The Dental Assisting Program is an 11-month course of study leading to a diploma in dental assisting. Students have the option of completing an A.A.S. degree. The purpose of the program is to prepare graduates to aid the dentist at the chair side during examination and treatment of patients. Dental assistants may perform supportive laboratory and business office procedures.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates meet all requirements for the practice of dental assisting, x-ray certified and coronal polish certified, in the state of Nebraska and will be prepared to sit for the national certification examination offered by the Dental Assisting National Board.

The Dental Assisting Program is accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678. Telephone: (312) 440-2500. Website: www.ada.org

Additional program costs incurred by the students include uniforms, lab fees, radiation badge fee, and hepatitis immunization. Students are strongly encouraged to have health insurance, but it is not required.

Program Objectives

  • Perform tasks related to entry level dental assisting employment.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of personal and work characteristics that contribute to effective dental assisting performance.
  • Use effective communication skills appropriate to dental assisting.
  • Apply the theory of dental assisting to specific jobs using critical thinking/reasoning skills while working independently.
  • Use mathematical data and reasoning skills in relation to dental assisting.
  • Be prepared to take external certification examination.

Employment Opportunities

Employment opportunities include private dental offices, hospital dental departments, public nursing homes, health agencies, private clinics, dental schools, the federal government, and the Armed Forces.

Gainful Employment

  • Program costs for Dental Assisting (information for 2009-10 school year)
  • Median loan debt was $2912 based on 5 years of data
  • 42 hrs tuition and fees= $4818
  • Books and supplies for 3 semesters= $1800
  • Room and board for 3 semesters= $8790
  • Estimated costs for Dental Assisting = $15,408
  • Graduation Rate w/in 100% (Fall 2009 cohort) = No Students
  • Graduate Placement Rate (2009-10 graduates) = 0%

Recommended Electives

Students may consider classes in computers, sciences, speech, health, algebra, and psychology to help prepare them for employment as a dental assistant.

Potential Dental Assisting Students

  • Must be at least 16 years of age.
  • Must have a high school diploma or a GED.
  • Must be currently certified in FirstAid and CPR while enrolled in the program.
  • Must have word processing skills.
  • Must meet minimum COMPASS scores Reading 76, Writing 76, Pre-Algebra 36.
  • Must meet with instructor prior to registration.