AAS — Dental Assisting

Dental Assisting graduates enter a growing field of employment opportunities as the need for dental care continues to increase in the United States. Most assistants work with general dentists, although positions are also available with orthodontists, oral/maxillofacial surgeons and other dental specialists. Other employers include public health and government clinics, military dental services, dental schools, allied dental education programs, the retail and wholesale dental industry, and insurance and consulting companies. Dental practices often offer attractive compensation packages and excellent work schedules in a pleasant work environment. Dental assistants work in a variety of settings and have one of the most flexible and in-demand roles on a dental team. Advanced coursework includes anatomy and physiology, microbiology and college courses in writing, general psychology, intro to public speaking and general education electives.

Employment

The demand for dental care continues to grow. Dentists will need to employ more dental hygienists and dental assistants than ever before to meet the increased demand for dental care. There are more than 200,000 active dental assistants in the United States. The majority of dental assistants are employed by general dentists, although career opportunities are also available with dental specialists, orthodontists and oral/maxillofacial surgeons. In addition to private practice, dental assistants may seek employment with public health/government clinics, military dental services, dental schools, allied dental education programs, the retail/wholesale dental industry and insurance and consulting companies. There is a great deal of stability and employment security for individuals interested in becoming dental assistants.

Find Career Information
Learn what occupations may be of interest to someone who has completed this program. Find information about wages and employment outlook.

Next Steps

Certain dental science courses offered in the curriculum will transfer to Dental Hygiene majors if you wish to continue your dental education. Graduates are eligible to write the Dental Assisting National Board Certification Exam and the Minnesota State Dental Assisting Licensure Exam. Upon successful completion of the exams, graduates are certified and licensed dental assistants.

Degree Requirements

 
Course #Course NameCredit
HLTH 1410First Aid / CPR1.00
DENT 1010Infection Control1.00
DENT 1100Biomaterials3.00
DENT 1106Biodental Science2.00
DENT 1112Dental Anatomy3.00
DENT 1114Dental Radiology4.00
DENT 1122Dental Ethics & Jurisprudence1.00
DENT 1124Clinical Assisting I4.00
DENT 1126Clinical Assisting II4.00
DENT 1130Dental Practice Management1.00
DENT 1132Credentialing Exam Preparation1.00
DENT 1134Clinical Affiliation7.00
DENT 1136Advanced Functions7.00
DENT 1500Dental Health3.00
Select one from options listed
BIOL 2260Anatomy & Physiology I4.00 or
BIOL 2221Microbiology3.00
Required Courses
ENGL 1111College Writing I3.00
PSYC 1105General Psychology3.00
SPCH 1110Intro to Public Speaking3.00
 General Education Electives6
Total Credits60