College of Southern Idaho

The Dental Assistant Program at the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for a career as a dental assistant. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the dental industry.

The program is divided into two parts: didactic coursework and clinical experience. Didactic coursework includes classroom lectures, laboratory exercises, and online learning modules that cover topics such as dental anatomy, radiography, infection control, dental materials, and dental office management.

Clinical experience is an integral part of the program and allows students to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in a real-world setting. Students will gain hands-on experience working in dental clinics, performing basic dental procedures, taking patient histories, and assisting dentists during procedures.

The program takes approximately 10 months to complete and includes 570 hours of instruction, which is divided between didactic coursework and clinical experience. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam, which is administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

The CSI Dental Assistant Program also offers a variety of support services to help students succeed, including academic advising, tutoring, and job placement assistance. Graduates of the program have a high job placement rate and are well-prepared to begin their careers as dental assistants.

Overall, the Dental Assistant Program at the College of Southern Idaho is an excellent choice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the dental industry. The program provides a strong foundation in dental assisting and prepares students for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter in their future careers.