While immunizations are not required to enroll at CWI or join the Dental Assistant program, some of our partner healthcare organizations may require them for clinical rotations or externships, which are necessary to complete the program. Efforts will be made to secure a placement for each student; however, a site that does not require immunizations cannot be guaranteed, which may delay or prevent completion of the program and may limit employment opportunities after graduation. CWI maintains an exemption process for medical conditions, disabilities, or religious beliefs, which are currently accepted by a number of partner organizations for the purposes of student placement.
- Proof of immunizations must be from a licensed physician, health department, or military service.
Immunizations
- Tuberculosis, negative
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
- Tetanus (within the last 10 years)
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza (given between Sept. 1 and Nov. 1, 2025)
Optional
- COVID
All students must provide a current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider CPR and First Aid certification.
- Only AHA BLS Provider CPR and First Aid cards will be accepted. Other certifications or online courses will not be accepted.
- Certification must be current through June 2026.
- Health Solutions of Idaho offers CPR and First Aid courses that meet program requirements.
To gain valuable insights into the day-to-day practices of dental assisting, students looking to begin the Dental Assisting program are required to complete an 8-hour observation in a dental office prior to starting classes.
- Observation hours are valid for two (2) years from the date of completion.
- Following your observation, you will complete and submit a Dental Office Observation Verification.
Students are required to purchase an approved Dental Assisting uniform and dental kit prior to the start of classes. To avoid delays in starting the program, students are encouraged to order as soon as possible.
Uniform
- Uniforms, including scrub tops and lab coats embroidered with the CWI logo, are purchased in-store at Career Uniforms, in Boise.
- The approximate cost for the uniforms is $150*.
- Shoes must be purchased separately and adhere to the following specifications:
- Black in color
- Close-toed
- Solid surface (no fabric)
Dental Kit
- Dental kits are purchased online through Darby Dental.
- Additional information coming soon.
*Costs for uniforms and dental kits are subject to change without notice.
Health insurance is not required for enrollment in the program; however, students are strongly encouraged to obtain personal coverage. The College does not provide medical insurance, and students are not covered for any illness or injury that may occur during program-related activities, including laboratory, clinical, and externship experiences. All related medical expenses are the responsibility of the student.
Dental assistants need to be able to move quickly from room to room and be able to stand or sit in a small area when necessary. Clinical assistants need to be able to work with both hands at the same time during many procedures and have good hand-eye coordination.
- Dental Assisting classes are held at the Nampa Campus Health and Science Building (NCHS) and various clinical sights.
- Students should plan to be available Monday through Friday.
- Students are required to provide their own transportation to clinical sites.
Dental Assisting students are required to recruit their own patients for specific tasks in lab courses.
- Students will need two adult X-ray patients and a patient to perform a coronal polish on.
- Approval from each patient's dentist is necessary to participate.
- No charge is made to the volunteer patients.
