Oral Health Program: Dental Assistant
Dental assistants help dentists by increasing productivity, safety, and efficiency.
Responsibilities vary every day and may include:
- Greeting and checking in patients.
- Preparing exam rooms and sterilizing instruments.
- Taking dental x-rays.
- Assisting the dentist with procedures.
- Giving patients post-treatment care instructions.
Why become a dental assistant?
- Interest in patient care, health, and science
- Hands-on career that requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and team work
- Stepping stone for advancing into other dental careers
How do you become a dental assistant?
You can become a dental assistant through a dental assisting program, apprenticeship, or on-the-job training.
Find a dental assisting program
- Blackhawk Technical College*
- Fox Valley Technical College*
- Gateway Technical College*
- Northeast Wisconsin Technical College*
- Northwood Technical College*
- Western Technical College*
- Chippewa Valley Technical College
- Lakeshore Technical College
- Madison College
- Mid-State Technical College
- Milwaukee Area Technical College
- Northcentral Technical College
- Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
- Waukesha County Technical College
*These programs are Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)-accredited, meaning they are considered “gold standard” education programs.
On-the-job training
You can learn to become a dental assistant while working for an employer. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development offers a Youth Apprenticeship program with a dental assisting track for high school students who want to learn and earn money. Learn more about applying for Youth Apprenticeships!
Further education
You may choose to further your career by becoming a Certified Dental Assistant through the Dental Assisting National Board. The most direct route is by graduating from an accredited dental assisting or hygiene program. Graduates from non-accredited programs and on-the-job training programs may become certified by meeting additional requirements. Certification can provide more knowledge, job satisfaction, and higher pay.
Learn more about the different pathways (PDF) to becoming a Certified Dental Assistant!
Check out the career outlook for dental assistants!
Expanded functions dental auxiliary (EFDA)
A dental assistant may choose to further their education and become an EFDA. Under the supervision of a dentist, an EFDA can perform additional duties that dental assistants cannot. Learn more about the requirements to become an EFDA!
Responsibilities may include:
- Placing and finishing restoration material.
- Applying dental sealants.
- Performing coronal polishing or removing stains from teeth.
- Taking dental impressions.
- Creating and placing temporary restorations.
- Adjusting dentures and other removable dental appliances.
- Applying topical fluoride, fluoride varnish, or similar dental topical agents.
EFDA programs
- Chippewa Valley Technical College
- Madison College
- Northcentral Technical College
- Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
- Northwood Technical College
- Western Technical College
Additional resources
- Become a Dental Assistant, P-03365 (PDF): Learn about what a dental assistant does, why to become one, how you become one, and career advancement for dental assistants.
- The Paths to Becoming a Dental Assistant, P-03461 (PDF): Learn about the different pathways to become a dental assistant in Wisconsin, ways to advance in the profession, and career outlook information.
- State of Wisconsin Jobs Recruitment: Search current openings for dental positions at the State of Wisconsin.