Dental Assisting, Technical Certificate is a Certificate program offered by Flint Hills Technical College in Emporia, KS. The program takes 37 credit hours to complete, with a total cost, including fees, of $10,896.
Program Overview
Dental Assisting offers a technical certificate and associate of applied science degree option. High school seniors are also eligible to apply to this program to take several courses. Upon successful completion of the courses, students may apply and be accepted to the program under advanced standing eligibility. The technical certificate is a one-year program. Graduates will have the knowledge and skills (chairside functions and management) necessary for entry-level employment in dental offices. Certificate courses also fulfill many of the requirements of the Dental Assisting AAS degree program. The associate of applied science degree is a two-year program that contains technical and general education courses. Planned and supervised experiences—classroom, laboratory, clinical internship—help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to perform procedures with precision, safety and efficiency consistent with proven dental concepts and practices. Students admitted to the FHTC Dental Programs are subject to contact with blood and/or body fluids. FHTC Dental Programs follow all OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen, Exposure Control Guidelines, and the Universal and Standard precautions throughout the pre-clinical, lab and clinical experiences. Academic Partnership: FHTC students who complete an Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Assisting may be eligible to utilize a 2+2 agreement with the following institutions to further their education. Fort Hays State University: Bachelor of Technology Leadership
Kansas State University: Bachelor of Science in Technology Management
Pittsburg State University: Bachelor of Applied Science
Washburn University: Bachelor of Applied Science The Flint Hills Technical College Dental Assisting program is in alignment with the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) CIP code 51.0601. The Dental Assisting Program Alignment was approved by the Kansas Board of Regents on May 17, 2012. KBOR Alignment: Flint Hills Technical College Dental Assisting program is in alignment with the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) CIP code 51.0601: Dental Assisting/Assistant. A program that prepares individuals to provide patient care, take dental radiographs (x-ray photographs), prepare patients and equipment for dental procedures, and discharge office administrative functions under the supervision of dentists and dental hygienists. Includes instruction in medical record-keeping, general office duties, reception and patient intake, scheduling, equipment maintenance and sterilization, basic radiography, pre- and post-operative patient care and instruction, chairside assisting, taking tooth and mouth impressions, and supervised practice. Total Technical Education Credits: 37 (from the course requirements page)
School Information
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
When you attend an accredited institution, you are attending a school that has undergone a rigorous process that evaluates educational quality. It's not easy to become or remain an accredited institution. The rules and regulations are strict, precise and designed to protect students. Here are some of the benefits:
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
Admission Requirements and Process
From the official program cost sheet (2026-2027): TESTING CRITERIA - ACCUPLACER NEXT-GEN scores: Sentence Structure-249; Reading-249; Arithmetic 249 OR Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, Statistics-249; OR - ACCUPLACER scores: Sentence Skills-56; Reading-53; Elementary Algebra-43; Arithmetic-59 OR - ACT scores: English-13; Reading-14; Math-16 - High School transcript (minimum 2.75 GPA) (in-Process if applicable) ADDITIONAL CRITERIA - TWO Work References (COMPLETE, CURRENT names & addresses REQUIRED - email/fax # optional) A questionnaire will be sent to the each reference you provide on your admissions application. Please encourage your references to complete & return this form on your behalf in a timely manner. - High School or GED Official Transcript - OFFICIAL College Transcript(s); UNOFFICIAL if In Process - submit ALL college transcripts - Interview & acceptance required to attend program.
Application Process
- 1Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form with your personal information and educational background.
- 2Submit TranscriptsProvide official high school transcripts or GED certificate. Some programs may require additional documentation.
- 3Financial AidComplete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. Meet with a financial aid advisor to review your options.Complete FAFSA Application
- 4EnrollmentOnce accepted, complete enrollment paperwork, register for classes, and attend orientation.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Career Outcomes
Dental Assistants are an integral part of the dental team within a dental practice. There are nine specialties, as well as general practitioners, within the scope of the dental profession. Allied health care workers are in high demand and this field is expected to continue to grow. Those who complete the Dental Assisting program can sit for the DANB (Dental Assisting National Board) Exam which is recognized across the nation. Career opportunities include: - Dental Offices - Specialty Offices - Dental Labs - Dental Sales Representatives Licensure/Certification: Those who complete the Dental Assisting program can sit for the DANB (Dental Assisting National Board) Exam which is recognized across the nation.
School Information
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
When you attend an accredited institution, you are attending a school that has undergone a rigorous process that evaluates educational quality. It's not easy to become or remain an accredited institution. The rules and regulations are strict, precise and designed to protect students. Here are some of the benefits:
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide