Program Description

The Dental Therapy Program offers comprehensive training in preventive and restorative dental care, focusing on oral health promotion and disease prevention. Students learn a range of skills including oral examinations, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and minor restorative procedures under the supervision of licensed dentists, preparing them to work in underserved communities and support overall dental health initiatives. Dental therapists work in dental shortage areas or in settings where at least 50 percent of the patient base consists of certain specified populations.

As a prerequisite to program enrollment, an applicant must: • be a graduate of an accredited Dental Hygiene program through the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) • be licensed as a Dental Hygienist by the Wisconsin State Board of Dental Examiners • hold certification in Local Anesthesia and Nitrous Oxide administration as granted by the State of Wisconsin DSPS • hold valid CPR/AED certification

Dental Therapy graduates, supervised by a dentist, provide assessment and restorative dental treatment services, serve as patient advocates, and carry out health promotion and disease prevention programs. The scope of practice for Dental Therapists include: • Preventative care • Dental evaluation and treatment planning • Dental prophylaxis • Dental restorations • Uncomplicated tooth extractions

At graduation, the student is eligible to apply for Wisconsin Dental Therapy licensure.

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Financial Aid

Available
Total financial aid offered may not exceed the estimated Cost of Attendance (COA).
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Outcomes

Graduates will be able to…

  • Apply critical thinking and problem-solving as related to the scope of dental therapy practice
  • Recognize abnormal conditions to ensure that the health status of patients is not compromised by the dental therapy interventions
  • Implement preventative and therapeutic services
  • Communicate effectively with a diverse patient population and other members of the health care team to provide safe and effective oral health services
  • Apply ethical decision-making, professional responsibility, and legal and regulatory concepts to oral health care services
  • Provide oral health care within the scope of dental therapy to patients in all stages of life

Careers

Some of the potential careers graduates can pursue are:

  • Dental Therapist

Courses

The Dental Therapy Associate Degree is a 87 Credit program. The following is a typical semester breakdown of the courses within the program.

Credit for Prior Learning Available

View All Detailed Course Information

Accreditation

The Dental Therapy program is seeking accreditation 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 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678. The Commission’s web address is: http://www.ada.org/en/coda.

NTC has submitted an application for accreditation, which indicates the institution has entered into the accreditation process; it does not mean that the program is accredited. NTC will not enroll students until accreditation is granted. Accreditation is granted only by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

NTC is currently gathering interest forms. Admission applications will be available once the program has obtained initial accreditation.

File a Complaint against CODA or a CODA Accredited Education Program

Transfer Information

All associate degrees transfer to a variety of programs at other partner colleges to give you the opportunity to continue your education in other areas of study.

View all transfer guides

Cost of Attendance

2024–2025 Estimated Academic Year Budgeted Cost of Attendance

The estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) is a budget that includes categories of expenses that a student can expect to incur while attending college. The COA does not reflect actual charges. It is an average based on the estimated living costs typical of our region. In determining the cost of attendance, Northcentral Technical College uses the budget established by the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Financial Aid Budget Work Group. This budget is used to determine financial need for all students who apply for financial aid. A student's cost of attendance is composed of all educational expenses that can be included for financial aid purposes that a student may accrue while pursuing their education for the year (or semester, if enrolled less than a year). A student's financial aid cannot exceed their cost of attendance. Schools are required to provide a fuller picture of what it may cost students to pursue their degree, not just what they will owe in tuition/fees and books/supplies.

Please Note: this COA budget estimate assumes full-time attendance for two semesters — Fall 2024 and Spring 2025.
Expenses Student Living With Parents (Home) Student Living on Own (Other)
Full-time Tuition (based on a total of 30 credits, 15 credits fall and 15 credits spring)
In-State Tuition & Fees
$4,844*
Out-of-State Tuition & Fees
$7,127*
In-State Tuition & Fees
$4,844*
Out-of-State Tuition & Fees
$7,127*
Living Expenses (Housing & Food) $3,008 $9,147
Books / Supplies $1,465 $1,465
Transportation $4,017 $4,017
Personal Expenses $3,608 $3,608
Loan Fees $85 $85
Total Estimated Cost Of Attendance
In-State
$17,027
Out-of-State
$19,310
In-State
$23,166
Out-of-State
$25,449

* Tuition listed is based on approved rates for the 2024–2025 academic year. Rates are approved each March by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board and estimated budgets are updated at that time.

For the 2024–2025 academic year, the Wisconsin Resident tuition rate is $149.50 per credit and Out-of-State resident tuition is $224.25 per credit.

For the 2024–2025 academic year, Student Fees include: a minimum $5.00 material fee and a $13.15 per credit activity fee. A $4.00 per semester insurance fee will be assessed to students taking at least one course which has a scheduled session on campus.

Students awarded Federal Direct Loan(s) also have an average of the mandatory loan fees automatically added to their COA.

Students with disability-related expenses may contact the Financial Aid Office to have their additional expenses considered. Disability-related expenses include but are not limited to: personal assistance, equipment, and supplies. The Financial Aid Office may potentially include disability expenses in the COA that are not provided by other assisting agencies.

NTC also offers a Net Price Calculator to help estimate costs.

For more information regarding billed tuition and fees visit https://www.ntc.edu/admissions/tuition-fees

We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about how the financial aid process works. Please feel free to reach out for more information.

NTC Financial Aid Office

715.803.1647
financialaid@ntc.edu

Additional Information

What is a Dental Therapist?

A Dental Therapist is a licensed oral healthcare provider who works under the supervision of a dentist to provide preventive and restorative dental care. Dental Therapists help improve access to care, particularly in underserved communities.

What Does a Dental Therapist Do?

Dental Therapists perform a variety of duties, including:

  • Providing preventive services such as sealants and fluoride treatments.
  • Performing basic restorative procedures like fillings.
  • Extracting primary (baby) teeth and certain permanent teeth under supervision.
  • Educating patients on oral health and hygiene.
  • Collaborating with dentists and dental hygienists to improve patient care.

Why is Dental Therapy Important?

Dental Therapy is designed to increase access to oral healthcare in areas with dentist shortages, particularly in rural and underserved communities. By expanding the dental team, Dental Therapists help reduce patient wait times and improve overall oral health outcomes.

What Are the Admission Requirements for the Dental Therapy Program?

  • Be a graduate of an accredited Dental Hygiene program through the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
  • Be licensed as a Dental Hygienist by the Wisconsin State Board of Dental Examiners.
  • Hold certification in Local Anesthesia and Nitrous Oxide administration as granted by the State of Wisconsin DSPS.
  • Hold valid CPR/AED certification.

How Long is the Dental Therapy Program?

The program is designed to be completed in approximately three years, including classroom instruction, hands-on lab training, and clinical experience. The curriculum includes coursework in oral anatomy, restorative dentistry, and community-based care.

Where Will Clinical Training Take Place?

Clinical training will be conducted at NTC’s dental clinic as well as at affiliated dental offices and community health centers. This hands-on experience is essential for developing the skills needed to become a competent Dental Therapist.

What Degree Will I Earn Upon Completion?

Graduates of the Dental Therapy program will earn an Associate Degree in Dental Therapy and will be eligible to apply for licensure in Wisconsin.

Admissions Process

NTC is currently gathering interest forms. Admission applications will be available once the program has obtained initial accreditation.

Before you apply, you should know

  • This program may require a Criminal Background Check and/or Health Record. Acceptance to Northcentral Technical College will not be denied based on a criminal background or health record, however, a check may be required for placement at clinical sites or field experiences.
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification is required prior to starting program courses or within the timeframe discussed at program orientation. Accepted certifications include BLS CPR from American Heart Association or American Red Cross.

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The interest form can be submitted online and takes just a few minutes to complete.

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What’s Next?

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