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Dental Assisting Program Overview
What Makes MTI's Dental Assisting Program Different?
Hands-On Focused
Labs designed to simulate real dental work environments
Accelerated Training
Earn your dental assisting diploma in just 9 months
Experienced Instructors
All dental assisting instructors have real-world experience
Externship
Get experience working in a real dental office as part of your dental assistant training
Employment Preparation
No general education courses required, you'll learn the skills required for entry-level employment
Job Placement Assistance
Job placement assistance is available to all qualified graduates
Find Dental Assistant Classes Near You
Get your dental assistant training at Midwest Technical Institute! MTI offers dental assisting training at four campus locations across Illinois and Missouri.
Dental Assisting Program Overview
What Will I Learn as a Dental Assisting Student?
The Dental Assisting Program at Midwest Technical Institute in Illinois and Missouri will train you in both clinical & administrative dental assistant duties, including:
- Radiographs & Impressions
- Equipment Sterilization
- Lab Work
- X-Ray Procedures
- Patient Education
- Infection Control
- Restorative Dentistry & Dental Charting
- Prosthodontics & Dental Office Lab
- Dental Radiology & Office Administration
- Dental Specialties & Preventative Dentistry
- Employment Preparation & Review
- Externship
ADAA Membership
Dental assisting students are provided a 1-year membership to ADAA (American Dental Assistants Association). ADAA provides dental assistants access to educational webinars, peer and professional networking, and more.
Externships
The Dental Assisting Program concludes with externship. During externship, you’ll utilize the skills you learned in the lab at a real dental office to get experience in the dental field.
Dental Assistant Certification
For dental assistant certification, students are required to take two of the three DANB (Dental Assisting National Board) certification exams: RHS (Radiology Health & Safety) and ICE (Infection Control Exam).
Dental Assisting FAQs
A dental assistant works closely with a dentist, assisting in all dental procedures. The dental assistant enables the dentist to care for many more patients and to produce more dentistry than they could alone. Dental assistants handle a mix of administrative and clinical duties, so the scope of their responsibilities is wide-ranging, depending on where they work. MTI’s hands-on dental assistant training teaches you clinical and administrative skills so you can start a new career in the dental field.
To learn more, check out: What Does a Dental Assistant Do?
How much do dental assistants make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2023, the median annual wage for dental assistants was $46,540. Recent BLS data illustrates salaries are highest among dental assistants working in government positions, followed closely those working in dental or physician offices. Annual wages may depend on key factors such as your location and patient populations.
What dental assistant jobs are available?
Dental assistants typically work in a dental facility, and can take on the role of a clinical dental assistant, dental laboratory assistant, or even dental office administrative assistant. MTI’s Dental Assisting Program will give you the skills required to perform in a clinical, laboratory or office setting.
To learn more, check out: What Does a Dental Assistant Do?
What is the job outlook for dental assistants?
The dental assistant profession continues to grow as a result of the population living longer and advancements in procedures, treatments, prevention and cosmetic/aesthetic dentistry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the job outlook for dental assistants will increase by 8% from 2023 to 2033.
How much does dental assistant training cost?
For more information on MTI program costs, please contact Financial Aid or visit Tuition & Cost.
Check out the Dental Assisting FAQ for the answers to frequently asked questions about dental assistants!
Learn More About Dental Assisting
Financial Assistance
MTI’s Financial Aid Team provides personalized support to students applying for federal financial aid and help with understanding all the funding options, including scholarship opportunities.
Scholarship Opportunities
MTI is here to help you attain the funding you need to take the next step in your education. MTI’s Financial Aid Team can help match you with scholarship opportunities you may qualify for.
Enrollment & Outcomes
Enrollment and outcome information for all Illinois-based campuses and the ACCSC annual reports for each program can be found in Adobe PDF format. Please note, all programs are not offered at all campuses. For annual details, please visit our dental assisting enrollment and outcome page.
Accreditations
- Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools & Colleges (ACCSC).
- MTI is approved by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in federally-funded financial aid programs.
For more information about our accreditations and approvals, please visit: https://www.midwesttech.edu/about-us/accreditation/
Midwest Technical Institute is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education: 1 N. Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 333, Springfield, IL 62701. For more info: www.ibhe.org
Midwest Technical Institute is approved to operate by the Missouri Department of Higher Education.