An embodiment of a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a first dielectric layer disposed over the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate, and a first current-carrying electrode and a second current-carrying electrode formed over the semiconductor substrate within openings formed in the first dielectric layer. A control electrode is formed over the semiconductor substrate and disposed between the first current-carrying electrode and a second current-carrying electrode and over the first dielectric layer. A first conductive element is formed over the first dielectric layer, adjacent the control electrode and between the control electrode and the second current-carrying electrode. A second dielectric layer is disposed over the control electrode and over the first conductive element. A second conductive element is disposed over the second dielectric layer and over the first conductive element.