Dental Assistants are an important part of the dental office team and provide support during examinations and procedures. Our Dental Assisting program offers interactive training focusing on dental concepts and practices, chair-side assisting, radiography, office management and real-world internship experience.
FHTC helped me get a jump start on my education because I could take classes during my senior year of high school.
Jasmine
Program Options
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.
Associates Degree – Degree Map
Technical Certificate – Degree Map
Licensure Disclosure
The Dental Programs at Flint Hills Technical College are designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure and certification in the State of Kansas. Individuals seeking licensure or certification in a state other than Kansas should consult the licensing requirements of the appropriate state dental board. Since requirements vary by state, it is important to verify that all criteria are met prior to pursuing licensure.
Students are encouraged to contact the dental board in the state where they intend to practice for further guidance.
Associates Degree Course Requirements Technical Certificate Course RequirementsCareer Opportunities
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
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
Program Information & Resources
Estimated program costs and testing criteria are available in the documents below. Visit our admissions page to learn about admissions steps and other helpful information.