Dental Assistant Program
Delivery Options:
Hybrid
Delivery Type:
Certificate of Applied Science
Program Length:
3 Semesters
Why Pursue Dental Assisting?
The accredited Dental Assisting program at Great Falls College equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in dental healthcare settings. Through hands-on training and classroom instruction, students learn to support dentists during procedures, manage patient care, and perform essential office duties. Graduates are prepared for a rewarding career in dental assisting, with opportunities for certification and employment in various dental practices.
Graduates are Prepared to:
- Sit for the national certification examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board.
- Perform with entry level skill and competence in assigned chairside dental assistant duties and responsibilities (including expanded duty functions as defined by the Montana Board of Dentistry)
- Substantiate the mastery of oral radiography theory and techniques.
- Use computer technology associated with the profession of dentistry, including but not limited to digital radiography, intraoral cameras and dental-specific software for the operation of a dental practice.
- Integrate concepts in the dental sciences, prevention and oral health promotion to a variety of treatment situations in the dental setting.
- Demonstrate appropriate cultural, legal, ethical and professional values (including adherence to HIPAA standards).
- Articulate dental language appropriate in business, clinical and educational situations.
- Apply OSHA infection control standards during all aspects of dental care and practice.
- Earn points on the Dental Hygiene application as part of the Bridge to Dental Hygiene program.
How to apply to the dental assistant program
Step 1
Step 1: Be admitted to Great Falls College and have a complete admissions file before applying to the program.
- New to Great Falls College? Apply here
- Continuing student at Great Falls College? Your admissions file is already complete.
Step 2
Step 2. Submit the program application
Application opens March 3 (delayed from Feb. 15) and application packets are accepted on an ongoing basis but must be dropped off or postmarked on or before July 18 to meet the priority deadline to get into the Dental Assistant program for the upcoming semester. Only complete application packets will be processed, so do not send items separately.
Types of Courses
| DENT 116 | Dental Office Management |
| DENT 122 | Radiology I/Lab |
| DENT 123 | Chairside Theory & Practice I |
| DENT 195 | Clinical Office Practice & Seminar |
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the dental assisting credited program are prepared to sit for the national certification examination administered by the Dental Assisting National Board. Graduates can perform entry-level chairside assisting duties with competence, including taking X-rays, sterilizing instruments, and providing patient care, as well as administrative tasks like scheduling and record-keeping.
For those interested in advancing their education, the program serves as a solid foundation for pursuing expanded functions certifications. Dental Assistant graduates who apply to the
Dental Hygiene program will receive extra points on their application to the highly competitive program.
Additional Program Information
Curriculum Map & Assessment Plan
Dental Assistant Program Assessment Plan: Program director will submit annual assessment of all program outcomes in July using program summary document.
