Trade Schools
If you’re a compassionate person and you want to start a career in the dental field, the dental assisting profession is worth exploring.
Here you will discover more about the best dental assistant schools in Minnesota and the programs they offer.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Minnesota is the highest-paying state for dental assistants, with the mean annual wage for this profession being $62,760.
Before being ready to apply for your first job in a dental office, you have to learn how to perform a variety of tasks, including:
- Oral radiology
- Chairside assisting
- Dental practice management
- Educating patients on proper oral hygiene
- Expanded functions
- Dental ethics and jurisprudence
- And more
The programs included in our list are designed to get you ready for entry-level employment in dental assisting through a combination of theoretical and hands-on training.
1Minneapolis College
About the School
Minneapolis College provides a Dental Assistant program that introduces students to a variety of opportunities within the dental field.
This is a certificate, one-semester program.
Students are introduced to the common dental terms, equipment, infection control policies and procedures, and related office procedures.
They become prepared to work in a dental setting in a supportive role or continue into the Dental Assistant diploma program.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
The following degree options are available at the college:
- Dental Assistant Core Certificate- 16 credits
- Dental Assistant Diploma- 48 credits
- Dental Assistant Associate of Applied Science- 60 credits
Courses Offered
The Certificate pathway includes courses such as:
- Communication in Healthcare
- Healthcare Safety and Standard Precautions
- Legal Issues in Healthcare
- Healthcare Ethics
- Medical Terminology
- Clinic Support for the Dental Office
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1501 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403
- Phone: 612-659-6000
- Website: https://minneapolis.edu
2Minnesota West Community and Technical College
About the School
Minnesota West Community and Technical College offers a Dental Assistant program designed to prepare students for a career in a variety of oral healthcare settings.
Students become ready for positions as clinical chairside assistants to dentists or dental hygienists or as non-clinical practice management assistants.
This program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation.
After completing the program, students take the national examinations leading to certification and licensure in dental assisting.
The following pathways are available:
- Dental Assistant, A.A.S.
- Dental Assistant, Diploma
Courses Offered
The curriculum includes courses on:
- Oral Radiology
- Dental Science
- Chairside Assisting
- Dental Practice Management
- Dental Health
- Expanded Functions
- Dental Ethics and Jurisprudence
- And more
Contact Information
- Phone: 800-658-2330
- Website: https://www.mnwest.edu
3Hennepin Technical College
Hennepin Technical College offers a variety of academic programs that help students prepare for successful careers in a wide range of in-demand professions.
Courses Offered
The Dental Assistant program at Hennepin Technical College prepares students with the knowledge and skills to become important members of a professional health team in a dental office or clinic.
Applicants need a high school diploma or GED and have had Tetanus vaccination within the last ten years, and Hepatitis B vaccination- 2 vaccinations of a series of three must be completed.
The following pathways are available:
- Dental Assistant- A.A.S.
- Dental Assistant- Diploma
- Foundations of Dental Assisting- Certificate
The Dental Assistant program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Dentistry.
Contact Information
- Address: 9000 Brooklyn Boulevard, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
- Phone: 952-995-1300
- Website: https://hennepintech.edu
4Minnesota North College
Minnesota North College offers a dental assisting program accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission of Accreditation.
Graduates are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board Certification Exam and the Minnesota State Board of Dentistry Dental Assistant State Licensure Exam.
Students need 60 credits for an Associate in Applied Science Degree and 40 credits for a Diploma program.
Courses Offered
The curriculum includes:
- Dental Anatomy
- Chairside Assisting
- Dental Lab
- Dental Science
- Infection Control
- Introduction to Communication
- Nutrition and Dental Health
- Office Management
- X-Ray
- Dental Anatomy
- And more
A grade of “C” or better is required in all coursework.
CPR Certification is also required.
Contact Information
- Address: 1515 East 25th Street, Hibbing, MN 55746
- Phone: 218-293-6850
- Website: https://minnesotanorth.edu
5Dakota County Technical College
Dakota County Technical College offers a variety of degrees and programs available in day, evening, weekend, and online formats.
Short-term programs can be completed in as little as six weeks.
Courses Offered
The Dental Assistant program at Dakota County Technical College offers the following pathways:
- Dental Assistant- Associate in Applied Science Degree- a 60-credit program available online and on campus
- Dental Assistant- Diploma- a 40-credit program available online and on campus.
The Dental Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
Students take classes such as:
- Dental Science
- Pre-Clinical Dental Assisting
- Dental Health
- Dental Materials
- Radiology
- Chairside Assisting
- Dental Practice Management
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1300 145th Street East, Rosemount, MN 55068
- Phone: 651-423-8000
- Website: https://www.dctc.edu
6St. Cloud Technical & Community College
About the School
St. Cloud Technical & Community College offers a Dental Assistant program that leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree or Diploma.
The program is designed to prepare students with the skills to succeed in the workforce.
The following pathways are available:
- Dental Assistant Associate of Applied Science- 60 credits
- Dental Assistant Diploma- 53 credits
The program provides students with entry-level skills in chairside assisting alongside a dentist, infection control procedures, prepping instruments and materials, laboratory procedures, administrative duties, mechanical polishing, x-ray technique, sealant application, and patient education.
Graduates are ready for positions as chairside dental assistants, dental office managers, dental assisting instructors, dental product sales representatives, and OSHA compliance officers.
Contact Information
- Address: 1540 Northway Drive, St. Cloud, MN 56303
- Phone: (800) 222-1009
- Website: https://sctcc.edu
7Herzing University
About the School
Herzing University provides a Dental Assisting program that leads to a diploma or associate degree.
On-campus and hybrid classes are available.
The program can also be used as a step toward a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene.
A diploma in Dental Assisting can be earned in 16 months, while an Associate Degree takes 20 months to complete.
On-campus classes take place in person at the university’s campus in Minneapolis.
The hybrid track allows students to complete the main coursework online and laboratory and clinical training at the university’s dental clinic in St. Louis Park.
Program enrollment requirements include:
- Completion of a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Meet and interview with a Herzing University admissions advisor
- Complete an enrollment application
Contact Information
- Address: 435 Ford Road, St. Louis Park, MN 55426
- Phone: 800-596-0724
- Website: https://www.herzing.edu
8Northwest Technical College
About the School
Northwest Technical College offers a Dental Assisting program that prepares students with the skills to enter the dental profession as a chair-side clinician, assisting with a variety of clinical functions, laboratory tasks, and business office responsibilities.
Students prepare to perform procedures such as exposing radiographs, placing pit and fissure sealants, taking impressions, and managing patient records.
The Dental Assisting program at NTC is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
The following credential paths are available:
- Diploma- Dental Assisting- a 45-credit program
- Associate in Applied Science- Dental Assisting
The curriculum includes:
- First Aid/CPR
- Infection Control
- Biomaterials
- Biodental Science
- Dental Anatomy
- Clinical Assisting
- Dental Practice Management
- Clinical Affiliation
- And more
Contact Information
- Address:905 Grant Avenue SE,Bemidji, MN 56601-4907
- Phone: (218) 333-6600
- Website: https://www.ntcmn.edu
9Minnesota State Community and Technical College
About the School
Minnesota State Community and Technical College offers a Dental Assisting program that provides students with the necessary skills to perform general clinical assisting and support functions, intraoral clinical procedures, business office procedures, and laboratory tasks.
The curriculum covers general studies, biomedical, dental, and clinical sciences, clinical practice, and additional intraoral clinical functions.
Courses Offered
The program has the following outcomes:
- Apply current concepts of infection control and occupational safety
- Perform entry-level dental assisting skills
- Interact effectively with patients, peers, and dental health teams
- Utilize current technology
- Apply knowledge of basic science
- Apply dental assisting principles for expanded function procedures in dentistry
Contact Information
- Address: 900 Hwy 34 E Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
- Phone: 218-846-3700
- Website: https://www.minnesota.edu
10Central Lakes College
About the School
Central Lakes College offers a Dental Assisting Diploma program that prepares students for an in-demand career.
The 11-month Dental Assisting Diploma program was the first program established by the state- back in 1967.
This is a hands-on, fast-paced program designed to educate students in chairside skills and expanded functions delegated by the Minnesota State Board of Dentistry.
Graduates are ready to perform tasks such as:
- Chairside procedures in a clinical setting
- Apply infection control, biohazards, and treatment area practices
- Perform dental office procedures
- Perform radiographic and radiation safety procedures
- Communicate professionally
- And more
Courses Offered
The required disciplines include:
- Dental Orientation and Anatomy
- Pathology, Pharmacology, and Law
- Dental Clinic
- Dental Radiology
- Preventive Dentistry
- Dental Specialties
- And more
In total, a Diploma requires 45 credits.
Contact Information
- Address: 501 W College Dr, Brainerd, MN 56401
- Phone:(218) 855-8000 or 800-933-0346
- Website: https://www.clcmn.edu
Regional Salary in Minnesota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth, MN-WI | 280 | $54,340 | $26.12 | $62,810 | $42,970 |
| Mankato-North Mankato, MN | 140 | $57,780 | $27.78 | $63,400 | $48,430 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | 3,910 | $66,300 | $31.88 | $75,730 | $52,720 |
| Rochester, MN | 280 | $60,180 | $28.93 | $68,940 | $48,680 |
| St. Cloud, MN | 250 | $55,510 | $26.69 | $61,710 | $47,600 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read the information included in our selection of the best dental assistant schools in Minnesota, the next step is to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets, your learning style, budget, and career aspirations.
Take your time and make an informed decision.
