Dental Assistant

Campus(s): Penn Valley: Health Science Institute
Program Coordinator: Carol Gohdes, 816.604.4237
Application deadline: March 1

Degree and Certificates Awarded

• A.A.S: Dental Assisting
• Certificate: Dental Assisting

Description

Dental assistants prepare patients, sterilize and disinfect instruments, set up instrument trays, prepare materials and assist the dentist during dental procedures.

In our program, you'll learn to:

• expose x-rays
• record treatment information
• provide postoperative instructions prescribed by dentist
• assist dentist in managing medical and dental emergencies
• take and record medical and dental histories and vital signs of patients
• instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control programs
• order and monitor dental supplies and equipment inventory
• clean and polish removable appliances
• make preliminary impressions for study casts.

Our program offers a one-year certificate program and a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree. You will build your skill through extensive lab and hands-on training at community clinics, private practice and the UMKC School of Dentistry.

You will be prepared to enter the workforce as a trained dental assistant and certified expanded-duties dental assistant and will be eligible to take the national certifying examination given by the Dental Assisting National Board.

Accreditation: The program in dental assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation [and has been granted the accreditation status of “approval” without reporting requirements].  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 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.

To Apply

1. New students send application for admission to Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley and have all high school, GED and college transcripts sent to the records office.
2. Download the application.
3. Return completed program application by March 1 for admission to the program.
4. Applications will be screened for completeness and qualified applicants will be notified for the interview time.
5. The most qualified applicants will be selected based on the following criteria:
   1. Results of college placement tests.
   2. Academic performance and completion of prerequisites.

Additional steps are required for acceptance into this program beyond the standard MCC Admissions Application. Please download the document detailing dental program admission. It can be found in the right column of this page, labeled Dental Assisting Application Process.