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Dental Assisting Basic Training Program

Dental Assisting Students

The Dental Assisting Basic Training Skills Certificate Program is a formal training program that teaches students infection control, radiation health, safety, and dental chairside procedures. Completion of the program qualifies students to take the Dental Assisting National Board Radiation Health and Safety Certification exam and the Infection Control Certification exam. The program is ideal for students seeking short-term job training, flexibility, affordability, and in-person labs in a state-of-the-art dental setting.

It's important to note that the Dental Assisting Basic Training Skills Certificate Program is separate from the TMCC Dental Assisting Program, which is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). However, students who complete the Skills Certificate program will earn three points towards admission to the CODA-accredited Truckee Meadows Community College Dental Assisting Program. Although the program is not eligible for financial aid, students may be eligible for scholarship funding.

Steps to Apply

Students must be at least 18, a high school graduate, or a recognized equivalent, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, and Have no financial or library obligation to the college

Space is limited, and students must complete and submit an interest form to the program. Students are selected based on their chronological position on the applicant list and room in the program for the semester they apply.

  1. Apply to the College
    Complete a TMCC Application for Admission and view important dates and deadlines. If you have questions, contact the Admissions and Records Office.

  2. Complete the Required Program Interest Form
    Complete and submit this online program interest form that directly informs our department about your intent to apply to one of our programs.

    Don't skip this important step, or your application may be delayed!

    Fill out my online form.
  3. Register for Classes
    When your information has been verified, you will be contacted via email indicating your "release" date. You must be released by the Dental Assisting Department in order to enroll in the program classes.

Dental Assisting Program Information Night

Dental Assisting Program Information Night will occur at least once per semester and will include program information and a tour of the dental facility (if the meeting is on campus). Attendance is not required to apply to the program, though important information is shared regarding the program, financial aid, and time commitment.

Note: Those who choose to attend an information session and apply by May 1, 2024, will earn one (1) point toward admission to the Dental Assisting Program.  

To reserve your spot, please RSVP today!

Why Choose Dental Assisting Basic Training at TMCC

  • The cost for all courses and lab fees to attend the Skills Certificate Program at TMCC is approximately $1,560.00
  • The courses are online, eight (8) weeks long, with labs that are in person one to two evenings a week for six weeks. You are attending lab 6 to 12 nights total, depending on whether you are taking all of the courses at once or taking them separately.
  • This program meets the needs of the student who wants to try dental assisting and know that they have a career ladder with the option of working directly after completing the skills certificate or continuing their education and applying for admission to the CODA Accredited Dental Assisting Program at TMCC.
  • The cost of private dental assisting programs in the local area range from $5,000 to $17,000! The Skills Certificate does not have a "program fee," rather, you pay per credit, per course as with any college course.
  • You can work while taking the courses and for many the timing of the labs means no extra daycare is required.
  • You earn a certificate approved by the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents and recognized by the dental community.
  • Dentists in the area are familiar with the quality of education you receive as a student at TMCC, making you an excellent candidate for employment in their dental office.
  • Taught by Dental Assisting Instructors who have worked in the field and have completed Bachelor's and/or Masters degree, and have specialized training in teaching dental assisting courses.
  • Radiology Lab with ten x-ray rooms, 14 dental units with instruments, and set-ups for 28 students.

What Will I Study?

The Dental Assisting Basic Training is a certificate program that provides entry-level knowledge for anyone interested in short-term training who wants to experience instruction in a college setting and can earn a recognized certificate upon completing the program. You will study:

  • Prevention of disease transmission in the dental office.
  • Disinfection and sterilization in the dental office.
  • Hazardous materials management.
  • Infection control protocol.
  • Radiation health and safety.
  • Placing, exposing, and processing dental x-rays.
  • Dental anatomy, general anatomy, and physiology.
  • Manipulate cements and impression materials.
  • Basic dental chairside skills.