Dental Assistant

Description

The Dental Assistant program provides training in dental radiographs, pit and fissure sealants, coronal polishing, and topical fluoride application. Earn a certificate and pursue work as a Dental Assistant.

Degrees & Certificates

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Top Dental Assistant Jobs

Note: Some jobs require education or training beyond the CNM degree/certificate.

Program Information

The Dental Assistant Certificate of Completion is an open enrollment program. Please complete the interest form so that we may contact you about getting started. 

The program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a dental office or dental clinic as a Dental Assistant under the supervision of a licensed dentist or dental hygienist.

Program courses include classroom and laboratory instruction as well as hands-on clinical experience in dental clinics working alongside other Dental Professionals. Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to provide basic services under the supervision of a licensed dentist or dental hygienist. In addition to preparing students for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam, the program prepares students for NM State certifications in dental radiographs, pit and fissure sealants, coronal polishing, and topical fluoride application.

DANB Exam Pass Rate Categories

Date Range

General Chair Side (GC)

Radiation, Health, and Safety (RHS)

Infection Control (IC)

1/1/2018 – 1/1/2023

81%

90%

83%

CNM Montoya Campus Open House 

CNM is hosting an Open House at Montoya Campus where you can learn more about all the educational opportunities, certificate, and degree programs offered at CNM. Network with CNM faculty and students, tour the campus, and explore labs and classrooms for the Cosmetology, Dental Assistant, Art, and Chemistry programs. 

Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023
Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
Location: CNM Montoya Campus, RB Hall

Reserve Your Spot Today!

Career Opportunities

Dental assistants who have been trained in CNM's rigorous dental assistant program are in demand both in the metropolitan areas of New Mexico and in rural areas across the state. Dental assistants work closely with dentists and dental hygienists in private offices, dental clinics, dental supply companies, dental laboratories, hospitals, mobile dental clinics, or school programs.  

Interested in learning about gainful employment as a Dental Assistant? Check out the Office of Career and Job Placement for more information.  

Related Information

Accreditation

CODA logo

The dental assisting program conducted at Central New Mexico Community College 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.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

If you have a valid New Mexico Radiation Health and Safety Certificate, are a certified Dental Assistant, or are a Registered Dental Hygienist you can receive credit for courses towards the Dental Assistant programs by filling out the Credit for Prior Learning (Community Dental Health Coordinator) form.