Dental Assistant
— BECOMING A DENTAL ASSISTANT
Dental Assistant
The duties of a licensed dental assistant are among the most varied in the dental office. The dental assistant performs many patient procedures requiring both interpersonal and technical clinical skills, such as taking and developing x-rays and placing dental sealants. A career in dental assisting offers variety, responsibility and personal satisfaction in helping others. Whether you work with children or adults, you can make a difference in how people feel about dental care. You’re also responsible for making sure that the dentist and/or hygienist have the information and the equipment they need, so that the exam or procedure can go smoothly and efficiently. This combination of roles can be challenging as well as gratifying.
This website primarily focuses on licensed dental assistants; however, unlicensed dental assistants may also work in clinics in Minnesota. For more information, click here.
— LEARNING
Education & Training
In Minnesota, dental assistants are required to complete an accredited dental assisting program, typically resulting in a Diploma or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. Diploma programs generally take about one year to complete and provide fundamental training in areas such as infection control, dental radiography, chairside assisting, and patient care. An AAS degree, which typically takes two years, offers more comprehensive education, including advanced clinical techniques and expanded duties. After completing an accredited program, dental assistants must register with the Minnesota Board of Dentistry, and some may pursue certification through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) to enhance their qualifications. Additionally, dental assistants in Minnesota must complete continuing education to maintain their certification and registration.
— PROGRAMS AVAILABLE —
Dental Assisting Programs in Minnesota
Central Lakes College
Brainerd Campus
501 West College Drive
Brainerd, MN 56401
Phone: 218-855-8225 or 800-933-0346, ext. 8225
Century College
Dakota County Technical College
Hennepin Technical College
Brooklyn Park Campus
Hennepin Technical College
Eden Prairie Campus
Herzing University, Lakeland Academy Division
Minnesota North College
Hibbing Campus
Minneapolis Community and Technical College
Minnesota State Community & Technical College
Dental Assisting Program
1900 – 28th Avenue South
Moorhead, MN 56560
Phone: 218-299-6588 or 800-426-5603
Minnesota West Community & Technical College
Northwest Technical College
Rochester Community And Technical College
— FOR MORE INFORMATION —
MN SALARY INFORMATION
Below is salary information of a Minnesota dental assistant.* You may also view US Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Minnesota Employment & Economic Development.
Estimated Total Employment
6,000
Mean Hourly Wage
$30.17
Mean Annual Wage
$62,760
*2023 May US Bureau of Labor Statistics
— APPLY NOW
Board of Dentistry Dental Assistant Application
Dental Assistant Licensure Packet
Requirements
- Graduated after September 2004 from a Minnesota dental assisting program that is (1) accredited by the American Dental Associations Commission on Accreditation and (2) approved by the Minnesota Board of Dentistry.
- Passed, within 5 years prior to application for licensure, the Minnesota Dental Assistant State Licensure Examination.
- Passed, within 5 years prior to application for licensure, the Minnesota Jurisprudence Examination covering the statutes and rules of the Minnesota Board of Dentistry.
- Passed, within 5 years prior to application for licensure, the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certification Exam.
If you haven’t met the criteria above, please contact:
Joyce Nelson, Director of Licensure, for further details
Phone 612-617-2250
Non-metro 1-888-240-4762,
or Email: Joyce.Nelson@state.mn.us
— FOR MORE INFORMATION
Additional Resources
These resources provide information about educational and credentialing requirements for dental assistants:
— GET TO KNOW MORE —
Fast facts
What is the projected job growth of a dental assistant in Minnesota?
The projected job growth in Minnesota is 8% by 2033.
What are some common duties of a dental assistant?
Common duties of a dental assistant include:
- Perform various clinical duties under the direction of a dentist
- Equipment preparation, sterilization
- Preparing patients for treatment
- Assisting dentist during treatment
- Providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures
- Record treatment information in patient records.
- Expose dental diagnostic x-rays.
- Take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients.
- Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.
- Provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist.
- Pour, trim, and polish study casts.
- Make preliminary impressions for study casts and occlusal registrations for mounting study casts.