Dental Assistant

Why Dental Assistant?

Dental assistants play a vital role in delivering quality oral care and creating a positive experience for every patient. In this program, you will learn to assist dentists during procedures, manage instruments and materials, and support the administrative and clinical needs of a busy dental office. You will develop the technical and interpersonal skills that make you an essential member of the dental care team.

At Mid-State, you’ll gain practical experience through hands-on training and clinical practice at one of our partner dental offices. This full-time program can be completed in just six months, preparing you for immediate employment in a growing healthcare field.

Learn essential chairside techniques and office procedures used in modern dentistry.
Gain real-world experience through clinical training with local dental partners.
Develop organization, multitasking, and communication skills valued by employers.
Train in a supportive environment that builds confidence and professionalism.
Complete your program in six months and begin your dental assisting career quickly.
Join a high-demand healthcare profession with strong local and national opportunities.

Waiting List

This program may have a waitlist due to limited space and high demand. The waitlist helps ensure a fair and transparent process when there are more applicants than available seats. Waitlist priority is based on the date of application and Wisconsin residency. For more information about the waitlist process, visit Program Waitlists.

In the meantime, we invite you to explore other rewarding options in the School of Allied Health—you might find a great fit you hadn’t considered yet.

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Program Facts

Total Credits

17 Credits

Degree Type

Technical Degree

Program Length

Less Than One Year

Delivery Method

In Person, Hybrid

Location

Wisconsin Rapids

Start Dates

Fall, Spring

Estimated Program Cost

$3,977.86

View Cost of Attendance

Financial Aid Eligibility

Partially Eligible

View Types of Aid

Program Outcomes

Graduates leave ready to succeed in their careers. Each year, data from Mid-State's Graduate Survey and statewide reports show consistently high satisfaction and strong starting salaries. Here's a snapshot of what success looks like after graduation.

Career Opportunities

Dental Assistant

Dental Hygiene Assistant

Dental Lab Assistant

Orthodontic Assistant

$48k Median Annual Salary

Recent program grads in Wisconsin earned a starting salary of $47,951. Source: Lightcast Data Set

277

Average Monthly Hires

277 of recent Wisconsin program grads landed jobs within six months of graduation. Source: Lightcast Data Set

Program Details

Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.

Program Courses

Your course plan may vary, and you'll get a recommended sequence once you're enrolled. See below for full course details, see the program information guide, or talk with your advisor.

Program Information Guide (PDF)

Instructors

Meet our full-time instructors.

Brenda Alberts, MEd, RDH, CDA, EFDA, AEMT
Brenda is a registered dental hygienist and certified dental assistant with a master of arts in education/teacher leadership from Silver Lake College. She also holds a bachelor of science in career and technical education and training from UW-Stout and an AAS in dental hygiene from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC), as well as licensure and technical diplomas in EMT and advanced EMT. Her national certifications include CPR, local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and standard proficiency laser. Brenda’s 20 years of dental experience include roles as a dental hygienist and assistant. She has previously taught in the dental hygiene and dental assisting programs at NWTC and Northcentral Technical College. She continues to practice dental hygiene during summer and winter breaks to stay current in the field.

“I love everything dental, and I love teaching at Mid-State! I am here to help students achieve their goals.”

Dayne Oertel, AAS, RDH
Dayne is a registered dental hygienist with an associate degree in dental hygiene from Northcentral Technical College. She holds certification in Basic Life Support, national CPR, license to administer local anesthesia, and license to administer nitrous oxide as well as WTCS Teaching Certification. A former Central Wisconsin co-liaison for the American Dental Hygiene Association, Dayne’s teaching draws on 34 years of dental experience. She has worked in clinical hygiene, office management, hygiene management, and education. Her teaching experience includes 16 years as an adjunct clinical instructor at Northcentral Technical College. Prior to joining Mid-State she was also a Central Wisconsin Professional Educator on behalf of WaterpikTM.

“I’m a proud lifelong learner with a passion for everything in the dental field. As a manager, I saw the need for this Dental Assistant program to meet the workforce needs in our rural communities, and I chose to teach at Mid-State to ensure we have enough clinicians in the dental community. I believe that my role as educator combines being a role model, mentoring, and providing coaching to inspire others to love this profession as much as I do.”

Program Outcomes

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

Perform a variety of entry-level supportive dental procedures.
Manage infection and hazard control.
Produce diagnostic radiographs.
Perform basic dental laboratory procedures.
Demonstrate professional behaviors, ethics, and appearance.

Employability Skills

Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.

Employability Skills (PDF)

Technical Standards

To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.

Technical Standards (PDF)

Additional Resources

Explore the resources and next steps below. Your academic advisor will help you know what to complete and when.

Criminal Background Form

Career pathways help you build your education step by step. Each stage offers one or more credentials that are recognized by employers and lead to real jobs—and you can keep building toward your career goals as you go.

Prior Learning

Certificate

Technical Diploma

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Get credit for what you already know. You may be able to earn college credit for prior learning through skills you’ve gained through high school classes, previous college work, self-study, military training, jobs, or volunteer experience.

Credit for Prior Learning
High School Dual Credit
Mid-State Fast-Track – Open to high school students

“Mid-State’s hands-on learning, convenient scheduling, updated technology, and instructors who can relate to the field have all helped me become successful and even advance in my career in under a year.”

- Stephanie B.

Mid-State Grad

“I value my experience at Mid-State tremendously. Even with a disability my education gave me the opportunity to join the workforce before I even graduated. Education equals opportunity.”

- Jake A.

Mid-State Grad

“My degree from Mid-State and the encouragement I received from my teachers gave me the skills and confidence to move forward in my life and excel in my career.”

- Sharon R.

Mid-State Grad

“The education I received at Mid-State has been invaluable. It built a foundation that is endlessly improving, providing excellent growth opportunities in my career.”

- Kevin B.

Mid-State Grad

“Most students go to college to find good-paying careers doing something they enjoy. Mid-State gave me that and so much more, as I discovered my passion and achieved more than I ever could have anticipated.”

- Bryce C.

Mid-State Grad

“I couldn't have asked for a better education. My instructors were some of the most incredible people, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary to help everyone.”

- Leslie T.

Mid-State Grad