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If you’d like to learn more about the Dental Assistant program, we’d love to talk with you.
We’re here to answer any questions and guide you through our application process step-by-step.
Send us your contact information, and we’ll help you get started right away!
Financial Aid Available-
Program Overview
Madison College's Dental Assistant program trains you to perform chair-side assisting and related office and laboratory procedures under the direction and supervision of a dentist.
The Dental Assistant program includes instruction and practical experience in how to identify, use and care of dental equipment and instruments; expose and process radiographs; record medical and dental information; assist with dental emergencies; perform basic office procedures; and maintain an inventory of supplies.
Program Details
Dental Assistant is a one-semester, full-time program. Students are accepted for fall, spring and summer semesters.
Classes are offered Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am - 3:20 pm.
Dental Assistant program classes are offered at our Madison Truax campus.
Careers
Earning your Dental Assistant Technical Diploma at Madison Area Technical College prepares you for valuable work as a:
- Chair-side Assistant - working directly with the dentist in the treatment area.
- Laboratory Assistant - performing laboratory functions as directed by the dentist.
- Receptionists/Office Assistant - responsible for operation of the business office.
- Claims Approver - working for an insurance company approving dental insurance claims.
With additional education and/or work experience you may find employment as a:
- Dental Office Manager - responsible for operation of the practice.
- Dental Laboratory Technician - performing mechanical, technically skilled tasks specified by the written prescription of the dentist.
- Dental Sales Representative - working for a dental supply business, providing products and services to dental offices.
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Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2026-2027 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.
Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:
- Progress toward your specific requirements
- Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements
If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.
First SemesterThe hands-on experience you'll get at Madison College goes in-depth, even exploring some expanded functions which make our dental assistants more valuable in the field.
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How to Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Apply Now - Limited Seats Available!
This program has limited capacity and may reach maximum enrollment quickly. Applying to the Pre-Dental Assistant program early gives you the best chance of securing a spot.
To enroll in program courses, students must first meet academic preparedness requirements and complete the declaration process.
- Program capacity: 20 spots each Summer; 15 spots each Fall and Spring. Up to 5 spots for students affiliated with community organizations who promote upward mobility and assist with providing educational opportunities and support.
- Estimated Wait Time: Up to 0-1 semester wait time between when students are core ready and when they become eligible to enroll in program classes. This timeline may vary depending on how many students complete the declaration process each semester.
Submitting your application now ensures you're considered as soon as space becomes available. If the program reaches capacity, a waiting list will be used to manage additional qualified applicants.
Before applying, be sure to:
- Review the admission requirements for deadlines, materials, and requirements
- Review the After You Apply section on this page
- Make sure you can meet the program’s essential functions safely, reliably and efficiently within the scope of practice. If you need accommodations, contact our Disability Resource Services office.
Application Dates
Spring 2027
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is January 15, 2027
Summer 2027
- Application available on September 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is May 15, 2027
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Admission Requirements
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
3. Residency Requirement
Due to program demand and TCS 10 guidelines, this program is limited to district and non-district state residents.
Additional Notes
Students are required to meet the current admission requirements, academic preparedness requirements, and complete the declaration process. Requirements are subject to change based on updates to accreditation requirements or Madison College program assessment data.
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Dental Assistant career.
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After You Apply
Academic Preparedness Requirements
This program has academic preparedness requirements that must be completed before beginning core classes. Requirements for this program are listed below and are subject to change. Run a personalized report in your student account to confirm which requirements are complete, which are still outstanding, and how requirements may be satisfied.
When you’ve completed all academic preparedness requirements, you will submit the declaration form to confirm that you are ready to enter core program classes. These steps are part of the declaration process.
Student Report
- Pre-core students admitted prior to Fall 2027: Run your Degree Progress Report in your Student Center in PeopleSoft.
- Pre-core students admitted for Fall 2027 and later: Academic preparedness requirements will be available in your Academic Progress Report in Workday. Access will be available beginning March 2027.
Prerequisites
Algebra (testing, college coursework or bachelor’s degree in a related biological science)
Testing
- ACT Math 17+
- Accuplacer NexGen (Arithmetic) 250+
College courses
- College Mathematics
- Elementary Algebra with Apps
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Math for Technical Careers
Chemistry or Biology (high school or college coursework)
High school courses
- 1 year Chemistry with lab
- 1 year Biology with lab
College courses
- General Chemistry
- Body Structure & Function
- General Anatomy and Physiology
English and Reading (testing, college coursework or bachelor's degree)
Testing
- ACT Reading 19+
- Accuplacer NexGen (Reading) 261+
- ACT English 15+
- Accuplacer NexGen (English) 245+
College courses
- English 1
- Written Communication
- English 2
- Intro Reading & Study Skills AND Intro to College Writing
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
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Career Outcomes
After completing the Dental Assistant program at Madison Area Technical College, you will be able to:
- Perform a variety of entry-level supportive dental procedures
- Manage infection and hazard control
- Produce diagnostic radiographs
- Perform basic dental laboratory procedures
- Demonstrate professional behaviors, ethics and appearance
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 37 39 36 Number of Surveys Sent 37 39 36 Number of Surveys Returned 27 25 26 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 16 15 15 Percent Available for Employment 59.3% 60.0% 57.7% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 37.0% 40.0% 42.3% Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 15 15 14 Percent of Graduates Employed 93.8% 100.0% 93.3% Employed in Related Occupation 13 15 11 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 86.7% 100.0% 78.6% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 2 0 3 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 13.3% 0.0% 21.4% Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Seeking Employment 1 0 1 Percent Seeking Employment 6.3% 0.0% 6.7% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.7 3.7 3.6 Number of Satisfaction Responses 23 20 18 Very Satisfied (4) 17 14 11 Percent Very Satisfied 73.9% 70.0% 61.1% Satisfied (3) 6 6 7 Percent Satisfied 26.1% 30.0% 38.9% Unsatisfied (2) 0 0 0 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 26 25 26 Preparation for Getting a Job Percent Preparation for Getting a Job Career Change Percent Career Change Improvement of Existing Skills Percent Improvement of Existing Skills Preparation for Further Education Percent Preparation for Further Education Personal Interest Percent Personal Interest Other Percent Other 3.8% 0.0% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 15 15 14 Before Enrollment 1 3 1 Percent Before Enrollment 6.7% 20.0% 7.1% While Attending the College 4 3 2 Percent While Attending the College 26.7% 20.0% 14.3% After Training at the College 10 9 11 Percent After Training at the College 66.7% 60.0% 78.6% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 16 15 14 In College District 12 13 10 Percent In College District 75.0% 86.7% 71.4% In Wisconsin, Not in District 2 2 1 Percent of In Wisconsin 12.5% 13.3% 7.1% Outside of Wisconsin 0 0 1 Percent Outside Wisconsin 0.0% 0.0% 7.1% Employer Location Unknown 2 0 2 Percent Location Unknown 12.5% 0.0% 14.3% Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 11 10 6 Average Monthly Wage $3,167 $3,717 $3,156 Average Hourly Wage $18.41 $21.61 $18.35 Average Work Hours per Week 41.3 39.9 38.6 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 1 4 2 Average Hourly Wage $18.00 $17.88 $21.00 Average Work Hours per Week 32.0 21.0 28.0 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Columbus Family Dental Dental Assistant Columbus 2 Dental Health Associates Dental Assistant Forward Dental Group Dental Assistant Huggett Dental Dental Assistant Oconomowoc Midwest Dental Dental Assistant Portage Monona Parks & Recreation Kids Instructor Monona Mount Horeb Dental Dental Assistant Mount Horeb Prime Health Dental Dental Assistant * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.
** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.
*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu
