CT State Northwestern
Dental Assisting Certificate
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Dental Assisting
COMMITMENT
6 Months-1 Year
MODE OF STUDY
On-Ground
CAMPUSES
Manchester, Tunxis
CAREER FIELD(S)
Health Careers
Are you ready for a fulfilling career in the dental field?
Dental assistants work closely with the dental team during procedures by preparing patients for treatment, overseeing the disinfection and sterilization of instruments, taking impressions and exposing radiographs, enabling the dentist and dental hygienist to practice efficiently and focus more on the patient. In some instances, an assistant will also handle front desk duties, such as answering the telephone, scheduling appointments and overseeing supplies and deliveries.
Our programs are accredited credit-bearing certificates that will allow you to start work as a dental assistant in under a year.
Job Outlook
As people live longer and retain more of their natural teeth, there will be an increase in the number of patients requiring dental care. One way to meet this demand is for dentists to hire dental assistants. It is not uncommon for one dentist to employ two or three dental assistants. Both the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Connecticut Department of Labor are predicting a high growth rate well into the next decade for the dental assisting field. According to the Connecticut Statewide Occupational Employment and Wages 2020 Report, dental assistants have the potential to earn above-average salaries.
Selective Admissions
Dental Assisting is a selective admissions program. To be accepted, you must meet additional requirements beyond general acceptance to the college.
Learn More About Selective Admissions
Learn More About Your Campus Program
Manchester
Tunxis
Curriculum
See learning outcomes and required courses for the Dental Assistant (Manchester) program.
View Curriculum
Contact
Rosemary Ryan
Program Coordinator
Phone: 860-512-2705
Email: rosemary.ryan@ctstate.edu
Download Fact Sheet
In the CT State Manchester Dental Assistant program, students practice clinical procedures in an on-site, state-of-the-art dental office setting that includes three treatment rooms complete with digital X-rays, electronic patient records and an instrument processing area. Courses include the study of dental anatomy, dental radiography, infection control, chairside assisting, dental materials, oral health promotion and practice management. In addition, students complete a minimum of 300 hours at a dental educational clinical site and at private dental practices.
Program design prepares students for a career as a dental assistant through the combination of a science and clinically-based curriculum. Dental assistant clinical and laboratory sessions are taught to competency and designed to adhere to the CODA (Commission of Dental Accreditation) Standards and the mandates in the Connecticut Dental Practice Act. Dental assistant students acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to become Certified Dental Assistants (CDA) as integral members of a dental health team. This full-time program can be completed in 10 months.
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Due to standards set by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), students are advised that the healthcare facilities to which they are assigned for clinical rotations may require that they submit to a criminal background check before beginning their clinical experiences. CT State Manchester cannot be responsible for finding an alternate clinical placement for a student who fails to pass the background check. Students are advised to meet with the dental assistant program director to discuss degree completion requirements. A physical examination and current immunizations are required of all students before beginning clinical rotations. Students are responsible for parking fees, uniforms, clinical supplies and miscellaneous expenses.
The program prepares students for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) examinations. Graduates will be eligible to take the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS), Infection Control (ICE), and General Chairside (GC) examinations. Upon successful completion of these three examinations, students will be awarded the credentials of “Certified Dental Assistants" (CDA).
Students may take prerequisite courses at any of the CT State campuses.
Accreditation
The CT State Manchester Dental Assistant program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at 312-440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678. http://www.ada.org/en/coda
Curriculum
See learning outcomes and required courses for the Dental Assisting (Tunxis) program.
View Curriculum
Contact
Julie LaRosa
Program Coordinator
Phone: 860-773-1657
Email: julie.larosa@ctstate.edu
Download Fact Sheet
The CT State Tunxis Dental Assisting program provides the skills and knowledge necessary to function effectively as an integral member of the dental health team. The program utilizes the facilities of the UConn School of Dental Medicine, federal, state and local hospitals and community health clinics. Graduates are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board examination.
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It is currently the longest-running existing dental assisting program continually accredited through the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) in the State. The program has a 40+ year affiliation with University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine.
Accreditation
The CT State Tunxis Dental Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at 312-440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678. http://www.ada.org/en/coda
Commission on Dental Accreditation, Posting Form for Third Party Comments (PDF)
Dental Services
Dental services performed by Tunxis students are available to our campus community!
Dental services are determined after a dental exam and based on patient/client needs. The procedures may include prophylaxis, fluoride treatment, x-rays, sealants, nutritional counseling, oral hygiene instructions and oral cancer screenings. All clients needing additional dental care beyond the scope of dental hygiene practice receive a referral.
All students are supervised by faculty who are licensed dental professionals.
The clinic accepts all patients/clients who meet the educational needs of the program. The dental hygiene clinic accepts direct pay, as well as Medicaid and Husky A and B plans.
Services are provided at the UCONN School of Dental Medicine.
To make an appointment, please call 860-773-1681 Monday-Thursday during the academic year (August 25-May 1).
Please note that evening appointments are only available from September to May.
Upcoming Dental Assisting Information Sessions
Dental Assistant Info Session (Manchester)
Aug. 13, 3 - 4 p.m.
Location: Manchester Campus
Dental Assistant Info Session (Manchester)
Aug. 25, Noon - 1 p.m.
Location: Manchester Campus
Dental Assistant program applicants are informed that there is an increased risk for the occurrence of occupational bloodborne exposure for healthcare professionals who treat patients in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Applicants are provided access to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA), Bloodborne Pathogens Standard with the requirements to minimize risk of exposure in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.1030.
Last updated: July 16, 2026 | 3:07 pm
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