Dental Assistant
Technical Diploma
33 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.
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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.
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.
Take theory learned in the classroom and implement the theory by working with real clients.
Northwood Tech's advisory committee makes sure Northwood Tech has the latest technology available for training purposes.
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.
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.
Featured Dental Assistant Courses
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.
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.
Estimated Total Program Tuition 2024-25*
Dental Assistant
33 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.
Transfer Center
Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond.
Career Outlooks
Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.
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/.
Get the Northwood Tech experience
Attend an event or schedule a campus tour/program shadow.
Download the Catalog
Learn more about programs, courses, tuition and fees, services and more.
Finding the class you want to take has never been easier.
