Campus Location: Peosta
Program Entry: Enrollment may occur during any term. Fall term is the start of the program course sequence.
Award: Diploma
Description: The Dental Assisting curriculum is career-oriented. It prepares students to assist the dentist in all phases of dentistry. The program includes chairside procedures associated with general and specialty dentistry, radiology, laboratory and business office assistance Clinical experience is an integral part of the educational program with rotations through various dental facilities. After graduation, students have the flexibility of being employable nationwide.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) (www.ada.org/code) 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 and can be contacted at 312.440.4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.
Upon successful completion of the program, the student is eligible to take the Iowa Dental Board state registration exams to become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA). Graduates are also eligible to take examinations prepared by the Dental Assisting National Board to become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).
Program Learning Outcomes:
- Students will be able to demonstrate legal and ethical principles of patient care following CODA standards.
- Students will be able to understand dental sciences as it relates to dental health and disease processes.
- Students will be able to apply knowledge of standard precautions to prevent spread of disease.
- Students will be able to demonstrate proper general chairside skills.
- Students will be able to demonstrate proper radiographic and laboratory techniques.
- Students will be able to articulate effective oral and written communication skills.
- Students will be able to demonstrate proficiency of administrative office skills using current technology.
Program Admission: In addition to the College enrollment process , applicants must be a high school graduate or equivalent and achieve a minimum ACCUPLACER CLASSIC® reading score of 70 or ACCUPLACER NEXT GENERATION® reading score of 250. ACT® scores are also acceptable.
Academic Requirements: Students enrolled in health occupations programs must complete all required coursework with a “C-” grade or above and earn a minimum 2.0 grade point average to graduate from the program.
Program Requirements: Health Program Requirements
The College has contracted the services of CastleBranch to review and monitor background checks, health records, training requirements and drug testing. Students submit requirements to the website prior to the designated deadline date.
In addition to meeting requirements upon admission, students must maintain these requirements throughout the program. Failure to remain in compliance will result in denial for clinical participation. Clinical participation is required for program completion.
Please be aware of the following physical demands during your clinical education courses. Daily activities require bending, stooping, squatting, reaching, pushing and pulling in all directions. You will be asked to lift and carry objects weighing up to a minimum of 35 pounds and also shared weight. Clinical tasks require use of hands for repetitive action, such as simple and firm grasping and fine manipulation and walking, including stair stepping. You may also be in contact with communicable diseases and chemical/biohazardous materials and odors.
Minimum Credits: 45.25
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