Stay essential.
RATE Students who are employed within 6 months of graduation
Dental Assisting
Dental assistants are essential members of the dental healthcare team. They support patient care, assist during procedures and help dental offices run efficiently.
At Lake Area Tech, you’ll build these skills through hands-on lab training and real clinical experience. Graduate prepared for certification and a rewarding career in dental assisting.
Training includes assisting during procedures, taking x-rays, recording patient information, administering nitrous oxide/oxygen, polishing teeth, fabricating casts, sterilizing instruments, and supporting office operations. You’ll begin by building skills in a modern on-campus dental lab before moving into a clinical experience in a working dental office.
The program is offered as an 11-month diploma, with the option to continue into a 20-month Associate of Applied Science degree for expanded skills and additional education opportunities. Clinical placements may take place outside of Watertown, depending on availability.
Graduates are eligible to complete the Dental Assisting National Board and meet requirements for radiology and expanded functions certification through the South Dakota Board of Dentistry. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, as required by the American Dental Association.
If you plan to continue your education, tools like Transferology can help you understand how your coursework applies toward a four-year degree and explore your next steps.
Accreditation
The program in dental assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.
Professional Licensure
Lake Area Technical College’s curriculum for Dental Assisting meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in South Dakota and many other states. Professional licensure and certification requirements often vary from state to state. Prospective or current students considering an academic program that leads to a professional license or certification are strongly encouraged to seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency in the state you plan to work before beginning an affiliated academic program. Read more here regarding Professional Licensure Disclosures.
Dental Assisting Program Learning Outcomes
- Perform basic chair-side procedures in general or specialty practices.
- Perform basic clinical support procedures.
- Perform expanded functions that may be delegated to an Advanced Dental Assistant in South Dakota.
- Perform basic business office procedures.
- Exhibit professionalism and communicate effectively with patients and co-workers.
- Demonstrate competency in foundational courses.
Dental Assisting Program Admissions Requirements
The LATC admissions committee reviews applications before offering student admission. Selection is based on evaluation of the following:
On Campus
- GPA of 2.0 or higher on High School
Transcripts - ACT Composite score of – 18
- English – 17
- Math – 16
- Reading – 19
o Or Accuplacer Sentence Skills-82,
Algebra-39, Reading-88
o Or Next Gen Writing-259, QAS 238,
Reading-258
- Previous academic experience
Online
- GPA of 2.0 or higher on High School
Transcripts - ACT Composite score of – 20
- English – 18
- Math – 16
- Reading – 19
o Or Accuplacer Sentence Skills-86,
Algebra-39, Reading-88
o Or Next Gen Writing-263, QAS 238,
Reading-258
- Previous academic experience
Students are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet the minimum academic requirements. The admissions team will consider all relevant information and circumstances (COVID, Homeschool, GED, etc.) in order to make an admission decision that is in the best interest of the student and Lake Area Technical College.
Resources:
- Dental Training Courses (Corporate Education)
- Exposure Form
- Essential Functions Form
- Dental Assisting Proctor Form
Articulation agreements:
E-Degree Option
Lake Area Tech offers hybrid E-degree programs for students who need flexibility without sacrificing quality. These programs combine online coursework with required on-campus experiences, giving you the ability to learn on your schedule while still completing hands-on training when it matters.
Is online learning right for you? Learn what it means to be a hybrid learner, how it works and what you can expect.
Dental Assisting Careers
Below are several careers you could pursue with an Dental Assisting degree. Visit our job board to see job opportunities in the Dental Assisting sector.
Dental Assistant
Graduates of the Dental Assisting program can pursue careers as Dental Assistants, working alongside dentists to provide high-quality patient care and support efficient dental office operations. In this role, you'll prepare treatment rooms, assist during procedures, take dental radiographs, educate patients, and help ensure a positive patient experience. It's an excellent career path for individuals who enjoy healthcare, teamwork, and helping others maintain their oral health.
Where you might work:
• General dental practices
• Family dentistry offices
• Pediatric dental clinics
• Orthodontic practices
• Specialty dental offices
Orthodontic Assistant
As an Orthodontic Assistant, you'll support orthodontists and patients throughout the process of improving dental alignment and oral health. Graduates can expect to assist with orthodontic procedures, prepare equipment and materials, educate patients, and help monitor treatment progress. This role combines patient interaction with specialized dental skills in a fast-paced clinical environment.
Where you might work:
• Orthodontic practices
• Pediatric dental clinics
• Multi-specialty dental offices
• Family dental practices
• Specialty oral healthcare organizations
Every class, every semester. Find the right pathway to achieve your degree on your timing.
Getting all of this straight can be tough – but you're not alone. Our representatives are here to help.
"The one on one interaction with faculty and staff, they also help the students get jobs before graduation."
Estimated Cost
At Lake Area Tech, there are no surprises. View expected expenses below, so you can plan ahead for a successful year.
| Tuition | $9,447 |
| State Fees | $3,173 |
| Departmental Fees | $4,108 |
| Campus Support Fee | $2,186 |
| Uniforms | $205 |
| Tools / Kits | $425 |
| Books | $1,200 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,190 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $21,934 |
We know that college is a large financial undertaking, and our main priority is that there are no surprises as you navigate this journey. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
| Tuition | $5,963 |
| State Fees | $2,003 |
| Departmental Fees | $3,230 |
| Campus Support Fee | $1,380 |
| Uniforms | $205 |
| Tools | $425 |
| Books | $600 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,190 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $14,996 |
We know that college is a large financial undertaking, and our main priority is that there are no surprises as you navigate this journey. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
Dental Assisting Staff
Field-tested. Student-ready. Our esteemed staff is prepared to walk with you through every step of your collegiate career.
