After completing three prerequisite courses and two semesters of dental assisting coursework, you will earn a certificate in dental assisting. Many students opt to pursue an Associate of Science Degree in Dental Assisting, requiring an additional 19 hours in the core curriculum. These hours are typically completed alongside the three prerequisite courses, allowing for the option to graduate with both the certificate and associate degree simultaneously in just 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.
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 typically score higher than both the state and national averages 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.
