Dental Assistant

  • Dental Assistant student demonstrates proper brushing
  • Dental Assistant student looks at x-rays
  • Dental Assistant student teaches Head Start kids about what foods is bad for their teeth
  • Dental Assistant student sands down a mouth mold
  • Dental Assistant students high-five each other
  • Dental Assistant student shows Head Start kids what happens at dentist office

Help the world smile. The Dental Assisting program is accredited by The Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Students in this program will learn how to perform a wide range of duties important to dental care, including: chairside assisting, first aid, radiology, office and laboratory procedures, and practice management. In addition to classroom work, students receive more than 300 hours of real-world clinical experience at a variety of dental facilities so that when they do graduate, they can feel confident in their ability to do their job, regardless of the position they are in.

Students also participate in service learning opportunities throughout the year, such as volunteering with the Kansas Mission of Mercy program, which provides free dental care to thousands of people annually, and working with local preschool children to teach them to care for their teeth.

This program has several steps required for admission; check the program guide below for details.

Program Length Program Cost Degree Earned Expected Salary
Nine Months $11,952 Technical Certificate $27,000 – $35,000
Two Years $15,807 Associate Degree

YOU WILL LEARN

  • Assist in clinical dental procedures.

  • Manipulate dental materials to perform laboratory procedures associated with dental treatments.

  • Apply principles of radiation hygiene and safety, utilizing correct techniques to obtain diagnostic radiographs.

  • Demonstrate concepts of infection control.

  • Gather and record diagnostic, patient, and treatment information.

  • Provide patient education.

  • Assist in medical and dental emergencies.

  • Perform basic dental business office procedures.

  • Maintains confidentiality and professional ethics.

  • Participates and communicates effectively as a healthcare team member.

  • Salina Tech Dental Assistant students are required to take the DANB test in order to fulfill program requirements.

CAREERS

  • Solo & Group dental practices

  • Specialty Practices

  • Oral & Maxiofacial Surgery Centers

  • Endodontics & Periodontics

  • Prosthodontics

  • Dental Laboratories

  • Hospitals

  • Insurance companies

Faculty

CONTACT

Contact the DEN Enrollment Specialist with any questions, admissions requirements, or to set up program shadowing or tours.

Emily Ingalls
785-309-3132
emily.ingalls@salinatech.edu