Dental Assisting

What is Dental Assisting?

Dental Assistants work in dental offices, helping to treat and examine patients. They assist by handing the dentist the proper instruments, taking and processing x-rays, preparing materials for making impressions and restorations, and instructing the patient in oral health care.

Program Description
The curriculum is a one-year certificate program which prepares students to be important members of the dental team. The program is dedicated to the development of appropriate cognitive, psychomotor, and affective competencies in students so that they may apply scientific understanding, technological skills, and human values within their profession. Courses include Dental Office Management, Dental Materials, Dental Science, Dental Radiography, Chair Side Assisting, and a Clinical Externship.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Examination.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation- American Dental Association.

Career Opportunities
Dental Assistants hold more than 176,000 jobs in private dental offices, group practices, dental schools, public health departments, private clinics, and Veterans and Public Service hospitals. There are good reasons to expect the demand for dental assistants will continue to grow. Public awareness of dental health and appearance has increased substantially in recent years. Improvements in the dental care industry along with greater accessibility to dental insurance has insured a strong job market for dental assistants.

Related Professions
Dental Assistants may also work in school clinics, private hospitals, and dental sales.

Salary Outlook
For more information on salary and occupational outlook, please visit www.onetonline.org

The Dental Assistant program is a selective admissions program.
Please visit www.massasoit.edu/selective-admissions for more information on admissions requirements.