Far from being scared, you find the dentist’s office sort of fascinating. Maybe there’s a job there. (Hint: It’s this one.)
Dental Assistant
37
Recent Graduates
There are 37 recent graduates of this Madison College program.
99%
Student Satisfaction
99% of our recent graduates report they are satisfied with their Madison College education.
$38k
Annual Salary
Our recent graduates of this program reported an average starting salary of $38,004.

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Dental Assistant
Program Number: 305082
Your Degree:
Technical Diploma
Area of Study:
Health Sciences
Delivery Method:
Some Online/Some In Person
Estimated Time to Complete:
16 Credits | Finish diploma in 1 semester
financial aid icon Financial Aid Available
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What You'll Pay
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition costs.

Estimated Program Cost

$3,316.09

Financial Aid

Applying for financial aid and scholarships help you pay for your education.
  • Program Overview

    Madison College's Dental Assistant program trains you to perform chair-side assisting and related office and laboratory procedures under the direction and supervision of a dentist.

    The Dental Assistant program includes instruction and practical experience in how to identify, use and care of dental equipment and instruments; expose and process radiographs; record medical and dental information; assist with dental emergencies; perform basic office procedures; and maintain an inventory of supplies.

    Program Details

    Dental Assistant is a one-semester, full-time program. Students are accepted for fall, spring and summer semesters.

    Classes are offered Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.

    Dental Assistant program classes are offered at our Madison Truax campus.

    Careers

    Earning your Dental Assistant Technical Diploma at Madison Area Technical College prepares you for valuable work as a:

    • Chair-side Assistant - working directly with the dentist in the treatment area.
    • Laboratory Assistant - performing laboratory functions as directed by the dentist.
    • Receptionists/Office Assistant - responsible for operation of the business office.
    • Claims Approver - working for an insurance company approving dental insurance claims.

    With additional education and/or work experience you may find employment as a:

    • Dental Office Manager - responsible for operation of the practice.
    • Dental Laboratory Technician - performing mechanical, technically skilled tasks specified by the written prescription of the dentist.
    • Dental Sales Representative - working for a dental supply business, providing products and services to dental offices.
    Top 10 Program
    Our Dental Assistant Program is mentioned as one of the top 10 programs in the nation
  • Curriculum and Experience

    Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2024-2025 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.

    Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:

    • Progress toward your specific requirements
    • Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements

    If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.

    First Semester
    10-508-101
    1 credit
    31-508-302
    5 credits
    31-508-303
    2 credits
    31-508-304
    2 credits
    31-508-305
    2 credits
    31-508-312
    1 credit
    31-508-307
    1 credit
    Get Hands-on Experience!

    The hands-on experience you'll get at Madison College goes in-depth, even exploring some expanded functions which make our dental assistants more valuable in the field.

  • Admission

    To Apply

    Students need to complete the petition process to get into core-program classes for this program. Before submitting an application, it’s important to review the Petition Process webpage which also includes estimated wait times for each program.

    • View the admission requirements for application deadlines, materials, and requirements 
       
    • There is currently 0-1 semester between acceptance into pre-program and the start of core classes. The estimated time to enter the core program is subject to change based on the variable number of students ready to petition each semester.
       
    • During the course of the program, you must demonstrate the ability to perform these essential functions safely, reliably and efficiently within the scope of practice. If you need accommodations to help you perform these functions, contact our Disability Resource Services office.
       
    • Learn more about the Madison College experience and get help with the admissions process

    After Acceptance

    Once you have been accepted in a pre-program status, your next step is to complete the Petition Requirements. See the Petition information in the next section.    

    Additional Notes

    Students are required to meet the current admission and petition requirements. Requirements are subject to change based on updates to accreditation requirements or Madison College program assessment data.

    Questions?

    Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.

    apply for admission

    Get Started!

    Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Dental Assistant career.

    It's Free to Apply

  • Petition

    After Admission (Petition Requirements)

    Run a Degree Progress Report to confirm which pre-program requirements are satisfied/not satisfied and specific ways to satisfy requirements.

    Complete the Petition Requirements for Dental Assistant. Courses must be completed with a grade of C or better. A grade of C- will not be accepted.

    Mandatory workshop in BlackBoard

    Prerequisites:

    • Algebra (testing, college coursework or bachelor’s degree in a related biological science) 
    • Chemistry or Biology (high school or college coursework)
    • English and Reading (testing, college coursework or bachelor's degree)

    Petitioning

    This program petitions for entry into the following terms:

    • Fall - Petition window opens on June 1
    • Spring - Petition window opens on September 1
    • Summer - Petition window opens on February 1

    Review the Petition Process for details on how and when to petition.

    After Petitioning

    If awarded a seat, you will receive instructions regarding the below required items. If you do not complete the required items, it may result in losing your seat and starting the application process from the beginning. 

    • Health Screening Form
    • Enrollment in core program courses. Students who are awarded a seat are expected to start the core program courses for the awarded term. Students who choose not to begin the core program courses or are not able to begin core program courses may be discontinued from pre-program status.

    Questions?

    Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.

  • Career Outcomes

    After completing the Dental Assistant program at Madison Area Technical College, you will be able to:

    • Perform a variety of entry-level supportive dental procedures
    • Manage infection and hazard control
    • Produce diagnostic radiographs
    • Perform basic dental laboratory procedures
    • Demonstrate professional behaviors, ethics and appearance
    • Graduate Summary

      Graduate Report Summary Overview

      202120222023
      Number of Program Graduates254437
      Number of Surveys Sent254437
      Number of Surveys Returned173027
      Percent of Surveys Returned
      Available for Employment122416
      Percent Available for Employment70.6%80.0%59.3%
      Not in Labor Market
      Percent Not in Labor Market29.4%20.0%37.0%
      Available for Employment

      202120222023
      Graduates Employed122415
      Percent of Graduates Employed100.0%100.0%93.8%
      Employed in Related Occupation92213
      Percent Employed in Related Occupation75.0%91.7%86.7%
      Employed in Unrelated Occupation322
      Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation25.0%8.3%13.3%
      Employed - No Response000
      Percent Employed - No Response0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Seeking Employment001
      Percent Seeking Employment0.0%0.0%6.3%
      Reaction To Training at Madison College

      202120222023
      Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)3.53.73.7
      Number of Satisfaction Responses172623
      Very Satisfied (4)91717
      Percent Very Satisfied52.9%65.4%73.9%
      Satisfied (3)896
      Percent Satisfied47.1%34.6%26.1%
      Unsatisfied (2)000
      Percent Unsatisfied0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Very Unsatisfied (1)
      Percent Very Unsatisfied0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Primary Reason for Attending Madison College

      202120222023
      Number of Primary Reason Responses173026
      Preparation for Getting a Job
      Percent Preparation for Getting a Job
      Career Change
      Percent Career Change
      Improvement of Existing Skills
      Percent Improvement of Existing Skills
      Preparation for Further Education
      Percent Preparation for Further Education
      Personal Interest
      Percent Personal Interest
      Other
      Percent Other0.0%0.0%3.8%
      When Employment was Obtained

      202120222023
      Number of When Employment Obtained Responses122415
      Before Enrollment321
      Percent Before Enrollment25.0%8.3%6.7%
      While Attending the College384
      Percent While Attending the College25.0%33.3%26.7%
      After Training at the College61410
      Percent After Training at the College50.0%58.3%66.7%
      Location of Employment (related and unrelated)

      202120222023
      Number of Employment Location Responses122416
      In College District112312
      Percent In College District91.7%95.8%75.0%
      In Wisconsin, Not in District012
      Percent of In Wisconsin0.0%4.2%12.5%
      Outside of Wisconsin100
      Percent Outside Wisconsin8.3%0.0%0.0%
      Employer Location Unknown002
      Percent Location Unknown0.0%0.0%12.5%
      Salary Trend
      Salary Trend202120222023
      Full Time Employment (Related Job)Full Time Salary Count81411
      Average Monthly Wage$3,003$3,185$3,167
      Average Hourly Wage$17.46$18.52$18.41
      Average Work Hours per Week38.639.841.3
      Part Time Employment (Related Job)Part Time Salary Count171
      Average Hourly Wage$16.50$18.41$18.00
      Average Work Hours per Week32.026.032.0
    • Graduate Employers

      Graduate Employers for academic year: 2023
      Employer(s)Job TitleCity*State**Positions
      Affordable DentalDental Assistant
      Dental Health AssociatesDental Assistant
      Dept of CorrectionsDental AssistantWaupun
      Dr. Robert Pollan, DDSDental Assistant
      First Choice Dental GroupDental Assistant
      First Choice Dental GroupDental AssistantVerona
      Forward Dental GroupDental Assistant
      Jennifer Hamilton DDSDental Assistant
      Ken Johnson DDSDental AssistantBeloit
      Madison No Fear DentistryDental Assistant2
      Stacey DentalDental Assistant

      * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.

      ** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.

      *** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu

Ready to get started?
Your first step is to apply to Madison College. It's easy and free to apply, so get started today!
Contact the School of Health Sciences

Madison Truax Campus
Health Building, 300

1705 Hoffman Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704

healthsciences@madisoncollege.edu
608.616.1250

Hours

  • Monday – Thursday: 8 am - 4 pm
  • Friday: 8 am - 12 pm (Help by phone or email)