Dental Assisting

School of
Health Professions

Heather Larsen

Heather Larsen

  • Instructional Management Assistant
  • 801-593-2378
Heidi Anderton

Heidi Anderton

Program Summary

When Can I Start

Bi-weekly start dates

Credits

29 Credit Hours

Time to Complete

15 months @ 15hrs/wk

Training Locations

Main Campus

Adult Student Costs | $3,052*


*Estimated: Includes Tuition, Fees and Course Materials. Some elective courses may have additional fees and/or materials that are not calculated in this summary.

High School Costs | $304


Tuition is free for high school students, however there are some fees and materials that they may be responsible for at the beginning or during the program

  • 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.

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Program Outcomes

  • Placement Rate
    %
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Program / Admission Details

Program Description
The Dental Assisting 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, gather vital signs of patients, 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; expose diagnostic dental radiographs; make dental impressions and study casts; clean and polish the coronal portion of the teeth; and apply topical fluorides to strengthen teeth. Administrative instruction includes scheduling appointments, receiving payments, completing insurance forms, and maintaining patient records. Students will have the opportunity and are required to observe dental procedures, assist the dentist, and mentor other students in the donated dental clinic on select Tuesdays and Fridays. Information on when each of these phases need to happen will be listed in your course syllabus. Students might need to make changes to their personal schedule to accommodate these clinics.
Admission Requirements

This program is open to qualified high school and adult students who meet the following program requirements:

ADULT STUDENTS

    : Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: Must be at least 16 years of age AND be in 11th or 12th grade
  • Students should complete at least 50% of the total program course requirements while enrolled at the college. Exceptions may be reviewed and approved by the Director of Student Services
  • Complete program placement assessments (next tab).

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
  • Provide documentation of all required vaccinations
  • Complete a Dental Assisting program requirement packet

*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.

Admission Assessment Requirements

Transcripts for prior academic learning or assessments (such as college or high school), may waive some or all of the admission requirements. Copies should be emailed to Admissions@davistech.edu. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable in most cases. For applicants who do not have supporting documentation, please contact the Assessment Center to schedule an assessment.

The following tests are required for this program:


To be considered for a potential assessment waiver:

  • High school applicants will have their high school transcript reviewed; in addition, they may also submit their ACT/SAT scores
  • Adult applicants may submit unofficial high school transcripts, if courses were taken in the last three years; unofficial college transcripts from a regionally accredited institution; or ACT/SAT scores, if taken within the last 5 years
  • Applicants with a Davis Tech Certificate of Completion at an equivalent level or higher
  • Applicants with an associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution may submit a copy of their unofficial transcript of conferred degree

Documentation must be uploaded for an assessment waiver with program application or can be emailed to admissions@davistech.edu for review.

Credentials and Certifications
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)
  • 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

Following the completion of this Davis Tech program and after being admitted to the partner institution, your Davis Tech certificate of completion will be converted to as many as 30 credit hours toward an Associate of Applied Science at any Utah colleges and universities. Additional information can be found here.

Classroom Hours

MONDAY
  • 8am-11am
  • 12pm-3pm
TUESDAY
  • 8am-11am
  • 12pm-3pm
WEDNESDAY
  • 8am-11am
  • 12pm-3pm
THURSDAY
  • 8am-11am
  • 12pm-3pm
FRIDAY
  • 8am-11am
  • 12pm-3pm

Program Faculty

Nicole Durr

FT Nicole Durr | Lead Instructor

  • CDA
  • Associate degree from Brigham Young University-Idaho
Ashley Wiser

FT Ashley Wiser

  • RDA
  • Certificate from Davis Technical College
Celise Herlin

FT Celise Herlin

  • RDA
  • Associate degree from Utah State University
Emily Merchan

PT Emily Merchan

  • RDA
  • Certificate from Davis Technical College
Samantha Walpole

PT Samantha Walpole

  • Certificate
Summer Bradshaw

PT Summer Bradshaw

  • High School