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 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, trays and appliances.
- Provide oral health instruction to dental patients and community groups.
- Perform effectively patient reception and dental business office procedures.
- 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.
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:
- MN Dental Jurisprudence Exam
- National Certification Exam for Dental Assistants
- 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.