Offered at Main Campus
The Dental Assisting program is a 12-month (four-term) program designed to prepare individuals to assist the dentist with patient care, expose and process dental radiographs, prepare procedural setups for dental treatment, maintain infection control and hazardous waste protocols and perform office administrative functions. Students meeting all program and graduation requirements will earn an IHCC diploma.
The program in Dental Assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. 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. The Commission’s web address is: http://www.ada.org/en/coda.
Dental Assistants who meet the eligibility and exam requirements can sit for the Dental Assisting National Board Examination and earn the credential of “Certified Dental Assistant” (CDA). State examination and registration with the Iowa Dental Board are required to practice in the State of Iowa and are separate from the DANB. The state requirements for “Registered Dental Assistant” (RDA) are structured within the program.
To apply, complete an IHCC application and submit high school transcripts or High School Equivalency Diploma scores and take one of the following: ACT, SAT or ACCUPLACER test. Testing may be scheduled by calling the IHCC Testing Center at (641) 683-5142 or (800) 726-2585, ext. 5142. This program begins in the Fall term of each year.
Criminal background, drug screening, and dependent adult and child abuse record checks are required prior to beginning the program.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of dental terminology and dental sciences
- Perform the clinical and administrative skills used by dental assistants in a variety of dental environments, including dental and medical emergencies
- Perform current guidelines of effective chairside assisting for general and dental specialty procedures
- Implement current guidelines of infection control, aseptic techniques and hazard control protocols
- Be knowledgeable of and comply with state and federal laws governing the practice of dentistry and dental assisting
- Promote preventive dental care and provide oral health instruction to patients and community groups
- Prepare, use, and manipulate dental materials and perform a variety of laboratory procedures
- Communicate effectively with patients and members of the dental team while conducting themselves in a responsible, professional and ethical manner
- Participate in leadership opportunities, professional organizations, and service to the community
Program Total: 46.5 Credits
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