Dental Assisting & Hygiene

Dental assistants and hygienists are indispensable members of the dental team. Both are well-paid, rewarding careers that are in high demand.

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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

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Dental Assisting (A.A.S. degree)
Dental Assisting (A.A.S. degree)

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


» View Program Information & Admission Requirements

Dental Assisting (Certificate)
Dental Assisting (Certificate)

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

 

Dental Hygiene
Dental Hygiene

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

 

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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.

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Dental Assisting Graduates from 2022-23 Academic Year - Dental Assisting
Graduates Registered Avg. Beginning Annual Salary Reported High Annual Salary Placement Rate
14 $49600 $62400 100%
Dental Hygiene Graduates from 2022-23 Academic Year - Dental Hygiene
Graduates Registered Avg. Beginning Annual Salary Reported High Annual Salary Placement Rate
17 $71552 $83200 100%
Marlee headshot

Marlee Schweitzer Named 2023 New Century Workforce Scholar

03-13-2023
Marlee Schweitzer, a Dental Hygiene student at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) has been named a 2023 New Century Workforce Scholar.

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Give kids a smile

NDSCS continues to host its annual “Give Kids a Smile” event

01-31-2023
Ages 3-18 are welcome to make an appointment for free dental services on February 10, 2023

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Four NDSCS students nominated for North Dakota Academic All-State Team

01-25-2023
Four students from the North Dakota State College of Science have been nominated for the 2023 North Dakota Academic All-State Team, which recognizes the academic achievements of community college students.

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Give Kids a Smile Day 2022

“Give Kids a Smile” event returns to NDSCS

01-13-2022
The North Dakota State College of Science Allied Dental Education Clinic will participate in the annual American Dental Association’s Give Kids a Smile® Day on Friday, February 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mayme Green Allied Health Center on the NDSCS campus at 800 6th Street North, Wahpeton, N.D.

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Give Kids A Smile Day Logo

“Give Kids a Smile” event returns to NDSCS

01-15-2021
Ages 3-18 welcome to register for free dental services on February 5, 2021

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Give Kids a Smile logo

“Give Kids a Smile” event returns to NDSCS

01-24-2020
The NDSCS Allied Dental Education Clinic will participate in the annual American Dental Association’s Give Kids a Smile® Day on Friday, February 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mayme Green Allied Health Center on the NDSCS campus at 800 6th Street North, Wahpeton, N.D.

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Give Kids a Smile

“Give Kids a Smile” event returns to NDSCS

01-04-2019
The NDSCS Allied Dental Education Clinic will participate in the annual American Dental Association’s Give Kids a Smile® Day on Friday, February 1.

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Give Kids a Smile logo

“Give Kids a Smile” event returns to NDSCS

01-25-2018
The NDSCS Allied Dental Education Clinic will participate in the annual American Dental Association’s Give Kids a Smile® Day.

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Give Kids a Smile logo

“Give Kids a Smile” event returns to NDSCS

01-30-2017
The NDSCS Allied Dental Education Clinic will be participating in the annual American Dental Association’s Give Kids a Smile® Day on February 10.

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