Program Information
-
Location: Downtown Milwaukee Campus
- Pathway: Healthcare
- Program Code: 30-508-2
- Offering: In-class
- Degree Type: Bilingual, Technical Diploma
- Start Dates: August/January*
About the Dental Assistant Diploma
Description
*Bilingual (Spanish) program also is offered; the bilingual program start date is August only.
This program prepares students to perform a variety of patient care responsibilities while under the direction and supervision of a dentist during the examination and treatment of patients. Coursework includes academic and clinical competencies, and students will have clinical experience in a dental practice. Students have the option of completing the program in one or two semesters.
Employment opportunities for trained dental assistants are plentiful in private offices, hospitals and clinic settings.
This program features exploratory courses that count toward a credential. Contact an MATC advisor for information.
Additional program details: Students will practice these skills during their clinical experience in a dental practice. Attributes that will contribute to success include a neat and well-groomed appearance, conscientious work habits and good interpersonal skills.
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Related Programs
Dental Hygiene
Help patients maintain their oral health as a dental hygienist. Working under a dentist’s supervision, dental hygienists perform such duties as teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, X-ray processing and dental health counseling. You will gain clinical experience in MATC’s dental hygiene clinic and at external sites. Graduates are eligible to complete the National Board of Dental Hygiene examination, and state or regional practical examinations.
Dental Technician
Gain the knowledge and skills needed to manufacture dental restorations, including metal and ceramic crowns and bridges, and complete dentures. The curriculum also includes dental terminology, dental anatomy, occlusion, and computer-aided design (CAD) processes. Students will acquire skills through hands-on experience in MATC’s well-equipped dental laboratory.
Detailed Program Information
2023-24 Curriculum
| Course | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DENAST-302 | Dental Chairside | 5 |
| DENAST-304 | Dental and General Anatomy | 2 |
| DENAST-305 | Applied Dental Radiography (or) DENHYG-103 Dental Radiography |
2 |
| DENAST-306 | Dental Assistant – Clinical | 3 |
| DENAST-307 | Dental Assistant Professionalism | 1 |
| DENHYG-101 | Dental Health Safety | 1 |
| DENHYG-113 | Dental Materials | 2 |
|
TOTAL CREDITS |
16 |
Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.
Current MATC students should consult their Academic Program Plan for specific curriculum requirements.
Search for available classes now (link) to see course descriptions, class times and locations.
Already a student? You can visit Self-Service (link) and choose Student Planning to register for classes.
Important Dates
- No prerequisite courses
- Fall start: Petition for program in March
- Spring start: Petition for program in October
The Dental Assistant Bilingual (Spanish) program is an open entry program; it does not require petitioning - Students can enroll in open entry programs when enrollment begins each semester.
- No prerequisite courses
- Fall start: Registration for classes opens in April
(Bilingual progam only admits students one time a year)
Deadlines and important dates can be found on:
Cost & Aid Deadlines
Also, you can find dates and deadlines on the MATC Events Calendar
Program Outcomes
- Perform a variety of entry-level supportive dental procedures
- Manage infection and hazard control
- Produce diagnostic radiographs
- Perform basic dental laboratory procedures
- Demonstrate professional behaviors, ethics and appearance
Career Outlook
Employment opportunities for trained dental assistants are available in private offices, hospitals and clinic settings. The demand for dental services continues to increase. As dentists’ workloads increase, they are expected to hire more assistants to perform routine tasks.
For more information, visit the Dental Assisting National Board, www.danb.org or the American Dental Assistants Association, www.adaausa.org.
Possible Careers
Certified Dental Assistant
Lead Dental Assistant
Sterilization Assistant
Patient Care Representative
Admission Requirements
This program admits students through a petition selection process.
Learn more about the petition process
Note: The Bilingual (Spanish) Dental Assistant program is an open enrollment program and does not require petitioning.
One year of high school-level biology or chemistry is suggested for this program.
Scholarships
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QUESTIONS?
Healthcare Academic & Career Pathway
414-297-6263
262-238-2281
healthpathway@matc.edu