Woman in dental exam room smiling, dentist about to exam

Dental Assisting

1-Year Diploma Program - 42 Credits

As a dental assistant, you will play a key role in assisting dentist and hygienists in the many dental offices in Sioux Falls and across the nation. A professional dental assistant is integral to the many tasks required for oral healthcare, such as preparing x-ray machines, ordering supplies, mixing impression materials, record-keeping and instructing patients on oral care.

Are you looking for a field where you can help others? Your duties as a dental professional are administrative as well as clinical. The skills you need for Dental Assisting include: 

  • Interpersonal 
  • Technical 
  • Analytical 
  • Detail-oriented

Job Placement Rate

100%

Southeast Tech's Dental Assisting program boasts a 100% job placement rate among its 2021 graduates.*

* View details and methodology of the Graduate Outcome Report.

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Build Dakota Eligible

Earn a full-ride scholarship to Southeast Tech's Dental Assisting program through Build Dakota!

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Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that projected growth in dental assisting is much faster than the average for all occupations, with 7% growth expected through 2029. Continued job growth in dental assisting is tied to: 

  • Research linking oral health to general health 
  • More elderly residents who need care

Compare: Dental Assistant vs. Dental Hygienist 

As a dental assistant graduate from Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls, you will assist in dental procedures, perform dental radiography, offer patient education and conduct office tasks. Your work provides direct aid to dentists, while a dental hygienist often works one-on-one with patients under less supervision.

Why Study to be a Dental Assistant at Southeast Tech?

During your training as a Dental Assistant, you will study in STC’s high-tech Sullivan Health/Science Center. Your degree is backed by these other career-boosters:  

Credentialing: The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) has authorized graduates of Southeast Tech’s Dental Assisting program to earn credentialing through DANB’s National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification program. Southeast Technical College graduates will be eligible to complete the three-part NELDA exam for certification.

Clinical Experience: During the final semester of your STC program, you will complete a clinical placement to enhance your learning.  

What Can You Do With Your STC Degree? 

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has more than 140 dentists, creating a high demand for dental assistants who perform top-quality care.

Explore Classes 

Southeast Tech’s year-long Dental Assistant program includes courses on dental radiography, tooth morphology, preventive dentistry, oral surgery and implant dentistry. 

View Curriculum  ADMISSION CRITERIA

Cost  

Costs are calculated based on a charge of $255 per credit hour, plus applicable fees.

Total Costs

See Cost & Fee Breakdown

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Faculty

Marcia Jensen

Instructor
Dental Assisting
Health Center 209

All Healthcare Programs

Other Programs Related to Dental Assisting 

If you’re interested in becoming a dental assistant, you might also be interested in these other healthcare programs at Southeast Tech: 

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)   Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)   Medical Assistant