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 or placement testing requirements for this program.
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 for the Dental Assistant program.
Heartland Community College tuition for credit courses is based on residency in district 540. Additional fees may apply. Click here for more information about residency.
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.
Informational Session(s) Day Time Room Wednesday, February 25th
5:00 p.m.
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