Dental Assisting

Comprehensive Training and Clinical Excellence for Your Dental Career

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

$6,464 – 10,645

Additional cost may apply.

Time to Complete

1 – 2 years

Primary Location

Ada County Center

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.

Areas of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Dental Assisting – Associate of Applied Science Degree

YEARS

AAS

Degree Requirements

Cost: $10,645

Dental Assisting – Intermediate Technical Certificate

YEAR

ITC

Certificate Requirements

Cost: $6,464

View Catalog Preview Classes Cost of Attendance

Program Cost
Beyond the cost of tuition and fees, classes required in the Dental Assisting program may include special course fees. Students will additionally be responsible for costs associated with immunizations, background and drug screenings, certifications, uniforms, supplies, and health insurance prior to starting the program as outlined on the Dental Assisting Student Requirements page.

Program costs are approximate and subject to change without notice.

Cost & Aid

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Looking down on patient with dentist and dental assistant

Career Opportunities

Postsecondary Teachers
192
Annual Openings*
^$35.10
Hourly Median Wage*
^$73,008
Annual Median Salary
18.28^%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
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.
161
Annual Openings*
^$18.11
Hourly Median Wage*
^$37,669
Annual Median Salary
14.86^%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*

*Data sourced from Lightcast™, a labor market analytics tool, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.

Admissions

Step 1

Review the Dental Assisting Student Requirements.

Step 2

Apply to CWI.
Choose Dental Assisting as your major.

Step 3

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Academic Calendar New Student Checklist

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.

Enrichment Opportunities

Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.

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.

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.

Transfer Information

Plan ahead for a smooth transition to a four-year college or university.

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News

Campus Life

CWI'S New Nampa Facilities Near Completion

College of Western Idaho is preparing to open its new Health and Science Building and Agricultural Sciences Complex this fall, uniting several programs under one roof to create modern, accessible,...

A group of people stand behind a giant check of a donation to a college.

Delta Dental of Idaho Invests in Idaho's Future Oral Health Workforce with Major Donation

A $1.5 million grant has been delivered by Delta Dental of Idaho to support College of Western Idaho’s new Health and Science Building.

Community

Dental Assistant program students from College of Western Idaho pose for a picture.

Dental Assisting Program Partners with Love Heals

College of Western Idaho partnered with the nonprofit Love Heals and others in the community to provide free dental services in Boise.

Campus Life

2022 Fall Health Professions Open House

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.

Campus Life