Dental Assisting

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What Kind of Career Can You Expect?
Dental assisting is a professional rewarding career. Entry-level positions include chair-side assistant, front office assistant, and expanded functions assistant. Often these functions are combined into a single position.

For those who invest energy and effort into their role as dental assistant, there are excellent opportunities for advancement. A career in dental assisting offers a great deal of personal satisfaction and fulfillment for those who enjoy the work.

What is the Outlook for Job Opportunities and Pay?
A growing public concern for dental care and hygiene, as well as an increase in the number of dental insurance programs, has produced a steady demand for more dental assistants in most areas.

Job openings depend on the establishment of new dental practices in the area or the replacement of assistants who are leaving their jobs. Opportunities are also available in less populous areas.

What Skills, Traits, or Prep Classes Would be Helpful?
- Good written and oral communication skills
- A desire to serve others
- Manual dexterity in both hands
- Exactness and precise attention to detail
- Computer literacy skills
- Current immunization update
- Health-oriented professional image

What Will You Learn to Do?
- Assist at chair-side—pass instruments and medication
- Maintain treatment rooms and assist in dental care delivery
- Take and process x-rays
- Sterilize and maintain instruments
- Pour models of teeth
- Prepare dental materials and mix restorative materials
- Arrange appointments
- Manage the dental office and perform bookkeeping
- Promote oral hygiene and public health
- Understand and use dental terminology
- Communicate professionally, both in writing and in person

What Else Should I Know?
A typical day of training includes six hours of classroom and lab work. Graduates are eligible to take the certification exam given by the Dental Assisting National Board and the five Idaho Expanded Function Exams.

What Kind of Degree(s) Can I Earn?
- Associate of Applied Science Degree - AAS (approximately two years)
- Technical Certificate - TC (approximately one year)

To Get Financial Aid:
Almost all prospective students are eligible for some kind of financial aid, regardless of credit history, income or assets.

Program Fills Fast. Call Today! 208.562.3000
CWI delivers college credit instruction, certificates and degrees through its memorandum of understanding with College of Southern Idaho (CSI). CSI is accredited through The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCUU).