Qualified Dental Assistant
What is an Qualified Dental Assistant?
A qualified dental assistant, or certified dental assistant (CDA), is a dental support specialist responsible for providing hands-on support to dentists and completing prep work so they can more efficiently care for patients. CDAs complete certification courses to help them understand how to care for patients and perform organizational duties. Their duties include completing intake paperwork, updating patient records, sterilizing and organizing dental tools, and assisting during dental procedures.
Start Your Dental Assisting Career
This self-paced, online program is tailored for students in North Dakota and provides comprehensive training aligned with North Dakota Board of Dental Examiners (NDBDE) standards. Students can complete the program in as little as 6 weeks through an affiliated dental clinic or 12 weeks through our internship placement option.
QDA graduates will be equipped to support dental professionals and deliver excellent patient care. Students will engage in a hybrid class format consisting of 144 contact hours online and 300 hours of chairside experience.
Format of Class
Hybrid (online and on campus)
Tuition
- $1,250 if already working in a clinic
- $1,750 if not working in a clinic
Textbook
Modern Dental Assisting, 14th Edition
Available for purchase through the BSC Bookstore.
Other Expenses
Additional expenses may vary based on externship clinic requirements. These may include:
- Scrubs
- Shoes
- Lab jacket
Please verify with your clinic before purchasing.
Program Requirements
Students must provide proof of immunizations and test results ten (10) business days before starting in-clinic chairside hours. Clinical sites may have specific policies students must follow. These are clinic, not BSC, requirements. Students should obtain policies directly from their host facility.
BSC cannot guarantee approval of exemption requests, which must be reviewed and approved by the host facility.
Required Immunizations and Screenings:
- Varicella (Chickenpox):
- Childhood disease must be medically documented
- Positive titer results may be accepted
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR):
- Born before 1957: 1 MMR dose
- Born 1957 or later: 2 MMR doses
- Positive titer results may be accepted
- Tuberculosis (TB):
- May require a two-step TB test within 3 months of clinical start
- Influenza
- COVID-19
- Hepatitis B series (optional with signed waiver)
Vaccination Services Available Through:
- Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health
- UND Center for Family Medicine
Students with temporary or permanent conditions affecting their ability to meet student requirements must notify the program coordinator.
Refund Policy
Eligibility for Refunds:
- Full Refund: Withdraw within 5 business days of enrollment and before starting the class
- Partial Refund: Withdraw after starting but before completing the first module — 50% refund minus $25 processing fee
- No Refund: After completing the first module
How to Request a Refund:
- Submit a written request via email to bsc.training@bismarckstate.edu
- Include full name, contact information, and reason for withdrawal
- Requests must fall within the timeframes listed above
Processing Time:
Refunds will be issued within 14 business days using the original payment method.
Special Circumstances:
Medical emergencies may qualify for an exception. Documentation from a healthcare provider is required.
Contact for Refund Inquiries:
Email: bsc.training@bismarckstate.edu
Phone: 701-224-5600
Evaluation Method
Course evaluation will occur via Blackboard. Students must Pass or Fail the didactic portion and complete 300 hours of chairside practice to fulfill program requirements.
WIOA -Approved
No
About the Instructor
Mikala Wegner
Email: mikala.m.wegner@bismarckstate.edu
Growing up on a ranch in southwestern North Dakota, Mikey developed a strong work ethic and a love for the outdoors. Her childhood dream of becoming a dental hygienist led her to attend NDSCS. Although the program's competitiveness initially steered her towards dental assisting, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. She discovered a passion for dental assisting during her summer externship at a large multi-doctor practice.
Over the past 20 years, Mikey has gained extensive hands-on experience in the clinic, honing skills in various procedures, patient communication, and leadership. Her commitment to the profession extends beyond the clinic. Since 2017, Mikey has served as a North Dakota Dental Assistants Association board member and was honored to receive an outstanding professional achievement award.
Mikey's dedication to promoting dental assisting as a career has led her to BSC, where she is excited to share her knowledge with the next generation of dental assistants. Mikey is a proud dog mom, big sister, and aunt outside of work. She enjoys summers on the river and camping with friends and family.