Dental Assistant
Open the door into the dental profession by training to become a dental assistant. Prepare to assist dentists & hygienists in providing safe and effective care for patients through sterilizing equipment, ensuring patient privacy and comfort, and communicating effectively and compassionately with patients of all ages. This 8-week program, HS 102, teaches you the knowledge and professionalism required to be a part of the dental team as you learn to utilize every day, entry-level dental assisting skills.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for dental assistants is expected to grow 11% from 2016-2026, faster than the average for all occupations. By the year 2024, projected regional jobs are to be approximately 1,080.
* Projected jobs are for regions roughly equating to HCC district 540.
There are no formal prerequisites for this course; however, completion of placement tests or equivalent is required.
This course, HS 102, is to familiarize the student with all areas of pre-clinical dental assisting and provide training in the professional and interpersonal skills required to function as assistant in the dental practice. This course covers foundations in dental practice including the history of dental practice and dental assisting, as well as basic concepts in oral anatomy, tooth structure, primary and permanent teeth, the oral cavity, and related structures. The majority of the course will concentrate on core technical skills in dental assisting including equipment use and function, proper patient positioning, dental hand-pieces, and sterilization and patient safety. Students will also prepare for roles in dental office administration with instruction in legal and regulatory aspects of dentistry, as well as basic practices in insurance billing and coding, taking and keeping dental records, ensuring patient privacy, and customer service skills. Students must receive a grade of C or better to receive the HCC Certificate of Completion.
Career and Technical Course: This course is a specific requirement for an Associate of Applied Science or certificate program and may not transfer. Please consult with your advisor about transferability.
- Interested in this program? Click here to apply now.
Heartland Community College tuition for credit courses is based on residency in district 540. Additional fees may apply. Click here for more information.
Please see here for additional information on how to apply for Work Ready scholarships.
We strongly recommend you attend one of these informational sessions. All information meetings are held at the main campus in Normal, IL, unless otherwise noted.
Day Time Room Beginning May 1, 2020, and until further notice, informational meetings will be held virtually utilizing ZOOM. Please continue to check this site for dates and additional information.
Monday, Apr. 12, 2021
5 pm Work Ready Programs
Please contact the program coordinator listed below to request the ZOOM link for this Work Ready meeting.
Tuesday, Apr. 13, 2021
5 pm Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Please contact the program coordinator listed below to request the ZOOM link for this Physical Therapist Assistant meeting.
Wednesday, Apr. 14, 2021
4:30 pm Nursing Program
Please contact the program coordinator listed below to request the ZOOM link for this Nursing meeting.
Thursday, Apr. 15, 2021
5 pm Radiography Program
Please contact the program coordinator listed below to request the ZOOM link for this Radiography meeting.
Thursday, Apr. 15, 2021
5 pm Medical Assistant Program
Please contact the program coordinator listed below to request the ZOOM link for this Medical Assistant meeting.
To Be Determined
EMT/Paramedic Programs
Please contact the program coordinator listed below to request the ZOOM link for this EMT/Paramedic meeting.
Please contact the following program coordinator and request the ZOOM link for the meeting that you would like to attend:
EMT/Paramedic - Please contact Travis Wilson at twilson@mcleancountyems.org
Medical Assistant - Please contact Martha Stearns at martha.stearns@heartland.edu
Nursing - Please watch this brief informational video. Then contact Tara Morris at tara.morris@heartland.edu
Physical Therapist Assistant - Please contact Daryl Menke at daryl.menke@heartland.edu
Radiography - Please contact Jo Gramley at joan.gramley@heartland.edu
Work Ready Programs* - Please contact Kelly Pyle at kelly.pyle@heartland.edu
* Work Ready Programs currently consist of Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assistant, Phlebotomy, Veterinary Assistant, and Recovery Support Specialist.
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