Dental Assisting, ITC

The Dental Assisting (DTL) program at College of Eastern Idaho consists of classroom training, clinical skills training, and clinical experience in area dental offices. The program’s curriculum follows Idaho State Board of Dentistry guidelines. The curriculum provides the training necessary to become an integral part of the dental profession and offers the student supervised training to become a dental assistant.

With this education and two (2) years of clinical experience, graduates may sit for the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam from the DANB (Dental Assisting National Board).

Entrance Requirements

New CEI Students:

• Complete a CEI Admission application:
  • Submit required admission documentation.
  • Complete placement scores if applicable.
• Students must qualify for a GEM English course or discuss qualifications with an admissions counselor.
• Complete and submit the online Dental Assisting professional packet. Professional application is due July 1^st.
  • https://cei.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2fApply

Current CEI Students:

• Meet with an admissions counselor for guidance and application process.
• Students must qualify for a GEM English course or discuss qualifications with an admissions counselor.
• Complete and submit the online Dental Assisting professional packet. Professional application is due July 1^st.
  • https://cei.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2fApply

Post Acceptance Document Requirements–Due August 1^st 

• Dental Observation Form - https://cei.edu/sites/default/files/2024-03/dentalobservation_0.pdf
  • Accepted students are required to do 4 hours of dental observation at the dental clinic of their choice.
• IRIS Immunization Documentation showing the following: 
  • HEP B (3 shots) or positive/reactive titer
  • MMR (2 shots) or positive/reactive titers
  • Varicella (2 shots) or positive/reactive titer
  • Tdap (1 shot)-Expires 10 years from date received
  • Flu Shot-Due October 1
• TB Skin Test
  • PPD skin test must be dated after January 1st of application year.
• PreCheck Background Check - https://cei.edu/sites/default/files/2024-03/student-instructions-14034-2018-08-08-1_0.pdf
  • Copy of completed background check dated after January 1st of application year.
• Documentation of health insurance coverage 

Required documentation for the Dental Assisting program, such as immunization requirements, are subject to change. 

Accepted students are required to attend mandatory orientation. 

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate competency in basic dental assistant skills in a competent and safe manner when working with patients, families, and communities while being nonjudgmental of cultural, religious, and ethnic differences
• Demonstrate competency in performing front office skills for entry level dental assistants
• Demonstrate effective verbal, non-verbal, written, and technological communication utilizing appropriate terminology during interactions with patients, families, and dental health care team members
• Demonstrate accountability, professional values, and ethical behavior within the scope of practice of a dental assistant and the policies and procedures of the employing institutions
• Acknowledge that dental assisting is dynamic and requires life-long learning

Program Costs

In addition to the semester registration fees, a Dental Assisting student may expect to spend an approximate total of $2,000 on books, supplies, liability insurance, CPR, first aid, dental conventions, and Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and/or National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) program exit assessments.

Graduates are required to sit for a proficiency exam at the conclusion of the program. Information regarding costs and dates for the exam will be posted in the online Catalog and available from the program instructor(s).

Program Continuation Requirements

• All core courses must be passed with a minimum of a 73% (C), and must be passed consecutively before continuing on to the next course.
• All program (DTL) courses must be passed with a minimum of a 73% (C), and must be passed consecutively before continuing on to the next course.

• Thirty-two to thirty-four (32-34) Credits
• Financial Aid Eligible