Dental Assistant
Technical Diploma — Downtown Milwaukee Campus

Program code: 30-508-2

Overview — The Dental Assistant program is a one-semester plus two-week, 16-credit, technical diploma program that provides students with the opportunity to learn and perform a variety of patient care techniques as they work with the dentist during the examination and treatment of patients. Other duties typically performed by a dental assistant include preparing patients for treatment, exposing and processing radiographs, assisting with dental procedures and obtaining dental records. Courses in the curriculum blend both academic and clinical competencies. The student will practice these skills during 128 hours of clinical experience in a dental practice. A Health Care Provider Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate is a prerequisite for entry into the first clinical course along with completion of MATC's Health Certification form.

Career Outlook — Employment opportunities for trained dental assistants are plentiful 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 Association, www.ada.org.

Career Preparation and Expected Learning Outcomes — Employers anticipate that you as a graduate of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate professionalism, communication and human relations skills, and ethical/legal practices
• Relate dental anatomy and terminology to dental procedures
• Recognize the importance of proper infection control and instrument and equipment sterilization
• Demonstrate proper techniques for exposing, processing and mounting dental x-ray films
• Provide patients with oral hygiene instruction
• Provide the dentist with accurate patient records
• Prepare treatment rooms for dental procedures
• Assist the dentist when performing various dental procedures
• Perform expanded duties such as temporary crown fabrication and coronal polishing

Preparation for Admission — The following are required for admission to the program:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Demonstration of proficiency in basic skills through a course placement assessment
• Evidence of good health as provided through a medical examination
• Proper immunizations
• Documentation that the Essential Job Functions for a dental assistant have been reviewed. This is in keeping with the federal Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

One year of high school biology or chemistry is helpful. Attributes that will contribute to your success include a neat, well-groomed appearance, conscientious work habits, and good interpersonal skills.

Related Programs:

Dental Hygiene
Dental Technician

For more information, call 414-297-MATC.

Curriculum effective 2008-2009.

Hours per Week: r = related, s = shop, c = clinical

Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.

‡ Prerequisite Required.

For course descriptions, times, locations or to register online, visit INFOnline.