Dental Assisting Diploma

The Dental Assisting program prepares you to assist a dentist, perform chairside clinical procedures, perform administration duties, and carry out dental laboratory work as a registered dental assistant. You gain knowledge and skills in:

• Dental terminology
• Preventative and oral health education
• Oral and dental anatomy
• Digital radiography
• Chairside procedures
• Computerized charting and record keeping
• Dental equipment
• Infection control

Explore Courses, Details, and Costs

You train in the state-of-the-art clinic featuring 24 patient chairs, digital patient software, and digital x-rays under the direct supervision of licensed dentists and dental professionals.

Clinical Experience

• Clinic 1: Gain 190 hours of hands-on experience, ensuring that you have the skills you need to succeed in your future career as a dental assistant.
• Clinic 2 (Externship): You gain 320 hours of hands-on experience in a real-world dental setting. This externship provides the opportunity to work alongside private practice dental professionals in the community. You apply your skills, enhance your clinical knowledge, and develop confidence in a professional environment.

Students in the Allied Dental Programs at Hawkeye Community College may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens, infectious diseases, and ionizing radiation. To ensure a safe learning environment, the Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene Programs provide education on safety policies. These policies are outlined in the school catalog, student and faculty handbooks, and program policies and procedures manuals. Students, faculty, and staff receive this information both verbally and in writing through established exposure control guidelines.

Radiation safety is a top priority. The radiology facilities are designed with safety in mind and radiation exposure is carefully monitored using USB radiation monitors. Additionally, all equipment is registered and maintained in compliance with State of Iowa safety regulations. The machines used for patient exposure are designed to minimize radiation, with the department utilizing phosphor plate and wired digital sensors for optimal safety.

The Allied Dental Programs are committed to meeting federal and state regulations regarding bloodborne pathogens and hazardous materials. Given the potential risks associated with treating patients in the clinic, sterilization, radiology, and dental laboratory settings, strict protocols are in place. These protocols ensure that ethical, legal, and regulatory standards are integrated into all aspects of the program, prioritizing the safety of students, faculty, and patients.

This program qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship and will pay up to 100% of your tuition.

You must apply for, be awarded, and meet the ongoing eligibility requirements for the Last-Dollar Scholarship.

This is a partial list of employers who hire Dental Assisting graduates:

• Delta Dental of Iowa, Johnston, IA
• Dental Associates of Manchester, Manchester, IA
• Henry Schein Dental, Melville, NY
• Iowa Department of Public Health, Des Moines, IA
• Kimball & Beecher Family Dentistry, Waterloo, IA
• Patterson Dental Supply, Inc., Des Moines, IA
• Peoples Community Health Clinic, Inc., Waterloo, IA

Graduates are eligible to take the state (RDA) or national (CDA) exams.

Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

Take three board exams covering Radiography, Jurisprudence, and Infection Control. These exams will be taken within the program.

Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)

CDA is the national board exam through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). At this time, this is an optional board exam in the State of Iowa.

Licensure and Certification Disclosure

The Dental Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. Allied Dental Professions graduates are eligible to take necessary Examinations of their choice. Successful completion of board examinations is required to receive a registration to practice in the State of Iowa.

Commission on Dental Accreditation
American Dental Association
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
312-440-4653

www.ada.org/en/coda

Policy on Third Party Comments [pdf]

Enrollment

• 16 total students in the Dental Assistant program.

Dental Assisting National Board Certified Dental Assisting Exam

• Taken: No report available
• Passed: No report available

Iowa Dental Board Radiology *

• Taken: 16
• Passed: 16 (100%)

Iowa Dental Board Infection Control *

• Taken: 16
• Passed: 16 (100%)

Iowa Dental Board Jurisprudence for Iowa License *

• Taken: 16
• Passed: 16 (100%)

Job Placement

• Job placement as of July 1, 2024: 14 (87.5%)

* Exam currently required by Iowa

1. Perform general chairside procedures.
2. Identify structures and functions of dental anatomy.
3. Identify dental instruments and equipment.
4. Apply principles of microbiology and disease prevention with infection control procedures.
5. Classify common pharmaceutical drugs and medications used in dentistry and their effects.
6. Identify and respond to dental office emergencies, vital signs, and CPR.
7. Complete intraoral radiographic imaging.
8. Manipulate dental materials according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
9. Implement principles of preventative dental care.
10. Apply the legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities of a dental assistant.
11. Demonstrate professional characteristics of an entry-level dental assistant.
12. Recognize oral pathologic conditions. 
13. Identify dental specialties and their respective procedures.
14. Demonstrate technological improvements in the dental setting.

Upon successful completion of the program, a dental assistant should be able to:

1. Provide a safe environment for patients and other dental professionals.
2. Apply evidence-based theory in dental procedures to need the needs of the population being served.
3. Perform chairside, administrative, radiographic, and laboratory procedures.
4. Promote and participate in preventative dental care.
5. Demonstrate professionalism and ethics.
6. Pursue continuing education for lifelong learning.
7. Successfully complete the state board exam to become a registered dental assistant.

The Dental Assisting program equips students with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to excel as vital member of the dental team. Graduates will be prepared to perform a variety of clinical and administrative duties, as well as complete essential dental laboratory tasks as entry-level dental assistants. Upon successful completion of the program, they will apply their skills to support local businesses, enhance community well-being, and contribute to improving the overall quality of life for the populations they serve.