Applied Studies: Dental Assistant Diploma
North Central University’s Applied Studies: Dental Assistant Diploma program provides the necessary training to pursue a career as a dental assistant. Offered in partnership with Minneapolis College, you will earn a bachelor’s degree from North Central and a diploma from Minneapolis College while pursuing a fulfilling career in an in-demand field.
Through the Minneapolis College Dental Assistant program will receive experience in both preclinical and clinical environments and be prepared to take the certification examination by the Dental Assisting National Board and the Licensure Examination offered by the Minnesota Board of Dentistry.
What sets us apart
preparing you for success in a fulfilling career.
The Applied Studies: Dental Assistant program, in partnership with Minneapolis College, helps you gain skills needed for employment as a dental assistant.
By earning a liberal arts bachelor’s degree from North Central University and a career specific associate’s degree from Minneapolis College, you’ll be a well-rounded, highly-skilled, marketable employee when you graduate. The broad worldview and critical thinking skills you’ll gain at North Central, along with the training and experience you’ll get at Minneapolis College, will help you land that first job right out of college and will give you opportunities to pursue a calling that’s professionally and personally rewarding.
North Central community
Join North Central’s spirit-filled, faithful, supportive community.
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One of the best things about being a North Central University student is joining our spirit-filled, faithful, vibrant urban community. In the Applied Studies program, you’ll be a full NCU student, meaning you’ll live on campus, attend daily chapel with your friends and classmates, find mentors in NCU professors, and participate in student organizations and events.
Plus, you’ll get all the benefits of a well-rounded Christian liberal arts education. You’ll take the Christian Studies Core (and graduate with a Christian Studies minor) just like all North Central students. You’ll also take general education courses and electives at North Central. The Christian liberal arts education that North Central provides will prepare you with a firmly rooted faith, a broad and informed worldview, cultural and global awareness, and the critical thinking skills you need for any career field.
Partnership with Minneapolis College
Learn about our partnership with one of the region's best technical schools.
Read more. HideOur Minneapolis College partnership gives you access to courses, resources, and expert faculty
By partnering with Minneapolis College, we can offer you access to career specific courses and training, opportunities to gain real-world experience, and expert faculty.
Minneapolis College is a public two-year college located in downtown Minneapolis. As a part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, Minneapolis College offers a wide range of learning opportunities and has access to many unique resources.
These resources will prepare you with the skills and knowledge you need to find your first job out of college, succeed in your career, and pursue a calling that is fulfilling, meaningful, and rewarding.
In the Applied Studies: Dental Assistant program, you’ll take career-specific courses at Minneapolis College, accounting for 30-50% of the credits towards your bachelor’s degree.
The Applied Studies program may not be VA benefit eligible. Please contact Student Financial Services to learn more.
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Skills you’ll gain
When you graduate from the Dental Assistant program, you’ll be prepared with skills and knowledge in:
- Common dental terms, equipment, and health/safety issues
- Chair-side dental assistance, dental business office operations, lab duties
- Dental sciences, radiology, and more
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Potential careers
Our graduates succeed in a variety of jobs and careers. Here are some possibilities:
- Certified Dental Assistant
- Licensed Dental Assistant
- Dental Office Receptionist
- Dental Laboratory Technician
You could work in a variety of settings, including:
- Public and/or private dental offices
- Single- or multiple-provider dental clinics
- General or specialty dental offices
- Dental laboratory
- Dental insurance companies
- Dental supply companies
Requirements
All students must complete the General Education Core and Christian Studies Core. General electives may be added or an optional minor may be selected. You need 124 total credit hours to complete an Applied Studies: Dental Assistant degree.