Students in WCTC Dental Clinic

Dental Assistant

Main Content

Program Information

Degree Type
16-credit Technical Diploma

Program Code
30-508-2

Time to Degree
Less than 1 year

Start Date
August / January

How You'll Learn

On Campus
Daytime

Dental assistants perform a variety of patient care, office and laboratory responsibilities. In this program, learn to use dental equipment, expose and process radiographs, assist with dental emergencies, record medical and dental information, maintain a supply inventory, and perform related dental office and laboratory procedures under the direction and supervision of a dentist.

Please note: Health programs require multiple vaccinations, including flu shots. Deadlines vary by program.

Tuition Costs

The cost of your degree depends on a number of factors, including where you live, how your program is delivered, how long it takes to finish your program and the financial aid you receive. Explore current tuition and fees.

Additional Estimated Costs

Any computer or tablet
Scrubs/shoes: $75
Viewpoint Screening: $95
Immunizations/tests: up to $850
BLS for the Healthcare Provider: $50-$85
Dental exam/cleaning: price varies

How To Apply

Apply online and pay the $30 application fee.
Review health requirements. Further information will be provided at program orientation.

Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an enrollment counselor.

Apply Online

Program Details

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Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Enrollment team by filling out our online form or by email at enroll@wctc.edu.

Potential Careers

If you have an interest in the healthcare field, specifically, the dental field, and have a reassuring chairside manner, a job as a dental assistant may be for you. Those working in this field are professional, pay attention to detail, have strong communication skills and enjoy working on a team.

Dental Assistant
Orthodontic Assistant

Technical Standards

The students enrolled in the Dental Assistant program should be able to meet the established technical standards identified below with or without reasonable accommodation. The technical standards for the Dental Assistant program are representative of those found in the Dental Assistant profession.

Review the Dental Assistant Technical Standards.

High School Eligibility

This program is open to qualified high school applicants. Learn more >

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Career Salaries

$33,400 – $48,600 annually

Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements.

Check the WCTC Graduate Success Report to view our graduates’ entry wages.

Financial Aid

As a program student, you are eligible to receive:

Financial aid loans
Scholarships
Other forms of assistance

Learn more about financial aid.

Bloodborne Pathogens

All programs at WCTC comply with local, state, and federal infection control policies, including the use of standard precautions as stipulated by current CDC guidelines. Written policies and instructions on infection control protocol to minimize the risk of disease transmission is provided throughout the courses in the curriculum. Compliance of safety practices is evaluated throughout your clinical experiences to ensure a safe educational environment.

Clinical Site Compliance

Please note that some clinical sites require compliance with various safety protocols and measures as a condition to placement. Students may individually address clinical placement requirements with Jenny Clausen, Clinical Placement Specialist.

Reasonable accommodations may be available for students with documented disabilities and/or sincerely held religious beliefs. Students seeking accommodation due to documented disability should contact the Student Accessibility Office. Students seeking accommodation due to a sincerely held religious belief should contact Jonathan Pedraza in the Student Life Office.

Review the background check overview.

Program Courses

Health Programs

What Makes This Program Unique

As a Dental Assistant student, perform oral health presentations at district grade schools to help educate children on the importance of dental care.
Involvement with the Dental Assisting Club helps promote the dental assisting profession in matters of education, legislation, credentialing and professional activities that enhance the delivery of quality dental health care.

Launch Experience

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Introduction to Health Careers

Explore the various roles and responsibilities within the healthcare industry and discover potential careers that match your skills and interests.

More Credit Opportunities

Dual enrollment offers high school students an opportunity to get a head start in high-demand fields while earning college credits.

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You may have the opportunity to obtain credit for the college-level skills and knowledge you've already acquired through prior coursework, work experience and more.

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