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Dental Assistant2021-11-30T09:05:08-06:00

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

Nine Months

Two Years

Program Cost

$10,404

$13,839

Degree Earned

Technical Certificate

Associate Degree

Expected Salary

$27,000 – $35,000

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

Information

> Program Guide

> Dental Assistant Handbook

> Fall 2021 Schedule

> Spring 2022 Schedule

> Dental Admission Packet

> Handbook Questionnaire

> Gainful Employment

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

Ron Redden

785-309-3128

ron.redden@salinatech.edu

Faculty

Brooke Horner is a Registered Dental Hygienist, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from Wichita State University and her Master of Science in Education from Kansas State University.  She is also a Certified Dental Assistant and Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant.

Mrs. Horner has over 20 years in the dental field.  She started as a Dental Assistant and progressed to a Dental Hygienist for 12 years prior to becoming the Dental Program Administrator in 2015, and is now the Director of Allied Dental Education. 

Mrs. Horner is a member of the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) and serves as President for the Kansas Dental Association (KDAA).  She is excited to share her knowledge and enthusiasm for dentistry with her students!

brooke.horner@salinatech.edu | 785-309-3125 

Kate Benton earned her certification in Dental Assisting from Flint Hills Technical College and earned her Associate of Applied Science degree from Salina Tech.  She is also a Certified Dental Assistant, Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant and has a Supragingival Scaling certification.

Mrs. Benton had over 10 years of experience in several successful dental and orthodontic offices prior to joining the Dental Assistant program in 2016 as a Clinical Lab Instructor. 

Mrs. Benton is a member of the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) and serves as the Vice President for the Kansas Dental Assistant Association (KDAA).  She is extremely passionate for her students and her goal is for every student to have a lifelong career in the dental field!

kate.benton@salinatech.edu | 785-309-3126

News

Salina Tech enrollment jumps 27%

Enrollment at Salina Area Technical College rose 27% in the fall of 2018 compared to the previous fall, according to information collected on September 20th for reporting to the Kansas Board of Regents. According to the [...]

Scholarships

Click here to check out our Scholarship page!

For more information about our completion, on-time graduation rates, cost, placement rates, and median debt incurred, please go to KSDegreestats.org. You may also compare programs at various Kansas colleges there.

Salina Area Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, military service, or any other non-merit based factor in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title VII, ADA, Title IX, Section 504, Title II, GINA, is directed to contact the Vice President of Student Services, 2562 Centennial Rd, Salina, KS 67401, 785-309-3100.

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