Associate Degree
Dental Therapy Careers
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. This preparation enables 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 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 includes: • 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.
Recent Wisconsin job postings for this degree:
Dental Therapist
Dental Therapy Programs
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 specific 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 includes: • 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.
| Dental Therapy | Part of a Career Pathway |
Program Transfers |
Offered completely online |
Shared Program |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northcentral |  |
Dental Therapy at Northcentral |