Dental Assistant Externship in Minnesota

Find DA externship opportunities across Minnesota. Connect with 3,400+ dental practices, oral surgery centers, and specialty clinics to gain hands-on chairside experience.

3,400+

Dental Facilities

955+

Job Openings

$0

To Enroll

$850

To Complete

Self-Managed Externship: EHired does NOT place, arrange, or supervise externships. You contact dental facilities directly to arrange your own placement. This approach gives you flexibility to choose sites near your home and build direct relationships with potential employers.

What is a Dental Assistant Externship?

A dental assistant externship provides hands-on clinical experience in real dental settings. You'll work alongside licensed dentists and dental hygienists, applying classroom knowledge to actual patient care situations.

Our externship is optional and flexible—you decide when and where to complete it. Many students find that externship experience significantly improves their job prospects, though it's not required to complete our program.

EHired's training prepares you for entry-level dental assistant positions. Professional certifications such as DANB CDA (Certified Dental Assistant) are offered by independent credentialing organizations and are optional but can enhance your credentials when you're ready.

Skills You'll Practice

  • Chairside assisting during procedures
  • Instrument sterilization & infection control
  • Treatment room setup & breakdown
  • Patient scheduling & dental charting
  • Impression taking & suctioning
  • Patient communication & education

DA Externship Sites in Minnesota

Explore dental facilities across Minnesota that may accept externship students. Contact facilities directly to inquire about externship opportunities.

🏙️ Twin Cities Metro (Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota Counties)

Minnesota's population center with University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.

🦷 General & Family Dentistry

Aspen Dental Minneapolis, Park Dental (Minnesota-based, 50+ locations), Dental Associates St. Paul, Bloomington Family Dentistry, Edina Dental Care, Plymouth Dental, Eagan Dental Group

🔬 Specialty Practices

University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Clinics, Twin Cities Oral Surgery, Minnesota Orthodontics, Metro Periodontics, Children's Minnesota Dental, Midwest Endodontics

🏥 Dental Clinics & Community Health

University of Minnesota Dental Clinics, HealthPartners Dental, NorthPoint Health Dental, Community Health Service Dental, West Side Community Health Dental

💡 Tip: Twin Cities has University of Minnesota School of Dentistry—excellent externship opportunity. Park Dental is Minnesota-based with 50+ locations. Very competitive but abundant.

🏥 Rochester/Southeast Minnesota (Olmsted County)

Mayo Clinic headquarters with world-class dental services.

🦷 General & Family Dentistry

Aspen Dental Rochester, Rochester Family Dental, Mayo Clinic Dental, Winona Dental Care, Austin Dental, Owatonna Dental Group

🔬 Specialty Practices

Mayo Clinic Dental Specialties, Rochester Oral Surgery, Southeast Minnesota Orthodontics, Mayo Periodontics, Pediatric Dentistry of Rochester

🏥 Dental Clinics & Community Health

Olmsted Medical Center Dental, Mayo Clinic Community Dental, Semcac Dental Clinics, Winona Health Dental

💡 Tip: Rochester has Mayo Clinic—world-class dental services. Highly competitive but unparalleled training opportunity. Growing community with healthcare focus.

🌲 Duluth/Northern Minnesota (St. Louis County)

Iron Range and Lake Superior region with regional dental services.

🦷 General & Family Dentistry

Aspen Dental Duluth, Duluth Family Dental, Superior Dental (WI accessible), Hibbing Dental Care, Virginia Dental, Ely Dental

🔬 Specialty Practices

Duluth Oral Surgery, Northland Orthodontics, Lake Superior Periodontics, Pediatric Dentistry of Duluth

🏥 Dental Clinics & Community Health

Community Health Center Duluth Dental, Essentia Health Dental, St. Luke's Dental Clinic, Range Regional Health Dental

💡 Tip: Northern Minnesota has significant workforce shortages. Beautiful Lake Superior lifestyle attracts workers. Iron Range has mining community. Incentive packages available.

🌾 St. Cloud/Central Minnesota (Stearns, Wright Counties)

Regional center with growing dental services.

🦷 General & Family Dentistry

Aspen Dental St. Cloud, St. Cloud Dental Group, Willmar Family Dentistry, Alexandria Dental, Brainerd Dental Care, Fergus Falls Dental

🔬 Specialty Practices

St. Cloud Oral Surgery, Central Minnesota Orthodontics, Lakes Area Periodontics, Pediatric Dental Associates St. Cloud

🏥 Dental Clinics & Community Health

CentraCare Health Dental, Affiliated Community Health Dental, Lake Region Healthcare Dental, Community Health Service Dental

💡 Tip: Central Minnesota serves agricultural and resort communities. Growing St. Cloud area. Lake country has seasonal fluctuations but steady year-round demand.

How to Arrange Your Externship

1

Research Facilities

Identify dental practices, specialty offices, and clinics in your area that interest you.

2

Contact Directly

Call or email office managers to inquire about externship opportunities and requirements.

3

Schedule & Complete

Arrange hours that work for both parties. Our externship is flexible—no minimum hours required.

4

Build Relationships

Many externships lead directly to job offers. Treat every day as an extended interview.

Minnesota Dental Assistant Information

State Regulations

Minnesota requires dental assistant registration through the Minnesota Board of Dentistry. Licensed dental assistants can perform expanded functions. University of Minnesota is premier dental school.

Minnesota Dental Board

About Certifications

Professional certifications such as DANB CDA (Certified Dental Assistant) are offered by independent credentialing organizations. These certifications are optional but can enhance your credentials and earning potential.

EHired training prepares you for entry-level positions and helps build the knowledge foundation for pursuing optional certifications when you're ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find DA externship sites in Minnesota?
Minnesota has 3,400+ dental facilities. University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and Mayo Clinic offer excellent clinical experiences. Park Dental (Minnesota-based) has 50+ locations. Contact facilities directly about externships.
Does Minnesota require dental assistant registration?
Yes, Minnesota requires dental assistant registration through the Minnesota Board of Dentistry. Licensed dental assistants can perform expanded functions. Unlicensed assistants work under direct supervision for basic duties.
Can I get an externship at Mayo Clinic?
Mayo Clinic Dental in Rochester offers world-class clinical experiences. Contact their education office about externship opportunities. Very competitive but unparalleled training and career development.
What's Minnesota's dental assistant salary range?
Minnesota DA salaries: Twin Cities $32,000-$44,000, Rochester $34,000-$46,000 (Mayo influence), Duluth $28,000-$38,000, Greater Minnesota $26,000-$35,000. Strong healthcare sector supports wages.

Helpful Resources

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Free training. Flexible externship. Real career opportunities in Minnesota.

$0 to enroll • $850 to complete • Self-paced online training

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