Dental Assistant School in Grand Junction

10.5 Month* Hands-On Dental Assistant Program in Grand Junction

IntelliTech College Dental Assistant students practicing
In only 10.5 months*, you could be starting a fulfilling career helping others have a beautiful smile as a Dental Assistant. Get started today!

 

It’s generally believed that we only get one chance to make a good first impression. A person’s smile will often define how they are perceived long after that first encounter.

In fact, about 45% of survey participants agree that a smile is the most attractive feature, regardless of age. A new study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) finds that a great smile can be our strongest asset and goes a long way in making an incredible first impression.

If your goal is to help provide a winning smile and healthy teeth for dental patients, let us provide the education and skills to attain that goal with our 10.5-month* Dental Assistant training program.

How will IntelliTec College prepare me for my Dental Assistant Career?

Skills students learn in the classroom and in our modern clinical setting during practical laboratory hours include:

  • Chairside assisting, including patient positioning, instrument usage, and anesthetics
  • Office administration, including billing and coding, dental charting, and management software
  • Dental radiography practices of processing, mounting, and safety procedures
  • Specialized applications such as periodontics, orthodontics, and endodontics
  • Recognition of dental materials such as composites, amalgam and bases, and liners

Next Start Dates

Dental Assistant

*Program length when completed as designed.

 

If you’re searching for dental assistant programs in Grand Junction or wondering how to get started in the dental field in Colorado, IntelliTec College is here to help. Many people look for hands-on training close to home and ask where they can begin working in a professional healthcare setting.

Our Grand Junction campus supports students from across western Colorado who are ready to pursue a new path. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or already committed to becoming a dental assistant, our team is available to answer your questions and help you take the next step.

Contact Us Get Program Details!

What Does a Dental Assistant Do?

Dental Assistants perform tasks that range from equipment preparation & sterilization and patient care,  to taking x-rays and scheduling appointments. Some duties vary by state and by the dentist’s office where they work. Typically, assistants may prepare patients and work areas for treatments, help dentists handle instruments, and instruct patients on oral hygiene.  They may also perform administrative duties such as maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.

It may be possible to advance into roles such as Dental Hygienist, Dental Lab Technician, Dentist, and more —with additional education and training. These advanced opportunities typically require further schooling and specialized credentials.

Job Opportunities for Dental Assistants

Dental Assistants could find employment in the following settings:
  • Dental offices & hospital clinics
  • Dental laboratories
  • Dental equipment & product sales
  • Dental insurance companies
  • Orthodontic offices
  • and more!

 

Dental Assistant Salary Potential

IntelliTec College provides career-training programs for entry-level positions. Salaries vary depending on geographic location, economic conditions, and willingness to relocate. Salaries by occupation and specific location can be found on the O*NET website. National figures for labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes in the economy are available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You can also visit the campus career services department to learn where IntelliTec College graduates work and the beginning salaries in their respective careers.

How Is the Job Outlook?

According to O*Net Online, job opportunities for Dental Assistants are expected to continue to grow faster than average in Colorado from 2020-2030. **

(**Source: https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/31-9091.00?st=CO, Accessed April 16, 2025)

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Dental Assistant Program

Graduates will have developed skills in a hands-on learning environment to function effectively as an integral member of a dental health team. Graduates will be prepared to function as an entry level dental assistant, and assume the responsibilities of performing chairside assisting procedures, maintaining and supplying clinical areas, scheduling patient appointments, maintaining patient charts and records, producing dental radiographs of diagnostic quality, as well as positioning and preparing patients for treatment or surgery. The graduate will be prepared to sit for the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) exam.

Location:

Program length: 10.5 Months*

Award: Certificate

Credit hours: 54

Credentialing Information: National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA – DANB)

Skills students learn in the classroom and in our modern clinical setting during practical laboratory hours include:

  • Chairside assisting including patient positioning, instrument usage, and anesthetics
  • Office administration including billing and coding, dental charting, and management software
  • Dental radiography practices of processing, mounting and safety procedures
  • Specialized applications such as periodontics, implants, and pharmacology
  • Recognition of dental materials such as composites, amalgam and bases and liners
  • Additionally, dental assistant students gain experience by providing dental services to the community in Grand Junction. Call (970) 245-8101 between Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to schedule an appointment.

Dental services include:

  • Coronal Polishes
  • Impression for Mouth Guards
  • Impression for Bleach Trays
  • Full Mouth & Panoramic X-rays
  • Jewel bonding

Here’s what will you learn in the Dental Assistant program:

DT-100 Dental Office Administration
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100

This course will provide an introduction to clerical and administrative functions associated with the Dental industry. The student will develop reception techniques and methods for interacting with patients and coworkers. In addition, the student will be introduced to patient records, billing and coding, dental charting, treatment planning, OSHA regulations, infection control and practical application of Dentrix Dental Office Management Software and a variety of common clerical and administrative functions. The student will explore an awareness of today’s workplace with the diversity, teamwork, technology, market competition, community relations, initiative and adaptability, learning styles, problem solving, and customer relations that transform the way we do business. Students will develop written and oral communication skills, as well as professional presentation in body language, appearance, and business etiquette.

DT-112 Science of Dentistry
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100

This course introduces the correlation between oral and systemic health. The focus is on head and neck anatomy, preventive dentistry, presentation, volunteer work, research, tooth morphology, and dental patient education.

DT-200 Dental Radiography
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, DT100, DT112

This course presents theories and techniques of radiation health and safety including physics, biology, x-ray units, types of films, quality assurance, storage, interpretation, and patient safety. Hands-on techniques of radiation health and safety are presented in a laboratory setting. Topics include processing, mounting, and in-depth safety practices.

DT-220 Dental Chairside Assisting
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, DT100, DT112

This course features a dental office laboratory setting and treatment room with hands-on practice of patient positioning, instrument usage, sterilization procedures, and anesthetic application techniques providing an intense focus on chairside assisting. Every procedure is defined and demonstrated with the didactic skills developed individually to assist the Dentist.

DT-221 Dental Specialties Procedures & Materials
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, DT100, DT112

This course explores the responsibilities and functions of the Dental Assistant in a variety of specialized applications including periodontics; dental implants; oral and maxillofacial surgery; hospital dentistry; pharmacology; and dental emergency management with recognition, prevention, proper response and emergency treatment. Concise presentation of theory is bolstered by extensive hands-on skill development in a simulated clinic environment. Students will explore various dental materials such as composites, impression materials, gypsum products, dental cements, dental amalgam, bases and liners. Model trimming procedures are presented in this course. Students will practice fabrication including custom tray construction and prosthodontic materials.

DT-230 Dental Externship
Prerequisite(s): CCR-100, DT100, DT112, DT200, DT220, DT221

Students receive real-world, practical experience in a practicing dental office or clinic applying the knowledge and utilizing the skills developed as a dental assistant.

CCR-100 College and Career Readiness
Prerequisite(s): NA

College and Career Readiness is the first six-week course designed to prepare students for Career Training Success. Classes meet 20 hours per week, Monday through Thursday. Class times available are either 9:00am – 2:00pm for day time students and 5:00pm – 10:00pm for night time students.

ACD-150 Advanced Career Development
Prerequisite(s): NA

Advanced Career Development is offered toward the end of your program and is designed to prepare students for Career Success. Classes meet for a total of 15 hours during the scheduled term.

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Externships

The Dental Assistant Certificate program includes an externship at an approved outside facility to provide the student with supervised on-the-job training and the opportunity to practice skills learned throughout the program and gain specialized knowledge of individual skills.

Dental Industry Certifications

Students may receive the opportunity to sit for the following certifications:

- National Entry Level Dental Assistant Exam through the Dental Assistant National Board (DANB)
- Infection Control
- Radiology
- Anatomy & Physiology

After Graduation

Your training at IntelliTec College will prepare you for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam. Please note that 3500 hours of general chairside office training is required before taking the exam.

Is a Rewarding Career as a Dental Assistant Right for You? Get More Info…

If you’re interested in exploring whether IntelliTec College’s educational training programs for career opportunities in Dental Assisting are right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.

A helpful IntelliTec College Admissions Representative will be happy to answer any questions you have and can help with everything from determining the right career path for you to discussing financial aid options.

Accreditation and Education Partners

IntelliTec College Locations

IntelliTec College has 4 accredited campus locations in Colorado Springs, CO, Grand Junction, CO, Pueblo, CO, and Albuquerque, NM. Each of our campuses provides a unique learning experience, helping you become a career-ready professional. Explore your career options today!

Albuquerque Campus

Colorado Springs Campus

Grand Junction Campus

Pueblo Campus

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