Davis Technical College in Utah

Dental Assistant

School of Health Professions

The Dental Assistant program provides students with the skills necessary for entry-level employment in a variety of dental settings. Students will study terminology and the science behind dentistry, obtain and record medical and dental histories, take basic patient vital signs, instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control, and provide pre- and post-operative instructions as prescribed by a dentist. Students will also set up instrument trays; sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment; assist in restorative and surgical procedures; expose diagnostic dental radiographs; make dental impressions, study casts, bleach and mouthguards; clean and polish the coronal portion of the teeth; place sealants, and apply topical fluorides to strengthen teeth. Administrative instruction includes scheduling appointments, receiving payments, completing insurance forms, and maintaining patient records.

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Cost Summary

$45	Adult college admission fee
$293	High School Cost (estimated) \| View details
$2,930	Student tuition and fees ^**
$513	Estimated books and materials ^*
$18	Certificate Processing Fee Paid upon program completion

Financial Aid

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Program Advisor
Health Professions

Heidi Anderton 801-593-2362 Email

Carlos Orellana 801-593-2398 Email

Program Length:: 1005 hours (11 months)

Enrollment Type:: Year-Round

Training Location:: Main Campus

Program Links:

Classroom Hours

Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr
8am - 11am 12pm - 3pm	8am - 11am 12pm - 3pm	8am - 11am 12pm - 3pm	8am - 11am 12pm - 3pm	8am - 11am 12pm - 3pm

Admission Requirements

Secondary and post-secondary students who meet the following program requirements may enroll in the Dental Assistant program.

Have a high school diploma or equivalent (adult students only)
Complete a physical exam performed by a physician and provide documentation of all required vaccinations
Complete a Dental Assistant program application
Complete program placement assessments as noted below.

POST-ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Students accepted into the Dental Assistant Program, must meet the following post-admission requirements.

Take and pass a urine drug screen
Complete and pass a federal crimInal background check*
NOTE: High School students must wait until they graduate and/or turn 18 years of age to complete this check

*Any misdemeanor or felony conviction on record may negatively impact the chances of completing the program, being placed on an externship site, applying for the Certified Dental Assistant credential, and obtaining employment in a health care setting. See instructor for more information.

Many programs have guidelines beyond those you see above: Critical Program Information

Placement Assessment Requirements (Download/Print Assessment Requirements)

READING REQUIREMENTS

Accuplacer Next Generation Reading Score: 237 - 300
Alternate Documentation

	Required Grades/Scores	Time Limit
Accuplacer Reading	70	3 years
Accuplacer Next Generation Reading	237 - 244	3 years
ACT English or Reading	16+	5 years
College Transcripts	English 955 C or higher	5 years
GED Language	165+	3 years
High School Transcripts - English Classes ^*	C or Higher	3 years
SAT	530	3 years
TABE 11/12 Reading	569 - 596	3 years
Associates Degree or higher from a regionally accredited college waives all assessments ^**		No Time Limit
Davis Tech Certification of Program Completion waives all assessments (at an equivalent level)		No Time Limit

^*At least two out of four grades within the same school year must meet the minimum grade level.
^**Transcripts in addition to a copy of the certificate is required.
Transcripts from other states, military schools and other institutions showing academic achievements not listed above, will be reviewed on an individual basis by the Assessment Center Specialist or the student’s Academic Advisor.

MATH REQUIREMENTS

Accuplacer Next Generation Math (Arithmetic) Score: 236 - 300
Alternate Documentation

	Required Grades/Scores	Time Limit
Accuplacer Math	70	3 years
Accuplacer Next Generation Math (Arithmetic)	236 - 249	3 years
ACT Math	18+	5 years
College Transcripts - Math Classes	Math 950 C or higher	5 years
GED Math	165+	3 years
High School Transcripts (Secondary Math) ^*	C or Higher	3 years
SAT Math	500	3 years
TABE 11/12 Reading	577 - 656	3 years
Associates Degree or higher from a regionally accredited college waives all assessments ^**		No Time Limit
Davis Tech Certification of Program Completion waives all assessments (at an equivalent level)		No Time Limit

^*At least two out of four grades within the same school year must meet the minimum grade level.
^**Transcripts in addition to a copy of the certificate is required.
Transcripts from other states, military schools and other institutions showing academic achievements not listed above, will be reviewed on an individual basis by the Assessment Center Specialist or the student’s Academic Advisor.

High school students do not need to complete placement assessments unless specifically required by the program
Placement testing is waived for students with a Davis Tech Certificate of Completion at an equivalent level or higher, or an associate’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college.

Certifications & Credentials

Davis Technical College Credentials

Davis Technical College Certificate of Program Completion

Available Licensing/Certifications

Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification
Eligibility to sit for RDA (Registered Dental Assistant) certification given by AMT (American Medical Technologist)
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Certification
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) Certification
Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing R156-69-604 Radiology Certification

Utah State Board of Education CTE Skill Certificate (High School Students Only)

Dental Assistant: Dental Science I

Transfer Options

The following academic agreements are available to students in the Dental Assistant program. In order to receive credit for course work included in these agreements, you must provide a transcript to the receiving institution.

Please be aware that some agreements require you to complete the entire program before they will transfer credit. Please contact your instructor at Davis Tech if you have questions.

This program is eligible to transfer credits towards an AAS degree to the following institutions:

Weber State University
Utah State University
Southern Utah University
Utah Valley University
Ensign Business College
Dixie State University

93%Placement Rate

Utah Job Outlook

COUNCIL ON OCCUPATIONAL EDUCATION OUTCOMES

Program Faculty

Cathy Turnbow
CDA, Master's Education from Ashford University

Nicole Durr
CDA, Certificate of Completion from Davis Technical College

Kimberlee Knudsen
High School Diploma, Certificate from Bryman

Leslie Frandsen
Diploma, with Extensive Industry Experience from

Valentina Sandoval
High School Diploma, Certificate from Salt Lake Community College

^*NOTE: Textbook and material costs are based on Davis Tech’s bookstore prices at the time of publication and are subject to change. There are no charges associated with personal data collection and processes or verification of student identity.

^**High School Students: High school students are exempt from student tuition and fees. While high school students are not required to purchase textbooks, they are required to purchase personal and consumable learning resources and materials.

Enrollment Steps

Complete college application and pay fee

Complete Placement Assessments

Meet with Student Services for program instructions

Meet with Financial Aid Department (if appropriate)

Pay tuition and fees

Purchase textbooks and materials

Start classes