DENTAL ASSISTING
MTI's Dental Assisting Program
Are you ready for an exciting new career in the dental field? With faster than average job growth expected through 2030, dental assistants play an important role in managing patient care and supporting dentists. At Midwest Technical Institute (MTI), your dental assistant education will provide you the skills and experience you need to prepare for an entry-level career in the dental industry in just 9 months.
Dental assistant schooling is the first step toward a rewarding career in the medical field. Here’s what you can expect when you attend Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) for your dental assisting education:
Hands-On Dental Assistant Classes
Radiographs & Impressions | Equipment Sterilization | Lab Work | X-Ray Procedures | Patient Education
The dental assisting instructors at MTI bring real-world experience to the classroom and lab. Through hands-on instruction, you will be trained in both clinical & administrative duties, including:
- Infection Control
- Restorative Dentistry & Dental Charting
- Prosthodontics & Dental Office Lab
- Dental Radiology & Office Administration
- Dental Specialties & Preventative Dentistry
- Employment Preparation & Review and Externship
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).
How to Become a Dental Assistant
What Does a Dental Assistant Do?
What is a Dental Assistant?
Find Dental Assistant Classes Near You
Find an accredited dental assisting training program near you at one of MTI’s four campus locations.
Meet MTI Dental Assisting Graduates
“When I chose MTI, I was looking for something that would benefit me as a learner. I get lecture, but I want to be able to do it hands-on. Here in the lab, I got to be hands-on and learn everything.”
Alyssa
Dental Assisting Graduate
What Makes MTI's Dental Assisting Program Different
Receive hands-on dental assisting training in labs designed to simulate real dental work environments
Complete your dental assistant education in just 9 months
Learn from MTI instructors with real-world dental industry experience
Small class sizes and no general education courses required
Lifetime job placement assistance is available to all qualified graduates
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to students who qualify
Flexible class schedules are available
Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030
Quick Facts: Dental Assisting Program
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. Greeting the patient, taking radiographs and impressions, sterilizing instruments, suctioning, passing instruments, completing lab work, educating the patient and performing basic four-handed dentistry are just a few duties of the assistant.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2020, the median annual wage for dental assistants was $41,180. 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. *www.bls.gov
The dental assisting student will be trained to perform in an entry-level position, normally available in a dental facility, such as a clinical dental assistant, dental laboratory assistant or dental office administrative assistant. This program will equip the dental assistant with the skills required to perform in a clinical, laboratory or office setting.
The dental 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 11% from 2020 to 2030.
For more information on MTI program costs, please contact Financial Aid or visit Tuition & Cost.
Dental Assisting at Midwest Technical Institute
Dental assistants provide clinical and clerical support to dentists, and may choose to specialize in order to work with other dental professionals, like endodontists and orthodontists. Students will earn the skills and experience necessary for entry-level positions working alongside a dentist at Midwest Technical Institute (MTI). The Dental Assisting Program at MTI is taught by instructors with experience in the field. The program provides hands-on training with classroom and lab instruction, as well as an externship program that gives students in-the-field experience. The externship can help students learn what type of position they may want to pursue after graduation. Watch this two-minute video to see what it’s like to begin your career in dental assisting at Midwest Technical Institute.
Midwest Technical Institute offers a variety of financing options to qualifying students. Financial Aid Representatives are available at each of our campuses to assist you. Please contact your nearest MTI campus today to learn more.
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.
Dental Assisting Careers
The MTI Dental Assisting Program offers the training necessary for dental assistant graduates to enter the field of dental assisting at the entry level. Most graduates of dental assistant programs work in dentist’s office as clinical dental assistants, dental laboratory assistants, and dental office administrative assistants. Hospitals and military bases may also provide opportunities for dental assistants, and some graduates may choose to specialize by working with geriatric or pediatric patients.
Dental assisting is a growing field that requires both clinical and clerical skills. These skills range from assisting dentists and dental hygienists working with patients, lab and x-ray procedures, patient assessments, and maintenance of the equipment. Dental assistant training at MTI prepares students to perform these clinical and clerical tasks. The Dental Assisting Program also prepares students for dental assistant certification.
The dental field 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 11% from 2020 to 2030. The average growth rate for all occupations is 8%. *www.bls.gov
Accreditations
Midwest Technical Institute is proudly accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools & Colleges (ACCSC) and 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.
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