Tuition & Learning
Planning your investment is easy. Our program provides comprehensive training that prepares you for immediate entry into your chosen field. Below you'll find detailed information about program costs and required materials.
Tuition Estimates by Award
Costs below apply to each specific award option:
Certificates
Foundations of Dental Assisting
$4,157
Occupational Certificate
Diplomas
Dental Assistant
$9,700
Diploma
Associates Degrees
Dental Assistant
$11,878
Associate of Applied Science
The tuition rate for 2025-2026 academic year is
$218.13 per credit
Scholarships & Savings
Ready to turn your dreams into reality? At Hennepin Tech, we believe that nothing should stand in the way of your education. That’s why we’re here to help you navigate the ins and outs of paying for college, so you can focus on what really matters – your future.
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FAFSA
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Your key to financial aid. The first step to unlocking financial assistance for college is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). By completing this form, you’ll qualify for a variety of federal grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study opportunities that can help offset the cost of tuition, books, and other expenses.
Not sure if you’re eligible? Don’t worry, our financial aid advisors are here to help, even if you have unique circumstances or are an undocumented individual.
Check out your first step to funding college
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North Star Promise
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If you’re a Minnesota resident who meets certain income criteria, you may also qualify for the North Star Promise, which provides additional financial support to cover the cost of tuition and fees. It’s another way we’re making college more accessible and affordable for students like you.
See if you qualify for free tuition
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Foundation Scholarships
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The Hennepin Tech Foundation offers a variety of scholarships to help students offset the cost of tuition, textbooks, and other expenses. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, and other criteria. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to reduce your college expenses!
Explore scholarships just for our students
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PSEO & Concurrent Enrollment
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High school students can jumpstart their college education by participating in our Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) or Concurrent Enrollment programs. Earn college credits while still in high school and save on future tuition costs!
Discover how you can earn college credit in high school
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VA Benefits
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Veterans and their dependents may be eligible for education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits can help cover tuition, housing, and other costs associated with attending college. Contact our veterans services office for assistance in accessing and maximizing your VA benefits.
Maximize your military education benefits
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Third-Party Payments
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Did you know that some employers, organizations, or government agencies offer tuition assistance programs? If you’re eligible, you can use these funds to help cover your college expenses. Be sure to check with your employer or inquire about any available benefits.
Let a sponsor help fund your education
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Transfer Credits
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Transfer the credits you’ve already earned from previous colleges or programs to reduce the classes you need, helping you finish your degree faster and at a lower cost.
Make your hard work count twice
To maximize your savings, apply for FAFSA early, explore scholarships, and review your potential for credit through prior learning and transfer evaluations.
Accreditation & Recognition
The program in Dental Assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of Approval without Reporting Requirements. 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 at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678.
Hennepin Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Institution of Higher Education, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504, 1-800-621-7440.
- American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA)*
- Minnesota Dental Assistants Association(MDAA)*
- Dental Assistant National Board (DANB)
*Students have the opportunity for membership in the ADAA and MDAA as student members.
All faculty are members of the American Dental Assistants Association, MN Dental Assistants Association, MN Educators of Dental Assistants (MEDA) and are certified by the Dental Assistant National Board (DANB).
Industry Partners
The purpose of the Dental Assistant Advisory Committee is to promote a partnership between career and technical education, business labor and the communities they serve. Advisory committee members provide input on program structure, curriculum, technology, and student preparation.
Equipment & Supplies Donation: Contact the Hennepin Tech Foundation at Foundation@HennepinTech.edu.
Hennepin Technical College builds cooperative relationships and partnerships with other educational institutions, business, and industry to help position Hennepin Tech graduates to compete in a global markerplace. These business and industry connections help make Hennepin Tech one of the leaders in education for employment.
Advisory Committee Affiliations:
- Children's Dental Services
- Heartland / Metro Dental Care
- Park Dental
- Patterson Dental
USDE Professional Licensure Disclosure
The Hennepin Tech Dental Assistant curriculum is designed to help prepare students to sit for the professional licensure exam for Minnesota. At this time, Hennepin Tech is unable to make a determination if the Dental Assistant program meets the licensing requirement for any state or US protectorate besides Minnesota. You will want to contact the licensing board in which state you intend to pursue licensure for their requirements, below we provide a link to a list of each states licensing board. If you have further questions about licensure for Dental Assistants please feel free to reach out to the Dental Assistant Program Director.
For more information on state licensing boards and their contact information for Dental Assistants please visit the Dental Assisting National Board website.
Last reviewed 03/28/2025
How to Apply
Ready to start your journey at Hennepin Tech? Learn the skills you’ll need to succeed and follow our simple application process to take the first step toward your career goals.
Licensure Exam Results
The 2024 pass rates for the DANB licensure exams are:
- General Chairside Assisting (GC) Exam: 76%
- Radiation Health & Safety: 100%
- Infection Control (ICE) Exam: 84%
Skills Required
Personal qualities considered essential for this occupation are the ability to work well with others, the desire to be a part of a professional team, manual dexterity, good communication skills, and the ability to follow direct supervision.
Program Requirements
Prerequisites:
Students are required to complete the following prior to the first semester:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Tetanus vaccination (TDAP) within the last 10 years
- Hepatitis B Vaccination (2 vaccinations of a series of 3 must be completed)
- Mantoux testing required within first two weeks of fall semester courses
- Dental Immunization Form
First semester:
- Completed the EMSV1020 CPR/First Aid course or current CPR. CPR must be BLS from either the American Heart Association or American Red Cross and contain a hands-on component.
- COMM1250 Interpersonal Communication (C or better grade) or COMM1260 Small Group Communication (C or better grade)
- DNTL1121 Dental Science (C or better grade)
- ENGL1100 Writing and Research or ENGL1250 Short Form Composition and Reporting (C or better grade)
Important information while in the program:
- Current certification of Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is mandatory throughout the entire program, including externships. Proof of current CPR certification is also required in order to take the national certification examinination.
- Minnesota law requires a background study for any persons who provide services that involve direct contact with children, patients, and residents at a health or child care faciltiy licensed by the State of Minnesota. Contact the Department of Human Services (651-431-2000) with questions.
- A written notification is required from a physician or obstetrician for a pregnant student to continue enrollment in Radiology, expanded functions, and clinical externships.
- Information is available on the Hennepin Tech website and from enrollment advisors, Hennepin Tech counselors, and dental assistant program faculty which state the risks of entering this profession in regard to bloodborne pathogens and disease transmission, including needlesticks.
- The final term of the program includes unpaid externships at two different clinics around the Twin Cities. More information will be shared the first day of class once accepted into the program.
Application Process
