Waukesha County Technical College

Dental Assistant

16-credit Technical Diploma

Program Code 30-508-2

Dental assistants perform a variety of patient care, office and laboratory responsibilities. In this program, learn to use dental equipment, expose and process radiographs, assist with dental emergencies, record medical and dental information, maintain a supply inventory, and perform related dental office and laboratory procedures under the direction and supervision of a dentist.

How Long It Will Take

Full-time students can complete this program in one semester.

Start Date

You can begin this program in the fall or spring semester.

How This Program Is Offered

This is offered on campus in a traditional classroom/lab setting. Some hybrid/online courses are available.

 What Makes This Program Unique

  • As a Dental Assistant student, perform oral health presentations at district grade schools to help educate children on the importance of dental care.
  • Along with Dental Hygiene students, hold sealant clinics at district grade schools and Head Start, and perform dental cleanings for special needs clients at a special needs clinic.
  • Involvement with the Dental Assisting Club helps promote the dental-assisting profession in matters of education, legislation, credentialing and professional activities that enhance the delivery of quality dental health care.

Courses You'll Take

For the courses you’ll take, semester sequence, pathways and course descriptions, view the program catalog page. Please note, you will need to complete a background check in order to begin core courses.

This program requires valid BLS Provider certification.  If you are currently certified and need to maintain your status, WCTC also offers a BLS Provider Renewal course.

Credit for Prior Learning

You may have the opportunity to obtain credit for the college-level skills and knowledge you've already acquired. Learn more about credit for prior learning.

How To Apply

Still have questions? Visit the Admissions page or contact the Office of Admissions | 262.691.5200.

Deadlines To Know*

Fall 2021 Start

  • Submit application by March 1, 2021
  • Complete checklist items by April 5, 2021

Spring 2021 Start

  • Submit application by September 28, 2020
  • Complete checklist items by October 26, 2020

Summer 2021 Start

  • This program cannot be started in summer.

* Application deadlines are subject to change based on program demand.

Financial Aid Eligibility

For this program, financial aid only covers courses. Loans and other aid will be prorated.

Learn more about financial aid.

Cost

The cost of your degree depends on a number of factors, including where you live, how your program is delivered, how long it takes to finish your program and the financial aid you receive.

Learn more about tuition and fees.

Career Salaries

$33,000 – $45,000 annually

Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements.

Check the WCTC Graduate Success Report to view our graduates’ entry wages.

Potential Careers

If you have an interest in the healthcare field, specifically, the dental field, and have a reassuring chairside manner, a job as a dental assistant may be for you. Those working in this field are professional, pay attention to detail, have strong communication skills and enjoy working on a team.

  • Dental Assistant
  • Orthodontic Assistant

Information About Blood-borne Pathogens

All programs at WCTC comply with local, state, and federal infection control policies, including the use of standard precautions as stipulated by current CDC guidelines. Written policies and instructions on infection control protocol to minimize the risk of disease transmission is provided throughout the courses in the curriculum. Compliance of safety practices is evaluated throughout your clinical experiences to ensure a safe educational environment.

Transfer Options

Whether you're a high school student interested in earning college credits or a college student interested in transferring to a four-year university after graduation, our dual-enrollment and transfer-credit agreements will help you take the next step in your education and career.

High School Dual Credits

Dual enrollment offers high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to get a head start in high-demand fields through earning college credits. Learn about the credit options.

Transfer Opportunities After WCTC

WCTC has credit transfer agreements with many four-year institutions that allow our degree graduates to transfer credits into a baccalaureate program, often at junior-level standing.

There are no credit transfer agreements for this program at this time. For more information, contact your academic advisor.

There are no credit transfer agreements for this program at this time. For more information, contact your academic advisor.

Transfer Tips

  • Contact the school to which you'd like to transfer to make sure you understand its transfer policy.
  • Talk to your WCTC program advisor about your intent to transfer so he/she can help you plan.
  • If you're transferring within the University of Wisconsin (UW) System, contact your desired institution about its transfer policy and visit the UW System's transfer resource page.

 

Other Educational Opportunities

Our certificates are a short-term educational option for growing your workplace skills and workforce marketability. Explore the following certificates if you’re involved in, and interested in learning more about, health careers.

Program Instructors

Diane Turner, MS | 262.695.6213
Patricia Mathie, M.Ed. | 262.691.5272

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