Dental Assisting
Build a career worth smiling about.
The Dental Assisting program prepares students for careers in dental healthcare through hands-on training in patient care, chairside procedures, dental radiography, infection control, and dental office operations.
Program Overview
Learn More About Our Dental Assisting Program
Dental assistants are essential members of the dental healthcare team, supporting dentists with patient care, clinical procedures, infection prevention, and administrative responsibilities. This program prepares students for entry-level employment in general and specialty dental offices through classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory training, and practical clinical skill development.
Students study dental anatomy, terminology, radiography, dental materials, infection control, preventive dentistry, and chairside assisting. Training also includes patient communication, professional ethics, record management, and dental office procedures. Students develop the skills needed to prepare treatment areas, assist during dental procedures, and contribute to a safe and efficient dental practice.
As a student of this program, you will:
Learn dental terminology, anatomy, oral health, and common dental conditions.
Demonstrate proper infection control, sterilization, and workplace safety procedures.
Prepare dental instruments, equipment, and materials for patient treatment.
Assist dentists with chairside procedures, patient examinations, and restorative treatments.
Learn dental radiography, imaging techniques, and radiation safety.
Perform dental laboratory procedures, including impressions, models, and temporary appliances.
Develop patient communication, record keeping, and dental office skills.
Demonstrate professional practices, ethical standards, and patient confidentiality.
Attainable Certificates Include:
- Accredited Dixie Technical College Certificate
- Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support Certification
- Radiology Certification
- OSHA Certification
- Utah State Endorsed Clinical Dental Assistant
This Program Prepares You for Careers Such As:
- Dental Assistant – Median Income $48k year, with top earners at $62k year.*
- Dental Laboratory Technician – Median Income $49k year, with top earners at $76k year.*
- Orthodontic Assistant – Median Income $48k year, with top earners at $62k year.*
*Source: careeronestop.org
Total Tuition and Course Fees:
$2,467.00
Scholarships and Grants Available
Program Length:
7 Months
+90 Hours of Externship
Credit Hours
19
High School: Open to Seniors. Must be 17 years old within 3 months prior to program start date.
Tuition is waived for high school students, however they are still responsible for course fees, textbooks and additional costs.
Upcoming Start Dates:
January 11, 2027 | 8:00am – 12:00pm | Mon – Thu (+4 online hrs/week)
Need more information?
435.674.8400
Dental Assisting
Program Description
Dental assistants are essential members of the dental healthcare team, supporting dentists with patient care, clinical procedures, infection prevention, and administrative responsibilities. This program prepares students for entry-level employment in general and specialty dental offices through classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory training, and practical clinical skill development.
Students study dental anatomy, terminology, radiography, dental materials, infection control, preventive dentistry, and chairside assisting. Training also includes patient communication, professional ethics, record management, and dental office procedures. Students develop the skills needed to prepare treatment areas, assist during dental procedures, and contribute to a safe and efficient dental practice.
Attendance Standard: This program has a minimum attendance standard of 85%.
Learning Objectives
Demonstrate knowledge of dental anatomy, terminology, oral diseases, and preventive dentistry.
Apply infection control standards, sterilization techniques, and workplace safety procedures.
Identify and properly use dental instruments, equipment, and materials.
Assist with dental examinations, restorative procedures, and other chairside treatments.
Demonstrate dental radiography techniques and radiation safety principles.
Perform basic dental laboratory procedures, including impressions, models, and appliance preparation.
Maintain accurate patient records and communicate effectively with patients and dental professionals.
Apply professional, legal, and ethical standards in dental healthcare settings.
Demonstrate competency in dental assisting procedures and clinical responsibilities.
Prepare for entry-level employment and applicable industry certification examinations.
Dental Assisting Courses (19 Credit Hours)
TEDE 1011 | Introduction to Dental Assisting | 3 credits
TEDE 1021 | Infection Control | 2 credits
TEDE 1100 | Dental Anatomy | 2 credits
TEDE 1110 | Dental Radiology | 3 credits
TEDE 1201 | Dental Instruments and Equipment | 3 credits
TEDE 1221 | Orthodontics, Pediatrics, Prosthodontics | 3 credits
TEDE 1300 | Dental Office Administration | 1 credit
TEDE 1900 | Dental Assisting Externship | 2 credits
Accreditation
Dixie Technical College is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education. Accreditation by COE is viewed as a nationally-honored seal of excellence for occupational education institutions and denotes honesty and integrity. Information regarding accreditation may be obtained at:
Council on Occupational Education
7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325
Atlanta, GA 30350
Telephone: 770-396-3898 Fax: 770-396-3790
council.org
Cost Overview
Tuition at Dixie Technical College Is Affordable
Tuition & Fees must be paid before registering for class unless a payment plan or other funding options have been approved and signed. Information is subject to change without notice.
Tuition is waived for High-School students, however they are still responsible for course fees and additional costs.
Total Tuition and Course Fees:
$2,467.00
Additional Costs:
$45 – Background Check
$45 – Scrubs (Cost Varies – 2 pairs highly recommended)
$359 – Book Bundle
*$52 – Dental Instrument Pocket Guide (Optional)
* Optional
Need help paying for college?
Learn about Scholarships and Grants and how to apply for Financial Aid by using the links below.
Cohort Start Dates
Upcoming Start Dates and Class Times for This Program
Program Length
7 Months
+90 Hours of Externship
Begin an Application
Education Verification
Provide a copy of one of the following: High School Diploma, High School Transcript showing graduation date, GED, Associate’s Degree, or Bachelor’s Degree.
Testing Requirements
Each program has specific testing score requirements for admission. The scores are listed in the drop-down tabs below. You may be exempt from taking the Accuplacer Entrance Assessment if you provide proof of one or more of the following:
- Qualifying ACT or SAT scores (see drop-down tabs below)
- College coursework (MATH 900+ and ENGLISH 1000+) with a grade of B- or higher
- An Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree
If you do not meet one of the above criteria, click here to schedule your Accuplacer Entrance Assessment.
Accuplacer Qualifying Scores:
Math – 245
Reading – 245
Writing – 245
ACT Qualifying Scores:
Math – 15
Reading – 15
English – 15
SAT Qualifying Scores:
Math – 390
ERW – 290
Proof of Valid Photo ID
Immunizations
Click here for additional information on immunization requirements.
Immunizations must be completed before your program begins. Students who do not have their immunizations completed on time may lose their spot in the cohort. You will also need to complete a tuberculosis (TB) test. Schedule a TB test here.
Click here to find out how to access your Utah immunization records.
Drug Screen
This will be taken care of within your program.
Background Check
Cost: $45, this will be taken care of within your program.
Professional Goal Statement
Application Fee
$0 for all applicants.
Application Review
After successfully completing and submitting the above requirements, the College will perform an application review. Students will be emailed regarding their acceptance status.
To get started on these requirements begin an application.
What You Can Become
Dental Assistant
Learn more about this field. Find things like job outlook, expected salary, and many other job specific stats.
Dental Lab Technician
Learn more about this field. Find things like job outlook, expected salary, and many other job specific stats.
Orthodontic Assistant
Learn more about this field. Find things like job outlook, expected salary, and many other job specific stats.
Steps to Take
Follow these steps to start your journey at Dixie Tech! Many classes have a waitlist, or fill fast, so getting started as soon as possible is recommended.
Find a Program or Take a Campus Tour
Schedule a tour and discover a specific program, muliple programs, or tour every program available.
Complete Your Online Application
Begin the application process and get one step closer to your journey at Dixie Tech!
Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships
Work with our advisors to apply for Financial Aid and learn about Scholarship options.
Contact a Dental Assisting Advisor
Questions about this specific program? Maybe a question about Dixie Tech? Our advisors are here to help.
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