Dental Assisting

Comprehensive Training and Clinical Excellence for Your Dental Career

CWI instructor showing students suction

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

$5,188 – 9,080

Additional cost may apply.

Time to Complete

1 – 2 years

Primary Location

Hands working on a teeth mold

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

2

YEARS

AAS

Dental Assisting – Intermediate Technical Certificate

1

YEAR

ITC

  • 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.

    Cost & Aid

Looking down on patient with dentist and dental assistant

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)*

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*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

Step 2

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

News

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 House

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 Clinic

The 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 Day

For 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 Again

The 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 Fair

Students 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 Presentation

On 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 Program
View all news

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One Stop Student Services

208.562.3000onestop@cwi.eduLocations