Dental Assistant - Frequently Asked Questions

Program

Is the Dental Assistant Program accredited?
No, typically one semester (short term) dental assisting programs are not eligible for accreditation by the American Dental Association.  However, we use the same curriculum that accredited programs follow for their first semester.

What is the length of the Dental Assistant program?
The length of the program is 1 semester (16 weeks).

Is the Dental Assistant program a day or evening program?
Dental Assisting classes meet during the day.

What is the cost of the program?
Click on the link below to see the current tuition rates. http://matc.edu/student/newstudent/fees.html

Is financial aid available for the program?
Yes. Click on the link below to review financial aid availability.
http://matc.edu/student/resources/FinancialAid/finaid.html
Contact 414-279-6908 for additional information.

Are there scholarships available for the program?
Yes. Click on the link below to search for Health Occupations scholarships. http://matc.edu/student/resources/FinancialAid/scholarships.html

Can prerequisites be completed at a school other than MATC?
Yes. General education courses that match those in the program will be considered for transfer. Admission counselors are available to evaluate transcripts from other schools.
Click on the link below to be directed to an admission counselor. http://matc.edu/student/currentstudent/credittransfer/credittransfermain.html

Are the Dental Assistant program courses transferable to another college or university? Click on the link below to view a list of colleges that transfer degree credits toward a bachelor or higher degree. http://matc.edu/student/currentstudent/credittransfer/xfrprogram.html

Can I choose where I do my clinical rotation?
No. The faculty within your program will select your clinical site.

Can I work during the program?
Yes, you may work while you are in the Dental Assistant program. However, you should keep in mind that you should plan to spend about 3 hours per credit hour of class per week in preparation. So, if you take a 3 credit course, you’ll want to set aside approximately 9 hours of study time.

Application

Is there a student advisor?
Yes, full-time faculty members serve as advisors.  If you are NOT currently admitted to MATC you should call 414-297-MATC or visit http://www.matc.edu/student/newstudent/Admissions.html
If you ARE currently admitted to MATC you should call 414-297-6596.

When can I apply for admission to the Dental Assistant program?
You may apply at any time. Once your application is complete you will need to petition to start the program.  The petition window is open for a limited time each spring and fall semester to submit your petition to enter the program the following semester.   Click on the link below to view the start date(s) for this program.
http://matc.edu/student/offerings/dentasst.html

How do I apply?
Submit an application with a $30 one-time only admission fee and an additional $20 fee for criminal background check. Click on the link below to review the application procedure.
http://matc.edu/student/newstudent/admissions.html

Do I need to complete any health forms?
Yes. There are forms that you must complete and also forms that your healthcare provider should complete. The health forms involve documentation of immunizations, TB and hepatitis tests, and verification from your health care provider that you are functionally able to successfully complete the program. Click on the link below to obtain a listing of functional abilities that students should have for this program. Contact the health records specialist at 414-297-7871 for further information.
http://matc.edu/student/newstudent/pdf/HLTHFRMDentalAsst.pdf

Do I need a criminal background check?
A criminal background check is required. Click on the link below to review the criminal background process. There is a $20 fee to run your criminal background check. Contact the MATC paralegal at 414-297-7498 for more details. If you have a criminal background, Wisconsin's Caregiver Law may bar you from working in field or clinical sites, depending on the date and type of your offense. If a placement site cannot be arranged for you as a result of your criminal record, you will not be able to complete your program. This requirement must be satisfied before any clinical placement is made.
Criminal Background Check Process

Are there prerequisite classes that I must take before I can petition?
No. There are no prerequisite courses for this program.

Are there any tests that I must take before I am admitted?
Possibly. Click on the link below to review the criteria for preadmission testing. http://matc.edu/student/newstudent/Admissions_StepThree.html

Is there an orientation meeting for prospective students?
Yes. The MATC Orientation is mandatory. Click on the link below to review how to complete the MATC orientation session. There is a Dental Assisting program orientation once your petition has been accepted and prior to registration for classes.
Click here to see how to make an appointment to see a program counselor.

Graduation

Are there jobs available?
Yes. Click on the link below to review the latest employment rate for graduates of this program.
MATC Graduate Report

What are the current salary levels?
Click on the link below to review the latest salary level(s) for this occupation. http://matc.edu/student/resources/JOBshop/WagesAndSalaries.html

Are graduates required to pass a state certification?
Currently there is not certification requirement to work as a dental assistant in Wisconsin.  We do encourage our graduates to take Dental Assisting Certification exam administered through the Dental Assisting National board.

What resources are available for job placement?
http://matc.edu/student/resources/Jobs.html

How can I learn more about becoming a Dental Assistant?
http://www.ada.org/ 
http://www.danb.org/

Updated 12/15/11