Dental Assisting

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics overall employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. About 44,000 openings for dental assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Francis Tuttle's Dental Assisting program includes academics, laboratory, and clinical courses to prepare students to become members of a rapidly growing career. We offer hands-on training in a fully equipped lab where dental materials and learning aids are used to give students real-world skills. Students will learn chairside assisting, patient care, sterilization, dental casts and impression skills, and digital imaging.

There is occasional exposure to communicable diseases, as well as possible exposure to chemicals and radiation; therefore, use of personal protective equipment is required.

Interest and Skills

Interest in the dental field
Team player
Compassion and caring nature for others
Ability to stand for long periods of time
Good manual/finger dexterity
Good hand-eye coordination and flexibility

Credentials

Dental Assisting Permit
Radiation Safety Course Certificate

Accrediting

Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education
Oklahoma State Department Education

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At A Glance

Open To

Adults

Campus

Rockwell Campus Center Building, Health Science Center

Total Hours Required

1,050 hours

Length

Full Time: 10 months

Part Time: 20 months

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Program length may vary based on progress rates

Times

During the 10-month Dental Assisting program (August through May), students attend theory and laboratory classes at the Rockwell campus (six hours per day Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) and complete required clinical days at assigned sites. Clinical hours may vary depending upon the clinical site, but average eight hours per day (approx. 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Friday).

Courses

Foundation of Dental Assisting 49 hours
Biomedical Sciences 47 hours
Clinical Sciences I 50 hours
Clinical Sciences II 162 hours
Dental Sciences I 79.5 hours
Dental Sciences II 98.5 hours
Dental Terminology I 39 hours
Dental Terminology II 42 hours
Practice Management 27 hours
Pre-Clinical Procedures 102 hours
Professional Dental Assistant 24 hours
Clinical Practice/Capstone 150 hours

Tuition & Costs

Costs for In-State Adult Students

Licensure / Certifications

Certified Dental Assistant
Radiation Health and Safety
Application of Pit and Fissure Sealants
Coronal Polishing and Topical Fluoride
Radiation Safety and Protection
Assisting with the Administration of Nitrous Oxide

Tuition & Fees

In-State Tuition - $2,323.20
Application Fee:$15 (non-refundable)

Textbooks, Supplies, and Certifications (Estimated)

Textbooks - $605
Uniform and Supplies - $375
Immunizations - $250
Background Check – $68
Drug Testing – $45
Expanded Function Application Fees - $40

Total Estimated Costs for In-State Adult Students

In-State Adult Students - $3,721.20

This career major is available for Financial Aid
Financial Aid Information

Francis Tuttle will pay the cost for the student to sit for the Radiation Health and Safety Certification and Oklahoma Board of Dentistry Permit upon completion of the program.

Costs for Out-of-State Adult Students

Licensure / Certifications

Certified Dental Assistant
Radiation Health and Safety
Application of Pit and Fissure Sealants
Coronal Polishing and Topical Fluoride
Radiation Safety and Protection
Assisting with the Administration of Nitrous Oxide

Tuition & Fees

Out-of-State Tuition - $4,646.40
Application Fee: $15 (non-refundable)

Textbooks, Supplies, and Certifications (Estimated)

Textbooks - $605
Uniform and Supplies - $375
Immunizations - $250
Background Check – $68
Drug Testing – $45
Expanded Function Application Fees - $40

Total Estimated Costs for Out-of-State Adult Students

Out-of-State Adult Students - $6,044.40

This career major is available for Financial Aid
Financial Aid Information

Francis Tuttle will pay the cost for the student to sit for the Radiation Health and Safety Certification and Oklahoma Board of Dentistry Permit upon completion of the program.

Employment & Outcomes

Salary Range

$15.00-$20.00 (average = $16.36)

per hour

Pass Rate

83%

completion

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of this program are qualified to work for:

Private Dental Offices, Dental Clinics, Dental Schools, Research, Public Health/Government Clinics