Dental Assistant: Expanded Functions Option Certificate
Program Accreditation: Expanded Functions curriculum is approved by the Minnesota Board of Dentistry
Program Overview:
This certificate program provides clinical training in all Minnesota Expanded Functions for Dental Assistants. Applicants must be Certified Dental Assistants through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and hold current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers. Successful completion qualifies students to take the Minnesota Dental Assisting Jurisprudence Exam, qualifying them to become Licensed Dental Assistants.
Program Outcomes:
Upon completion of the Dental Assistant program at RCTC, students will achieve the following outcomes:
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of dental terminology and the dental sciences.
- Collect systematically and record accurately record diagnostic and clinical data.
- Employ current principles of effective chairside assisting for general and dental specialty procedures and dental/medical emergencies.
- Demonstrate proficiency in performing expanded functions for Minnesota licensed dental assistants.
- Implement current principles and guidelines of dental infection control, aseptic techniques and hazards management.
- Prepare and manipulate chairside and dental laboratory materials and fabricate dental models, impression trays and appliances.
- Provide oral health instruction to dental patients and community groups.
- Perform patient reception and dental business office procedures effectively.
- Communicate effectively and establish positive working relationships with patients and members of the dental health care team.
- Function in a responsible, professional and ethical manner.
Career Opportunities:
Dental Assisting is a career that is in high demand and includes excellent work schedules, attractive compensation packages and pleasant work environments.
Additional Information:
Clinical training takes place in the 18-chair dental clinic and 24-station dental simulation lab. The clinic features a sterilization area, radiography room, and a fully equipped dental laboratory. Patients receive preventive services in the clinic under the direct supervision and instruction of a licensed dentist.
Notice of Minnesota Background Study Requirement Minnesota Statute 245C requires that students who have contact with individuals in licensed institutions complete an annual background study with the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Individuals who do not pass the background study will not be allowed to participate in clinical activities. A list of disqualifying offenses is available at https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=245C.15. Students in the program will also be required to complete a national criminal background study. Information about completing both background studies will be available from program faculty.
DENTAL ASSISTANT: EXPANDED FUNCTIONS OPTION CERTIFICATE
PROGRAM CORE REQUIREMENTS (13 CREDITS)
- DA 1225 – Dental Infection Control (2 cr)
- DA 1265 – Expanded Functions (7 cr)*
- DA 1270 – Expanded Functions II (1 cr)*
- DA 1275 – Dental Radiology (3 cr)*
*Students must show current certification in either American Red Cross: CPR for the Professional Rescuer or American Heart Association: BLS Healthcare Provider to enroll in this course. The certification will need to remain active throughout the final semester in Dental Assisting.
RECOMMENDED COURSE SEQUENCES
PART-TIME
- Semester 1 – Fall (2 CREDITS): DA 1225
- Semester 2 – Spring (11 CREDITS): DA 1265, DA 1270, DA 1275
Course descriptions can be found at: RCTC course descriptions