Print Program Overview and Courses
Technical Diploma: 36 Weeks, 33 Credits
Appleton Campus
Career Opportunities
As a dental assistant, you are an integral member of the dental health team. You perform chairside assisting and laboratory procedures under the direction and supervision of the dentist. As a qualified dental assistant, you:
- Exhibit knowledge of disinfecting and sterilization.
- Assist at chairside in all dental procedures by using current concepts of four- and six-handed dentistry.
- Exhibit a practical knowledge of dental equipment, its use, routine care, and maintenance.
- Identify instruments for various dental procedures.
- Expose and process radiographs.
- Assist in taking and recording medical or dental histories, blood pressure and vital signs.
- Assist in the management of medical and dental emergencies.
- Perform basic dental business office procedures.
- Prepare dental materials and perform dental laboratory procedures.
- Perform expanded functions allowed by the State of Wisconsin.
The Dental Assistant graduate might gain employment in the following positions: Dental Chairside Assistant, Dental Office Manager or Receptionist or Laboratory Assistant or Technician, Dental Treatment Coordinator, Oral Surgery or Endodontic or Prosthodontic, or Orthodontic or Pediatric or Periodontic Dental Assistant, Dental Sales Representative or Dental Insurance Claims Representative.
Program Description
The 36-week Dental Assistant program is divided into two semester segments. Most of your courses are offered during the regular school day, but some evening courses are required. Upon completion of the program, you will receive a diploma and be eligible to take the certification examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board. The Dental Assistant program at Fox Valley Technical College is fully accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Program/Plan Admission Requirements
- Admissions assessment
- ACCUPLACER Reading score of 54 or greater or completion of equivalent GOAL course
- ACCUPLACER Sentence Skills score of 83 or greater or completion of equivalent GOAL course
Note: A preclinical examination form must be on file in the FVTC Health Office prior to first semester, Dental Assistant Clinical, 31-508-306.
Note: Student will be required to show proof of CPR certification before beginning Dental Assistant Clinical, 31-508-306.
Note: Hepatitis B vaccination is strongly recommended.
Program Outcomes
The graduate of the Dental Assistant program will:
- Effectively use verbal, nonverbal and written communication skills.
- Assist with patients of a wide range of diversity of age, hygiene, economic status and general health/dental health status.
- Use organizational and technical skills to perform dental assisting function.
- Function in an aseptic clinical dental environment.
- Use critical thinking skills to respond to changing conditions in the dental office.
- Demonstrate adaptation to change.
- Use critical and creative thinking to solve problems, resolve conflicts.
- Work cooperatively in a team environment.
- Communicate in ways that honor diversity.
- Demonstrate personal integrity through ethical and responsible behaviors.
Program Offered at This Location
- Appleton—1825 N. Bluemound Drive
Helpful High School Courses
Biology, English, hygiene, speech, keyboarding, math, and first aid are useful preparation.
Contact Us
For additional program/admission information, call Ann Williams CDA, MA @ (920) 735-5663 or Enrollment Services at (920) 735-5645 or visit www.fvtc.edu/programs.
View Program Plan