Dental assistants and hygienists are indispensable members of the dental team. Both are well-paid, rewarding careers that are in high demand.
Are you a student who is interested in the Dental Assisting or Dental Hygiene program at NDSCS? Find out how to visit NDSCS at NDSCS.edu/Visit or register to attend a SEE NDSCS Day.
Are you a school counselor or instructor interested in bringing a group of students to NDSCS to learn more about Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene? Find out more about our Program Visit Days.
Academic Options
The Dental Assisting program includes curriculum content in general studies, biodental sciences, dental sciences, clinical sciences and clinical practice. Students receive more than 300 hours of on-the-job training in community and regional dental offices in addition to courses taken on campus.
- Type: A.A.S. degree
- Locations: Wahpeton
- Cluster: Health Science
The Dental Assisting program includes curriculum in general studies, biodental sciences, dental sciences, clinical sciences and clinical practice.
- Type: Certificate
- Locations: Wahpeton
- Cluster: Health Science
» View Program Information & Admission Requirements
The Dental Hygiene program consists of classroom, laboratory and clinical experiences emphasizing skill development, self-assessment and professionalism offered over five continuous semesters. The majority of the clinical experience is in the NDSCS dental clinic.
- Type: A.A.S. degree
- Locations: Wahpeton
- Cluster: Health Science
» View Program Information & Admission Requirements
Dental Assisting
This 10-month, limited-enrollment program prepares students for a career as a dental assistant. Most accepted students have completed one year of college. The program integrates off-campus clinical experiences in a variety of dental offices with a core of biological and on-site laboratory and clinical courses. Most graduates are employed in general or specialty dental practices. The roles of a dental assistant vary, depending on the state regulations, and may include:
- Assisting the dentist during a variety of procedures
- Exposing radiographs
- Taking impressions of patient’s teeth
- Applying preventive agents such as fluoride or pit and fissure sealants
Dental Hygiene
This limited-enrollment program prepares students for a career as a dental hygienist. It is two years in length and requires as least one year of prerequisite courses. The program blends clinical dental hygiene experiences with a core of biological, behavioral and social sciences. Graduates are typically employed in general dental practices. The roles of the dental hygienist vary depending on the state board regulations and may include:
- Patient screening procedures
- Exposing radiographs
- Removing hard and soft deposits from the teeth
- Providing patient education regarding oral hygiene, nutrition and risk factors that influence oral disease
The NDSCS Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs are fully accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611-2678.
