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IMPORTANT NOTE:
Thank you for your interest in the Dental Assistant Program at RCTC. Dental
Assistant applications are accepted beginning September 1st each year until
the program is filled.
Admission is based on the date that all supporting documentation is received
in the Admissions and Records Office.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
The Dental Assistant program is designed to provide the student with the
technical knowledge, manual skills, clinical experiences, and positive attitude
toward work 
required
to make the graduate a valuable member of the dental health care profession.
The student has the flexibility of completing the Dental Assistant Program
in one year as a full-time student, or in two years as a part-time student.
To aid the student in planning their year, the program director can provide
the student with schedules that reflect the courses and hours for each semester
of the program.
A variety of learning approaches are used in the Dental Assistant program.
The curriculum spans three semesters, with the students 
participating
in lecture, lab and clinical activities during the fall and spring
semesters.Clinical experience is obtained in the technically current dental
clinic that consists of twelve operatories, a recirculation/sterilization
room, an x-ray darkroom, and a complete dental laboratory. In the spring
semester, patients come to the dental clinic for the following dental services:
tooth polishing, fluoride treatments, dental x-rays, pit and fissure sealants
and personal oral care instruction. A dentist is on staff in the dental
clinic to aid in the direct instruction and supervision of students.
In the summer semester, students continue their clinical experience by completing three assigned internships in different dental offices in southeastern Minnesota. This provides the student with excellent work experience as well as a means to market themselves as potential employees.
Students enhance their communication skills by presenting oral care presentations to community groups, such as pre-schools and elementary schools. An added benefit of this learning activity is the student's sense of "making a difference" through community service.
Dental Assisting students become members of the American Dental Assistant's Association. Benefits of membership include a subscription to the professional journal "The Dental Assistant"and opportunities to attend professional dental meetings at the local and state levels. The Dental Assisting class attends the Minnesota Star of The North Meeting (state dental convention) and/or a regional dental seminar as a class field trip. These professional activities help the dental assisting student realize their importance as a member of the dental team.
Contact Information:
Rochester Community and Technical College
851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904-4999
Contact Info: (507) 285-7210 or 1-800-247-1296 / TTY Relay 1-800-627-3529
RCTC is a University Center Rochester partner and a member of the MnSCU system.
© 2007 Rochester Community and Technical College, All rights reserved.
RCTC is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer.
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