Overview and Award Outcomes
Overview
The Dental Assistant is an important member of a professional health team. As a Dental Assistant, the student will perform many chairside procedures, assist the dentist during patient treatment and complete records. The assistant must also be competent in the knowledge and skill required for business office and laboratory procedures. Upon completion of this program, the dental assistant graduate will be eligible to take the Minnesota State Board of Dentistry’s Licensure Exam and the Dental Assisting National board exams. Passing this exam allows a dental assistant to perform the expanded functions on patients.
Personal qualities considered essential for this occupation are the ability to work well with others, the desire to be a part of a professional team, manual dexterity, good communication skills, ability to follow direct supervision and to be sensitive to others` needs.
The Dental Assistant program at Hennepin Technical College is approved by the Minnesota Board of Dentistry, www.dentalboard.state.mn.us.
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 60611-2678. The Commission’s web address is: http://www.ada.org/en/coda.
The A.A.S. degree plan is designed for students who are interested in continuing their educational career.
Information is available thru the HTC web site and dental assistant program counselors which state the risks of entering this profession in regards to bloodborne pathogens and disease transmission, including needlesticks.
Prerequisite: Pre-Dental Health Requirements (Mantoux test and Hepatitis B vaccine) CPLT1100, COMM1250 or COMM1260, DNTL1121, ENGL1100 or ENGL1250, EMSV1020 or currently certified in CPR for the Healthcare Provider.
Award Outcomes
Demonstrate an understanding of dental sciences
Facilitate effective communication with patients and dental team members
Perform clinical, laboratory and administrative procedures in various dental environments
Apply current concepts of infection control and occupational safety
Demonstrate the legal and ethical Minnesota Board of Dentistry statutes
Apply critical thinking and problem solving
Career Opportunities
Dental Assistants are employed in private and group practices, government public health clinics, dental sales, insurance companies, educational facilities, and the armed forces.
Semester Sequence
Offered at Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie
Pre-Dental Assistant Requirements
All Pre-Dental courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.
| Score of 70% on Computer Literacy Basic Test | |
| or | |
| CPLT1100 | Computer Essentials | 3 |
| EMSV1020 | CPR/First Aid | 1 |
| or | |
| Current CPR for Health Care Provider or Professional Rescuer | |
| COMM1250 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| or | |
| COMM1260 | Small Group Communication | 3 |
| DNTL1121 | Dental Science | 4 |
| (may be repeated only once) | |
| ENGL1100 | Writing and Research | 4 |
| or | |
| ENGL1250 | Short Form Composition and Reporting | 4 |
Total Credits 11
Students are required to complete the following prior to program application:
* Hepatitis B Vaccination (2 vaccinations of a series of 3 must be completed)
* Tetanus vaccination (TDAP) (within last 10 yrs)
* High School Diploma or GED Required
REQUIRED within two weeks after beginning the program:
*Mantoux (PPD Test)
* Background study through the MN Department of Human Services 651-431-2000. Contact DHS with questions.
Additional Required General Education Courses
General Education Electives
A complete list of Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) courses and Goal Areas that can be used to meet General Education requirements can be found at www.hennepintech.edu. The same course cannot satisfy more than one MnTC Goal Area requirement.
General Information
• The Dental Assistant program at Hennepin Technical College is approved by the Minnesota Board of Dentistry, www.dentalboard.state.mn.us.
• 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 60611-2678. The Commission’s web address is: http://www.ada.org/en/coda.
• All Dental Assistant students must earn a C or better in all DNTL (Dental Assistant) courses to continue in the Dental program. In the event that a student earns a D, F or W grade in a DNTL course, the student may repeat that course only one time the next semester that the course is offered.
• Current certification in CPR is mandatory throughout the entire program, including externship. Proof of current CPR certification is also required in order to take the Dental Assistant National Board (DANB) examination.
• Students who have earned their Dental Assisting diploma or degree are eligible to take the Dental Assistant National Board (DANB) and the Minnesota State Licensure Exam. Successful completion of the Minnesota State Licensure Exam allows the individual to practice as a Licensed Dental Assistant (LDA).
• A written notification is required from a physician/obstetrician for a pregnant student to continue enrollment in DNTL1241 Dental Radiology, DNTL1261 Expanded Functions, DNTL1321 Clinical Externship I, and DNTL1325 Clinical Externship II.
• Information is available on the HTC website and from the Enrollment Advisors, HTC Counselors, and the dental assistant program faculty which state the risks of entering this profession in regard to bloodborne pathogens and disease transmission, including needlesticks.
Criminal Background Studies
Minnesota law requires that any person who provides services that involve direct contact with children, patients, and residents at a health or child care facility licensed by the State of Minnesota must have a background study conducted by the state. Individuals with specified felony convictions are prohibited from having direct contact with children, patients, and residents of licensed facilities. Anyone refusing to cooperate in the criminal background study cannot participate in coursework that requires direct contact with children, patients or residents. Students who are disqualified from having direct patient/resident/child contact will not be able to participate in coursework which includes a practical experience. Therefore, completion of coursework for the program major will not be possible without documentation of a cleared background study.
Additional Program Costs
Books - $450
Program Kit (Typodonts) - $950 + tax
Scrub uniforms, lab coat, white shoes - $125
Membership in ADAA and Liability Insurance - $45
Student name tag - $10
MN Jurisprudence Exam - $60
MN Licensure Exam (DASLE) - $70
Board of Dentistry Application - $123
Dental Assistant National Board (DANB) - $450
Approx. Total for Additional Program Costs - $2,033
Graduation (60 Credits)
Semester listings reflect the recommended sequence. Due to circumstances beyond our control, the information herein is subject to change without notice.
2/22/2023 : BP 7608 / EP 7609