College of Western Idaho invites anyone interested in or thinking about pursuing a career in healthcare to attend the 2022 Health Professions Open House Tuesday, Nov. 1.
Read more about 2022 Fall Health Professions Open HouseDental Assisting
Comprehensive Training and Clinical Excellence for Your Dental Career
![CWI instructor showing students suction](https://cwi.edu/sites/default/files/styles/program_horizon_mobile_1x/public/program_ct/image/img_20230322_den_progrmsht_3.jpg?itok=NOsQgDZq)
Program Overview
Are you drawn to a career in dental health? The Dental Assisting program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is your gateway to becoming a skilled dental professional. Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), this program leads to an Intermediate Technical Certificate or an Associate of Applied Science degree. You will engage in competency-based classroom, laboratory, and clinical instruction, in collaboration with local dental offices. After completing the program, you're eligible for the National Dental Assisting Certification Exam, earning the prestigious title of Certified Dental Assistant.
Your journey includes learning front office management, aseptic techniques, patient care, dental materials, dental radiology, and dental anatomy. Supervised hands-on experiences in clinical settings will build your confidence and proficiency.
Degree or Certificate Type
Associate of Applied Science
Intermediate Technical Certificate
Cost
Additional cost may apply.
Time to Complete
1 – 2 years
Primary Location
![Hands working on a teeth mold](https://cwi.edu/sites/default/files/styles/program_horizon_mobile_1x/public/program_ct/image/img_20230322_den_progrmsht_2.jpg?itok=BElK39C3)
Learning Opportunities
- Hands-On Clinical Experience: Apply theory in real-world dental scenarios, enhancing your practical skills.
- Personalized Training: Benefit from low student-instructor ratios, ensuring focused attention and support.
- Critical Skills Development: Cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills, crucial for dental assistants.
- Externship Opportunities: Partner with local dental offices for externships, gaining valuable work experience.
- Path to National Certification: Prepare for and earn credentials that set you apart in the dental field.
Area of Study
Degrees & Certificates
Dental Assisting – Associate of Applied Science Degree
Cost: $9,080
Dental Assisting – Intermediate Technical Certificate
Cost: $5,188
Program Cost
Beyond the cost of tuition, classes required in the Dental Assisting program may include special course fees used to pay for supplies and testing. Additionally, students will be required to purchase a dental kit. The cost of this kit is approximately $300.
Costs and fees are approximate and subject to change without notice.
![Looking down on patient with dentist and dental assistant](https://cwi.edu/sites/default/files/styles/program_vertical_mobile_1x/public/program_ct/image/adobestock_45406973.jpeg?itok=n8F-FPZu)
Career Opportunities
Postsecondary Teachers
1434
Annual Openings*
$35.69
Hourly Median Wage*
$74,235
Annual Median Salary
45.6%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Dental Assistants
Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.
507
Annual Openings*
$17.64
Hourly Median Wage*
$36,691
Annual Median Salary
26.66%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.
Admissions
Step 1
- Apply to CWI.
- Choose Dental Assisting as your major.
Step 2
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Program Accreditation
The Dental Assisting Intermediate Technical Certificate at College of Western Idaho is accredited by:
The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611-2678
312.440.4653
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Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
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Enrichment Opportunities
Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.
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Dental Assisting
Requirements for professional licensure in healthcare and other fields vary from state to state. Contact the appropriate licensing agency in the state or territory you intend to work to verify this program meets licensure requirements.
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Advising
Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.
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Transfer Information
Plan ahead for a smooth transition to a four-year college or university.
News
Members of the College's Dental Assisting program spent Wednesday, Sept. 12, volunteering during the Amen Free Clinic at Expo Idaho!
Read more about Dental Assisting Students Volunteer at Free Health ClinicThe CWI Foundation received a $2,000 grant from the John William Jackson Fund.
Read more about Grant Opens Doors for Health Science StudentsThe CWI Certified Dental Assisting program volunteered to help provide free dental care to 35 women.
Read more about CWI Dental Assisting Joins Mom’s Dental Care DayFor the third consecutive year, students from CWI’s Dental Assisting program helped promote oral health to 500 students at Koelsch Elementary School.
Read more about Dental Assisting Supports Service Learning Program AgainThe CWI Dental Assisting Program visited Koelsch Elementary, April 23, in support of the school’s annual Health/Career Fair.
Read more about Dental Assisting Joins Elementary School FairStudents from the CWI Dental Assisting program help promote oral health literacy at Heights Elementary School in Middleton.
Read more about Dental Assisting Participates in Elementary School PresentationOn Sept. 27, CWI Dental Assisting students and alumni volunteered to help treat over 70 patients who are economically disadvantaged and uninsured.
Read more about CWI Dental Assisting Supports Community Service ProgramRequest More Information
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