Online through Blackboard (144 hours) with an in-person externship (300 hours) with an affiliated dental office. 

• $1,250 if already working in a clinic
  • Requires employment and sponsorship by a dental office
• $1,750 if not working in a clinic
  • Includes facilitating the placement of student for chairside hours acquired through a dental office

Modern Dental Assisting, 14th Edition
Available for purchase through the BSC Bookstore.

Additional expenses may vary based on externship clinic requirements. These may include:

• Scrubs
• Shoes
• Lab jacket
  Please verify with your clinic before purchasing.

Proof of immunizations and results must be provided ten (10) business days prior to the start of in-clinic chairside hours. Students must adhere to the policies of the facility where they are externing. These are not BSC requirements but requirements of the host clinic. Clinical affiliation policies should be obtained directly through the host facility and reviewed by students for full details and exemption allowances.

BSC cannot guarantee an exemption request will be granted. Exemption requests must be made in writing and are subject to review and approval by the host facility.

TB testing, seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are provided by Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health or the UND Center for Family Medicine.

Temporary or permanent conditions limiting the ability to perform the essential student requirements must be communicated to the program coordinator.

Most assignments and submissions in this course are graded on a Pass/Fail basis through blackboard. There are designated exams at the end of each course module (ICE, AMP, RHS) that require a competency-based grade. Each of these exams must be passed with a score of 80% or higher. Comprehension and mastery of this material are critical to student success and patient safety.

In addition to online coursework, students must complete 300 hours of clinical assisting and demonstrate competency in required skills.

Yes

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.

Course Covers:

• Radiation Health and Safety (RHS)

• Submission of diagnostic-quality radiographic images demonstrating competency

Format: Online (self-paced)

Tuition: $475

Prerequisites: Employment and sponsorship by a dental office

Students may stop at this point or continue on to complete full QDA licensure by enrolling in the QDA-LRR to QDA program.

Course Covers:

• Infection Control (ICE)

• Anatomy, Morphology and Physiology (AMP)

• 300 hours of clinical assisting

Format: Online (self-paced) + in-person externship

Tuition: $775

Prerequisites:

• Completion of BSC’s QDA-LRR course

• Current employment with a sponsoring dental office