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Dental Assistant

Dental Assistant is a high-demand program at Gateway Technical College. Please be aware that in-district students have first priority and that there is a petitioning process to obtain a seat for program classes and clinical placements. See your program advisor for further details.

A career as a dental assistant can be the most varied and comprehensive job in a dental office. Depending on each state’s regulations, dental assistants can perform a wide variety of procedures in the dental office including various laboratory, clinical and office duties. Dental assistants also work closely with dentists as they examine and treat patients.

Gateway Technical College’s Dental Assistant technical diploma features state-of-the-art equipment that helps you learn today's cutting-edge dental practices and procedures. The program in dental assisting is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation [and has been granted the accreditation status of "approval without reporting requirements"]. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

The program features small class sizes and industry-savvy instructors with more than 20 years of experience in the field of dentistry. Beyond classroom instruction, clinical hours are required for both the first and second semester which provides hands-on learning throughout the program.

Gainful Employment Information

Dental assistants can perform a wide variety of procedures in the dental office including various laboratory, clinical and office duties. Dental assistants also work closely with dentists as they examine and treat patients

Graduates may find a wide variety of job opportunities available including; dental assistant, specialty dental assistant (Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, etc.), dental office manager, dental supply/sales representative and dental laboratory technician.

Students are engaged in hands-on learning at Gateway’s newly remodeled Dental Assistant lab, with state-of-the-art dental equipment including; digital radiography, electronic dental health records, expanded materials and chair-side laboratories.

Beyond the classroom, Dental Assistant students complete clinical hours at facilities throughout Southeast Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. Clinical hours are required for both the first and second semesters of the Dental Assistant program and give students the opportunity for on-the-job training and experience.

There are several additional hands-on learning opportunities for students that also provide service to the community. Students work with organizations including the Boys and Girls Club of Kenosha, Kenosha Touched Twice and Aurora Health Care. These partnerships provide dental health and nutrition instruction to both children and adults in the community.

The median annual salary for a dental assistant was $35,980 in 2015 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment in the industry is expected to grow 36 percent through 2019. Population growth, greater retention of natural teeth by older adults and preventive dental care for younger generations are just a few of the contributing factors of industry growth.

Upon successful completion of the Dental Assistant program, graduates are eligible to take the Certified Dental Assistant examination through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Passing the certification signifies the dental assistant holds the highest level of proficiency in their occupation, which makes graduates more attractive to employers.

Certificates offer students the opportunity to specialize and focus on key classes that can help them advance their careers. These certificate opportunities include:

Spanish Proficiency for Healthcare Providers

Most program courses offered at these locations:
Kenosha Campus

Some courses may need to be completed at another location. Please consult WebAdvisor for specific course offering information.