Dental Assistant

Renton Technical College ETPL
Dental assistants are an integral part of a dentists office, helping both dentists and their patients with procedures and administrative tasks. This program prepares students to become Certified Dental Assistants (CDA). Instruction includes training in first aid, dental sciences, radiology, dental materials clinical procedures, infection control, lab procedures, preventive dentistry, business administration, and basic skills in communications, human relations and psychology. Students will practice their skills in the RTC Dental Clinic and during externships.

Financial information

Total tuition

$15,589.00

Total required fees

$0.00

Books and supplies

$0.00

Locations

Renton

Instructional methods

In-person Primary Location

Program details

12 Months

Length of training

Certificate

Award type

60

Credits

N/A

Clock Hours

Additional details

Award name

Certificate of Completion

Prerequisites

No Selection

Other prerequisites

To be admitted to the Dental Assistant Program, a prospective student must meet the following requirements: Minimum age: 18 years at time of enrollment. High School Diploma/GED (or equivalent) at time of enrollment (Running Start high school students may apply). Directed Self Placement (DSP): COMP 100 or ENGL& 101. English Fluency (verbal and written). Upon invitation and acceptance to the Dental Assistant Program, students must provide confirmation of an account established with CastleBranch.com and pass a nationwide criminal background check (Crimes Against Persons list). Screening and Tracking Requirements: After invitation to the program, students must meet vaccination and program specific health requirements in compliance with the Center for Disease Control Healthcare Provider immunization guidelines, including the submission of original lab results, x-ray reports and immunization records, which must be dated and signed by their healthcare provider. Immunization Timeline Table: Vaccinations must be current while on externships. Annual Tuberculosis skin test. Annual seasonal Influenza vaccine. Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine within last 10 years. Hepatitis B vaccine (series of three vaccines and immunity titer). Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine (two vaccines or proof of immunity titer). Varicella vaccine (two vaccines or proof of immunity titer). Annual background-check through CastleBranch.com. Personal health insurance upon entry and for the duration of the program. Current (within one year) physical evaluation by a physician or nurse practitioner to ensure student and patient safety. The evaluation should address the following areas in respect to the student's ability to perform the laboratory skills and clinical responsibilities related to becoming a Dental Assistant: Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and to reach overhead. Ability to stand or walk for long periods.

Program languages

English

Certification/license obtained as part of training program

N/A

Certification/license test preparation provided

N/A

Employment performance results

Program type

Dental Assisting/Assistant

Completion rate

80%

Employment rate

89%

Typical (median) hourly earnings

$23.87

Typical (median) annual earnings

$42,533.00

Top industries for graduates

Program type

Dental Assisting/Assistant

Healthcare and Social Services

88%

Other Industries

12%

Student characteristics

Enrollment
Number of students completing the program
65
Completion rate
80%
Average number of students who completed each year
22
Gender
Male
11%
Female
89%
Race
American Indian or Alaska Native
0%
Asian
23%
Black or African American
12%
Hispanic
22%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0%
White
35%
Multi-racial
6%
Other
1%
Age
Under 20
17%
20 to 29
63%
30 to 39
15%
40 to 49
5%
50 and over
0%
Prior education
No high school diploma/GED
6%
High school diploma/GED, but no college experience
59%
Some college experience, but no degree
22%
Certificate or AA
10%
BA or higher
3%