Dental Assistant Program Additional Information

Dental Assistant Clinic:

Located at: Heintz Center
1926 Collegeview Road S.E.
Rochester, MN 55904
(Across the street from the Olmsted Community Hospital and the FMC)

RCTC’s Dental Assistant labs are equipped with the latest technology and tools.

DENTAL ASSISTING CREDENTIALS:

In Minnesota, it is desirable to hold both National Certification and State Licensure for dental assisting.  Dental assistants who graduate from a program accredited by the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation and hold a current professional rescuer level CPR/AED certification are eligible to take the National Certification Exam for Dental Assistants.  Upon successful completion of this exam, dental assistants earn the title of a Certified Dental Assistant.

To become a Licensed Dental Assistant, students must first graduate from an accredited school of dental assisting that includes the MN Board of Dentistry approved curriculum in expanded functions.  Next, graduates must sit for and pass the following exams:  the MN Dental Jurisprudence Exam, the National Certification Exam for Dental Assistants, and the Minnesota Licensure Exam for Dental Assistants.  The graduates may apply to become licensed with the MN Board of Dentistry.  Once the MN Board of Dentistry reviews and approves the application, the Board will award the applicant the title of Licensed Dental Assistant.

CLINICAL & LABORATORY HEALTH & SAFETY PROVISIONS:

RCTC and the Dental Assistant Program comply with mandated and recommended health and safety policies to ensure a safe learning and working environment for students, staff, and patients. View The RCTC Blood Borne and Infectious Disease Policy (RCTC Policy 6.4.4). Upon entering the Dental Assistant Program, students will be given a copy of the RCTC Dental Assistant Program Lab/Clinic Policies Manual, which details all program policies relating to infection control, hazards management, and safety in the lab and clinical settings.