer and keyboarding skills. It is recommended that students complete basic computer skills coursework if deficient in this area.

• Collect diagnostic and treatment data.

• Manage infection and hazard control.

• Perform clinical supportive treatments.

• Take diagnostic radiographs.

• Perform dental laboratory procedures.

• Provide patient oral health instruction.

• Assist in managing medical emergencies.

• Model professional behaviors, ethics, and appearance.

• Carry out dental office procedures.

The Dental Assistant program is accredited by the American Dental Association-Commission on Dental Accreditation.

• Students will be required to purchase personal protection equipment/clothes and provide their own transportation to the dental office.

• Students are required to complete an American Heart Association BLS Provider course during their first semester.

• Submit required immunization documentation. A fee is charged for this service. Additional information will be provided upon acceptance into the program.

Graduates will be provided the opportunity to obtain the CDA credential.

The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses. To find out more about which of your program courses may offer an opportunity during this academic year, contact your academic advisor or visit nwtc.edu/studyabroad.

NWTC is required to comply with the Wisconsin Caregiver Law (1997 WISCONSIN ACT 27). The completion of a caregiver background check includes the review of criminal records for convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behavior. Students accepted into this program must complete a background check through www.castlebranch.com AND complete a Background Information Disclosure (BID) form disclosing any acts, crimes, or convictions prior to program entry. The information provided in the BID form must be truthful and match any findings on the criminal record check. Information regarding this process is provided to students immediately upon acceptance into the program. Students with a criminal history may be denied access to placement at the discretion of the clinical or practicum site. Consequently, should a student have a history of convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behaviors, NWTC cannot guarantee clinical/practicum placement or guarantee graduation within typical program timing.