After taking three prerequisite courses and completing two semesters of dental assisting coursework, you will earn a certificate in dental assisting. Many students choose to also pursue an Associate of Science Degree in Dental Assisting through 19 additional hours in the core curriculum, which are typically completed at the same time as the three prerequisite courses. It is optional to graduate with both the certificate and associate of science degree simultaneously. This can be completed in four semesters.
You will earn additional certifications in:
To apply to the University of Southern Indiana (USI) for undergraduate enrollment:
Once USI has processed your application, transcript(s) and scores (if needed), a decision will be made by Undergraduate Admissions and you will receive a notification.
Upon acceptance to USI, you'll receive detailed information about next steps, including orientation, registration and housing.
There is a secondary application process to be accepted into the Dental Assisting Program. Students may declare a major in pre-Dental Assisting upon entering the university or complete a change of major form at any point in time.
The Dental Assisting Program accepts 24 students annually from approximately 40 applications received. Classes are selected once a year in May for the Fall semester, with an application deadline of March 1. There are no interviews for admission, and a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale is required. Acceptance notifications for the Dental Assisting program are typically sent out by June of the application year.
To be considered for admission to the dental assisting program, students must complete the following requirements:
Dental assisting has been identified by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as one of the fastest growing professions and is expected to grow 25% in the next 10 years. Due to population growth and an aging population, dental assistants are needed to meet the increased demand for dental care that exists in the United States. A testament to the dental assistant program, USI graduates consistently receive high pass rates on all three components of the Dental Assisting National Board Examination.
*income information provided by O*NET Online. Occupation opportunities vary by region and experience.
The University of Southern Indiana is committed to making college accessible to those wishing to further their education by providing numerous scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to assist students in managing tuition expenses.
The Dental Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. 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.
Requirements for licensure and certification vary by profession and by state. USI has reviewed the educational requirements for each state and licensing agency to determine if the academic program here at USI meets the educational requirements to be eligible for licensure/certification in each state or not. Please note that some states may have additional requirements for licensure, such as residency requirements, additional non-academic certifications, etc. that USI cannot determine. We encourage you to check with your state's licensing agency for all requirements needed to obtain licensure.
