Dental Assisting

Female dental technician working with equipment on practice manikin.

Department: Dental Assisting

Program Type: Health Professions

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Overview

A dental assistant is an essential member of the dental team, supporting both the dentist and patients during a wide range of clinical procedures. Dental assistants help anticipate the dentist’s needs during treatments in general dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, prosthodontics, endodontics, orthodontics, and pediatric dentistry. They also manage critical infection-control tasks, including disinfection and sterilization protocols, perform laboratory procedures such as dental radiographs, handle front-office and receptionist duties, and educate patients on preventive dental care.

Elgin Community College’s Dental Assisting program offers three stackable certificates completed over three semesters. Each certificate provides the knowledge and hands-on experience needed for a successful dental assisting career. Training takes place in modern, high-tech facilities, where courses include classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and real clinical experience. All on- and off-campus learning is supervised by highly experienced dental professionals to ensure students are well-prepared for the dental workforce.

Accreditation

The ECC Clinical Dental Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), a division of the American Dental Association (ADA), 211 East Chicago Avenue, Suite 1900, Chicago, IL 60611-2678, 312-440-4653.

Prepare for Immediate Employment

The future employment outlook for dental assistants is positive. Growth is attributed to an increase in the aging population and a growing emphasis on preventive dental care. As more people gain access to dental insurance and can afford dental visits, the demand for dental assistants is expected to increase. Refer to Career Coach for more information regarding related occupations and compensation.

Plan of Study and Course Descriptions

Review the ECC catalog for details about the dental assisting plan of study and course descriptions.

Vocational Certificate

Clinical Dental Assisting

Basic Vocational Certificates

Dental Office Aide

This is the first of three dental assisting semesters. A Dental Office Aide certificate can be pursued separately as a Basic Vocational Specialist certificate or integrated into the dental assisting program. These first-semester courses establish a strong foundation for dental assistants, including dental anatomy, aseptic techniques, materials, and chairside assisting. These courses may also interest students who wish to explore other career options in dentistry.

Preclinical Dental Assisting

This is the second of three dental assisting semesters. Preclinical Dental Assisting can be pursued after completing the first semester, leading to a Basic Vocational Specialist certificate. Alternatively, the coursework can be integrated into the clinical dental assisting certificate program. Preclinical dental assistant students build on the Dental Office Aide Certificate by continuing their education with advanced courses in chairside assisting, dental materials, and additional courses in dental radiography, records, and communication. Preclinical dental assisting is the prerequisite to a Vocational Specialist certificate in clinical dental assisting.

Clinical Dental Assisting

The third and final semester of the Vocational Specialist certificate in clinical dental assisting focuses on hands-on practical experience gained through placement in an Elgin-area general practice and specialty dental office. Students acquire 336 clinical hours during this semester to complete the program. During or after this semester, you can take the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) examination, the nationally recognized certification organization for dental assistants, and become a certified dental assistant (CDA). This certification is recognized nationwide as a mark of high professional competence.

Additional Education Options

Students and employed dental assistants can take the DEA 113 Special Projects course for advanced training in coronal polishing and sealants.

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Video Overview

Elgin Community College Dental Assisting Program.

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