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.
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