How long does it take to become a dental assistant?

It can take less than 2 years to become a dental assistant well-prepared to succeed right from the start. How much less depends on what educational pathway you choose. With Herzing University in Minneapolis you have two options: Diploma in Dental Assisting: 16 months (average) Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting: 20 months (average) Once you’ve graduated, all that’s left is getting certified to position yourself best to find your first job in dental assisting.

What does a dental assistant do?

Dental assistants help dentists deliver dental care to patients by taking on a mix of patient care and administrative duties. Their scope of practice depends on state regulations, but common responsibilities of a dental assistant include: Prepare patients for treatments and procedures Take x-rays Recordkeeping Scheduling appointments Assist patients in billing and payment Sterilizing instruments, and assisting dentists during procedures Taking medical history, blood pressure, and pulse before a procedure Talk to patients about proper oral hygiene What dental assistants do on a daily basis depends on the specific roles and responsibilities included in the job description, which can vary by employer.

Dental Assisting

Earn a dental assisting degree and become possible

Program length: 20 months
Transfer up to 51 approved credits into an associate degree program
Associate degree and diploma options
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Pathway to earn a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Graduates will be prepared to sit for the Minnesota Board of Dentistry Licensing Exam, Jurisprudence Exam, and the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA®) exam to become a Licensed Dental Assistant (LDA) in the State of Minnesota and earn the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA®) certification through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

Waived enrollment fee Classes start September 8th

Program

Dental Assistant ranked among the Best Health Care Support Jobs in America for 2021 by U.S. News & World Report.

A top growth career in the booming field of healthcare.

Dental assistants now play a key role in dental offices in Minnesota and across the country. As the demand for dental services continues to grow, these professionals are being called on to handle a broader range of responsibilities. You can prepare to join this growing career field by earning your associate degree or diploma in dental assisting from Herzing University in Minneapolis - then study toward a dental hygiene degree while you work.

A career as a dental assistant could be right for you if you:

Are very precise and detail oriented
Enjoy helping others
Have strong visual/spatial abilities
Have good dexterity
Have good communication and people skills
Work well as part of a team
Are interested in teeth and promoting oral health

Classes Start August 9th

Learn More Today

Available at the Minneapolis campus only

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Go from Dental Assistant to Dental Hygienist

With Herzing University, you have a path to earn dental assisting and dental hygiene credentials in 4 years! Through our unique pathway, you can start your dental assisting career in as little as 20 months, then continue to study for a dental hygiene career while you work.

Begin building dental assisting job experience
Stand out in the job market with two industry-current qualifications
Finish your dental assisting program with a 3.0 GPA or better and you’ll become eligible for a scholarship opportunity

After four years, you could have relevant work experience plus two in-demand qualifications.

Learn More

Curriculum

Classes & curriculum details

Herzing University's dental assisting programs near Minneapolis, Minnesota prepare graduates for a wide range of work they will be handling as professionals. This includes both hands-on patient care as well as the equally important tasks related to office scheduling, patient payments and treatment records.

To succeed in this growing career field, Minnesota requires candidates to graduate from an accredited dental assistant program. Dental assisting graduates will be prepared to sit for the Minnesota Board of Dentistry Licensing Exam, Jurisprudence Exam, and the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA®) exam to become a Licensed Dental Assistant (LDA) in the State of Minnesota and earn the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA®) certification through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

Dental Assisting Programs in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Program	Credits	Months*
Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting	68	20
Diploma in Dental Assisting	47	16

*Average number of months for students to complete program

AAS Curriculum
Diploma Curriculum

Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting

Required Courses

All courses, 45.00 semester credit hours, are required.

DS 101 - Chairside Assisting I 4.00

This course introduces the student to the fundamentals of working in a dental office as a chairside assistant. The student will be introduced to dental terminology, oral anatomy, and oral tissue examination that will be utilized in patient charting. It introduces concepts and techniques of basic equipment use and maintenance, four-handed dentistry, oral evacuation, isolation techniques, beneficial ergonomics, and basic instrument identification and transfer. Students will utilize oral communication skills to instruct patients in proper oral hygiene and preventive dentistry. It also will provide the students with basic nutritional concepts and their practical applications.

DS 102 - Pre-Clinical Dental Assisting 4.00

This course will introduce the student to the health and safety considerations for basic infection control, dental emergencies and the disease process, including infectious diseases and disease transmission. Topics include occupational safety, personal protection, exposure control, infection control, sterilization and disinfection techniques, hazard and bloodborne pathogens standards, and waste disposal as defined by governmental agencies such as OSHA, CDC, and EPA. This course will also discuss the prevention and treatment of common medical emergencies experienced in the dental office. The student will have a basic understanding of the classification, administration, and use and effects of drugs commonly used in a dental office.

DS 105 - Dental Communications 1.00

This course is designed to develop the student's oral and written communications skills for use in the dental office. Students will prepare and present a speech on subjects related to dentistry. Various topics include understanding patient behavior, psychology in the dental office, professional boundaries, and stress management. Through lecture, discussion, and individual and small group presentations, the student will become more confident in communicating with others.

DS 107 - Dental Materials 3.00

This course is designed to provide the student with the knowledge of dental materials commonly utilized in the general dentistry office. Topics include the chemical and physical properties of and uses, types and applications for a wide variety of common materials used in the dental office. These include gypsum, impression materials, acrylics and/or thermoplastics, waxes, dental cements, and restorative materials. Students will become familiar with laboratory procedures that are commonly performed in the dental office including but not limited to assisting with and/or applying bases, liners and bonding agents, placing, fabricating, and removing provisional restorations, assisting with a direct permanent restoration, preliminary restorations and cleaning and polishing removable dental appliances. Students gain practical experience by manipulating materials and working with dental lab equipment.

DS 108 - Dental Science 4.00

This course provides an overview of general anatomy and functions including a basic understanding of the common disease process and pathological conditions. Emphasis is given to a comprehensive overview of oral, head, and neck anatomy and function. Oral pathology, oral histology and oral embryology are covered as well. The effects of anesthesia on the nervous and circulatory systems as related to dental procedures is covered.

DS 110 - Expanded Functions I 4.00

This course introduces and expands on a variety of functions that may be required of a dental assistant. It covers both didactic and laboratory training in the following areas: placement and/or removal of a rubber dam, taking impressions for casts, custom tray fabrication, taking bite registrations, utilizing matrix retainers, bands and wedges and removing excess cement or bonding agents. Where graduates of a CODA-accredited program are authorized to perform additional functions defined by the program's state-specific dental board or regulatory agency, this course will include content related to placement of gingival retraction agents, performing orthodontic functions, placing and removing periodontal dressing, removal of sutures and removal of cement. Didactic and lab/preclinical experience will be gained in the process of fabricating casts, temporary crown and/or bridges, and the functions used in orthodontics such as placement of ligature ties, preselecting orthodontic bands, separators, cutting arch wires and removal of loose bands or brackets.

DS 116 - Radiology 5.00

This course will provide the student with the necessary background knowledge of ionizing radiation including the following: history of dental radiography; image and x-ray production; radiation safety; patient and operator protection and quality assurance. Students will use paralleling and bisecting techniques to produce images. The advantage and disadvantage of each of those techniques will be discussed. Errors in exposure, developing and mounting will be addressed. Students will be given the opportunity to expose, process, mount and evaluate for diagnostic value films/images on a variety of patients. The procedural techniques for exposing extraoral accessory films utilized in dental offices will be introduced.

DS 121 - Advanced Expanded Functions 4.00

Where graduates of a CODA-accredited program are authorized to perform additional functions defined by the program's state-specific dental board or regulatory agency, this course will provide content for didactic and laboratory/clinical competence in monitoring and/or administering Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen analgesia, performing restoration polishing, placing pit and fissure sealants, polishing the coronal surfaces of the teeth, applying fluoride agents, placing and/or removing the rubber dam, applying topical anesthetic, fluoride, medications and desensitizing agents. The cause, manifestations and removal of stains will be addressed. The student will also gain competence in taking impressions for casts and appropriate bite registrations, removing excess cement, placing and removing separators, etching appropriate enamel surfaces, and applying and adjusting pit and fissure sealants.

DS 152 - Chairside Assisting II 5.00

In this course, the student will be taught the role of the dental assistant in different specialty areas in dentistry, specifically: endodontics, oral surgery, prosthodontics, periodontics, and pediatric dentistry. Through lecture and instrument identification, the student will become familiar with the procedures and instruments used in each specialty. Current concepts of chairside assisting in general dentistry, as well as dental specialties, are presented with emphasis on the utilization of the dental assistant. Chairside Assisting II includes a clinical rotation where each student is introduced to a general office for observation and practical experience in chairside assisting. The rotation will provide the student with the opportunity to experience and participate in the duties of a dental assistant in a clinical setting.

DS 204 - Dental Management 2.00

In this course, the student will be introduced to the responsibilities of office management and the administrative assistant, including scheduling and appointment control, patient and business records management, filing, recall systems, financial transactions, telephone technique and etiquette, dental insurance, inventory control, and application of dental practice management software. Information regarding patient rights and privacy under the Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) will also be discussed.

DS 207 - Dental Ethics and Jurisprudence 2.00

This ethics and jurisprudence course is designed to prepare the student for their internship experience as well as the appropriate state and/or national certifications. This course provides information on the ethical, legal, and professional experiences and obligations of the dental assistant as a member of the dental healthcare team. Students will receive information on a variety of topics representative of the dental assisting profession. Topics will include, but are not limited to, the following: ethical behaviors, professional associations, legal terminology, patient rights and responsibilities, and assistant-related responsibilities. Rules and statutes published and enforced by the state dental board will be covered. Ethics and Jurisprudence is a course that aids the student in combining their didactic training and professional development skills in preparation for a comprehensive examination and entry-level employment.

DS 294 - Dental Assisting Internship 7.00

During the internship clinical phase of training, the student will experience various aspects of working in a private dental office, group dental practice, or specialty dental office. The internship will provide the student with the opportunity to experience and participate in the duties of a dental assistant in a clinical setting at an entry level. Areas such as treatment room preparation, infection control procedures, four-handed dentistry, front office procedures, laboratory procedures, and expanded functions will be emphasized. Students will learn by observing experienced dental office personnel and participating in a clinical setting under close supervision of trained healthcare professionals. Students will use self-evaluation techniques to enhance their understanding and learning.

Required Courses in General Education

Students enrolled in this associate degree must complete a minimum of 21.00 semester credit hours in general education distributed among the following disciplines. Refer to the General Education section of the catalog for Herzing University courses that would satisfy these requirements. * 9.00 Semester Credit Hours in Communication 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Humanities (must include 3 semester credit hours of cultural diversity) 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Mathematics 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Social or Behavioral Science 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Science * Transfer students may transfer courses that are within 1.00 semester credit hour of the courses listed above to meet these discipline requirements. Any resulting deficiency in the total of 21.00 semester credit hours required in general education may be made up with general education electives from any of the listed disciplines.

Personal and Professional Development Courses

2.00 semester credit hours are required.

PD 121 - Professional Development I 1.00

This course is designed to introduce students to methodologies that will prepare them for academic and professional success. Topics include but are not limited to Canvas support, student support services, e-books, university policies, resumes, self-reflection, time management, goal setting, and strategies for anxiety reduction.

PD 202 - Professional Development II 1.00

This course provides an opportunity for students to critically examine their skills and develop a plan to further their career and own financial literacy. Topics include research, job searching, developing career documents, refining interview and communication skills, and creating a personal budget.

Diploma in Dental Assisting

Required Courses

All courses, 45.00 semester credit hours, are required.

DS 101 - Chairside Assisting I 4.00

DS 102 - Pre-Clinical Dental Assisting 4.00

DS 105 - Dental Communications 1.00

DS 107 - Dental Materials 3.00

DS 108 - Dental Science 4.00

DS 110 - Expanded Functions I 4.00

DS 116 - Radiology 5.00

DS 121 - Advanced Expanded Functions 4.00

DS 152 - Chairside Assisting II 5.00

DS 204 - Dental Management 2.00

DS 207 - Dental Ethics and Jurisprudence 2.00

DS 294 - Dental Assisting Internship 7.00

Personal and Professional Development Courses

2.00 semester credit hours are required.

PD 121 - Professional Development I 1.00

PD 202 - Professional Development II 1.00

Questions? Speak with an advisor today

Careers

Dental Assisting Career Outlook

Dentists are expected to hire more assistants to perform routine tasks so that they may devote their own time to more complex procedures. In addition, numerous job openings will arise out of the need to replace assistants who transfer to other occupations, retire, or leave for other reasons.

Career Paths

Dental assistants work closely with, and under the supervision of, dentists. For many, this entry-level occupation provides basic dental assisting training and experience and serves as a steppingstone to more highly-skilled and higher paying jobs.

Some dental assistants become:

Chairside dental assistant
Dental front office staff
Dental office receptionist
Office managers
Dental assisting instructors
Dental product sales representatives
Insurance claims processors for dental insurance companies
Others go back to school to become dental hygienists

As a dental assistant, you will likely perform a variety of tasks including chairside assisting, patient education, taking radiographs, polishing teeth, taking impressions and much more. In addition, these professionals can also be involved in office-related tasks such as scheduling and confirming appointments, maintaining treatment records, handling patient payments and ordering supplies and other materials.

Dental Assisting Work Environment

Dental assistants work in a well-lit, clean environment either chair-side with a dentist or in an administrative role or lab setting. Full-time and part-time positions offering day and/or evening hours are available, offering a diverse range of work settings from large corporations with multiple locations to smaller private practices. Dental assistants may also work in schools, hospital settings and the military.

Working alongside a dentist, the dental assistant's patient care work includes:

Handling instruments and operating dental equipment
Sterilizing instruments and equipment
Taking dental x-rays and processing the film
Removing sutures
Applying topical anesthetics to gums or cavity-preventive agents to teeth
Placing rubber dams on the teeth to isolate them for individual treatment
Siting chairside with the dentist to assist with procedures
Obtaining health and dental history information from patients
Producing diagnostic dental x-rays to aid in treatment planning
Applying current infection control techniques within the dental office
Performing expanded functions, such as polishing, applying sealants and others, with appropriate training in line with state mandates

In addition, these professionals can also be involved in office-related tasks such as scheduling and confirming appointments, maintaining treatment records, handling patient payments and ordering supplies and other materials.

There are a variety of settings in which a dental assistant can work. Those include, but are not limited to, private practice, clinics, military positions, correctional facilities, nursing homes, schools, health departments and labs. Herzing University provides its dental assistant program graduates with a wide range of skills that can be applied to a variety of settings.

Professional dental assistants demonstrate exceptional time management skills, multitasking abilities, are detailed oriented, and contribute to a positive team environment while focusing on patient care as a top priority.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Dental assistants help dentists deliver dental care to patients by taking on a mix of patient care and administrative duties. Their scope of practice depends on state regulations, but common responsibilities of a dental assistant include:

Prepare patients for treatments and procedures
Take x-rays
Recordkeeping
Scheduling appointments
Assist patients in billing and payment
Sterilizing instruments, and assisting dentists during procedures
Taking medical history, blood pressure, and pulse before a procedure
Talk to patients about proper oral hygiene

What dental assistants do on a daily basis depends on the specific roles and responsibilities included in the job description, which can vary by employer.

It can take less than 2 years to become a dental assistant well-prepared to succeed right from the start.

How much less depends on what educational pathway you choose. With Herzing University in Minneapolis you have two options:

Diploma in Dental Assisting: 16 months (average)
Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting: 20 months (average)

Once you’ve graduated, all that’s left is getting certified to position yourself best to find your first job in dental assisting.

According to 2020 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental assistants earn an average salary of $42,310 per year ($20.34 per hour).*

Dental assistants in the state of Minnesota earn an average salary of $53,670 per year ($25.80 per hour), which represents the highest state average in the country.

Dental assisting can be a great career choice for the right type of person!

If you have good interpersonal, listening, and organizational skills, you have the potential to be an excellent dental assistant. Dental assistants can take on many types of tasks, and you must be prepared to be a versatile team player, eager to do whatever is needed to help things run smoothly.

Dental assistants typically enjoy regular office hours (evenings and/or weekends, in some cases), a variety of job duties, and a strong foundation of experience to advance their career in the future.

Enrolling in a diploma or degree program to become a dental assistant can really be worth it!

With Herzing University you are never alone in paying for dental assisting school. There are many potential options for financial aid, including loans, scholarships, VA/military benefits, and more. Please contact us for eligibility.

You can use the Herzing Tuition Wizard to determine the cost of tuition for our diploma or associate degree in dental assisting, available through our Minneapolis campus.

Dental assisting can be hard if it’s not the right type of job for your personality—or if you’re unprepared to succeed in the position.

Earning a formal education helps you build the knowledge and skills to be comfortable in the role right from the start.

Medical Assisting

Dental Hygiene

Sterile Processing

Accreditation

Accreditation & Disclosure

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals

Herzing University’s Bloodborne Pathogens Policy

Visit Us

Come visit our campus in Minneapolis, Minnesota to learn more about Herzing’s dental assistant programs and how we can help you reach your career goals.

Minneapolis Campus

435 Ford Road
St. Louis Park, Minnesota 55426
(612) 360-2484

View all Minneapolis degree programs.

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I chose to attend Herzing University because of the dental assistant program. Working a full-time job and going to school at the same time was a challenge, but my teachers kept pushing me to keep going. I never took a break.

Jessica Stertzbach

Akron Campus

Dental Assisting Programs
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Earn a dental assisting degree and become possible

A top growth career in the booming field of healthcare.