Dental Assistant
- Technical Diploma
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Take on an important role in the healthcare sector by becoming a dental assistant. In this career, you'll do more than traditional chairside assistance; you'll actively engage with patients, guiding them toward optimal oral health practices. Your responsibilities will extend to assisting dentists in various dental procedures, including general dentistry, oral surgery, endodontics, orthodontics, and pediatrics. You may also have opportunities to work in a dental lab, perform x-rays, schedule appointments, and manage office tasks.
Western's comprehensive technical diploma courses are designed to equip you with the skills necessary to excel in private practices, dental groups, or governmental agencies focused on dental services. The program covers essential skills, including four-handed dentistry, dental anatomy, radiography techniques, oral hygiene principles, adherence to OSHA standards, and effective communication.
Upon completion, you'll have the chance to enhance your credentials by pursuing certification through the Dental Assisting National Board examination. This opens doors to a fulfilling and impactful career in dental healthcare.
You will refine patient care techniques through realistic simulation experiences in our state-of-the-art Simulation and Extended Reality (XR) Labs. Learn more about the Simulation and XR Labs. [1]
Program-specific courses are held in the Health Science Center, a shared facility located a few blocks from the La Crosse main campus. Check our maps page [2] for specific location information.
Dental Assistant 2021, 2022, & 2023 Graduation Employment Stats
| Graduates | 30 |
| Graduates Responding | 17 |
| Employed in Related Occupation | 13 |
| Employed in Non-related Occupations | 0 |
| Seeking Employment | 1 |
| Continuing Education | 2 |
| Not in Labor Market | 3 |
Salary Data - Related Employment
| Part Time | Full Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Responding | 1 | 5 |
| Average Hours Per Week | 34 | 37 |
| Average Hourly Wage | $18.00 | $20.38 |
| Hourly Wage Range | $18.00 | $18.00-$25.00 |
| Average Annual Salary | $42,000 |
Respondents in Related Occupations
- Dental Assistant
Career Opportunities
Program Outcomes
- DA-1 year: Perform a variety of advanced supportive dental procedures
- DA-1 year: Manage infection and hazard control
- DA-1 year: Produce diagnostic intraoral and extraoral radiographs on a variety of patients
- DA-1 year: Perform advanced dental laboratory procedures
- DA-1 year: Demonstrate professional behaviors, ethics, and appearance
- DA-1 year: Perform dental office business procedures
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Program Specific Requirements
To enroll in the Dental Assistant program, first apply for admission to the College, then electronically sign the program's Technical Standards and complete a background check. You can find links to these documents below. In addition, you must complete a Job Shadow at a dental office.
- Dental Assistant Technical Standards [3]
- Background Check [4]
- Dental Assistant Job Shadow form [5]
- If COVID vaccines are required by a clinical partner, you will be notified.
Software and Technology
Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.
If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form [6].
Computer/Laptop Hardware
- Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
- Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
- Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.
Software Needs
- Western uses the Blackboard Learning Management System. Some courses may use Zoom or Microsoft Teams to meet and work virtually. Visit our website for guidance on how to access and use these tools [7].
- Office 365 (available to download for free once you have a student email)
- Recommended web browsers: Chrome or Firefox
For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes [8] on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.
Campus Resources
- Western has several computer labs available. Visit our website to find open hours and locations on the La Crosse campus [9]. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page [10].
- The Learning Commons has computers, webcams, and microphones available for in-house use. Our librarians recommend checking your local public library for computer access on the weekends. Staff members can also provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu [11] or call 608-785-9198.
Need Assistance?
- Contact the Learning Commons [12]! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.
Accreditation
The program in Dental Assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. 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 60611-2678. The Commission’s web address is: http://www.ada.org/en/coda [13].
[13]
Additional Information
For more information, view the Dental Assistant Program Handbook [14].
Program Contact
Lisa Mikkelson
Program Chair, Dental Assistant
608-785-9137
MikkelsonL@westerntc.edu [15]
Courses
Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks [16] for more information.
This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern [17] self-service portal for academic planning.