Dental Assisting

Diploma

Apply

Hands-on, fast-paced and extremely rewarding. Our accredited Dental Assisting program prepares you for a great career through intense lab and clinical experiences. You graduate in high demand and highly valued for the essential role you play. 

What You Learn in the Dental Assisting Program

This is a comprehensive program. Learn to assist with preventive, diagnostic, operative, and specialty procedures. How to manage medical and dental emergencies. And how to talk to patients about oral health. Get invaluable hands-on learning in clinical settings. Bonus: many of our students land job offers before graduating. 

What Can I Do With a Dental Assistant Diploma?

You get to help dentists and patients. Polish teeth, take dental x-rays, and more. You can manage the office and patient accounts. Dental Assisting is a rewarding career with great earning potential, and skilled professionals are in demand here and across the U.S. Work in private offices, clinics, hospitals, and specialty practices such as pediatric dentistry and oral surgery. 

Get a year of clinical experience under your belt and return to EICC. We’ve got a quick Expanded Functions certificate you can complete at work and take your skills to the next level.

Or continue your education to become a dental hygienist through a unique partnership with Carl Sandburg College located in Galesburg, Illinois.

46Total Credits
Start with courses in Dental Science, Radiography, and Materials. Get an introduction to the profession and the equipment you use throughout the program and your career.
46Total Credits
Courses include Dental Health Education, Principals of Dental Assisting, and Communication for Healthcare Professionals. Complete your first clinical externship in a general dental office.
46Total Credits

Wrap up your diploma with courses in Office Procedures and Psychology. Complete clinical experiences in a general and a specialty dental office. When you are done, take the National Dental Assistant Certification exam and the Iowa Dental Assistant Registration exam.

A Solid Foundation

Dental Science

Start at the top

Dental Science

Learn head and neck anatomy, tooth morphology, and more.

Seminar

Let’s share

Seminar

Discuss clinical experiences and prepare to ace the Iowa Dental Board registration exam.

Communication

What’d you say?

Communication

Analyze and understand communication variables affecting human relationships.

Psychology

It's in the chair

Psychology

Examine the fundamentals of behavior.

SEE COURSE CATALOG

Similar Programs

Not quite right? Consider these instead:

Pre-Dental Hygiene

Radiologic Technology

Sonography

Medical Assistant

SEE ALL PROGRAMS

See our health programs in action

EICC hosted a multidisciplinary healthcare simulation at the Scott campus.

The 75-minute exercise followed the case of a 28-year-old pregnant patient who experiences an eclamptic seizure during a routine dental cleaning. After she's stabilized, first responders observe potential signs of intimate partner violence, prompting collaboration between healthcare providers, emergency personnel, and health information management professionals.

Ready to Apply? 

Our program prepares you to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam and the Iowa Board of Dental Examiners Radiography, Infection Control, and Jurisprudence State Board exams. Here's a few more details to note:

All students are required to submit evidence of good health through a physical examination and immunization form.

Each allied health student must have an insurance plan to cover any injury or illness requiring hospital treatment or surgery. 

Proof of successful completion of a CPR course (BCIS for health care providers) is required.

Student and instructor at table with textbook

Tutoring

Bring the assignment. Bring the question. Bring the part that isn’t clicking yet. Meet with a tutor on campus or online, drop in when available, or get feedback on your writing by email.

FIND TUTORING
Student sitting in chair with laptop

Counseling Services

Got a lot on your mind? EICC students can access free, confidential short-term counseling. Talk through stress, find coping strategies that work for you, or get connected to additional services when you want them.

GET HELP
 

Your Degree = Success

Complete your education in two years. Qualify for better jobs. Earn a higher salary. Enjoy a better quality of life. The benefits of an associate's degree are impressive and wide-ranging.

Explore the value of an associate’s degree

Employment and Wage Outlook

How to Pay for EICC

College costs add up. So do the ways to help pay for it. Start here, see what fits, and get help putting the pieces together.

Financial Aid 101

Fill out the FAFSA to see what federal and state aid you may qualify for, including grants, Work-Study, and federal student loans.

 
Complete the FAFSA

Scholarships

Here's a way to lower what you pay for college. Apply and see what’s available through EICC foundations and other supporters.

 
Apply for Scholarships

Grants & Work-Study

Grants can help cover college costs. If you qualify for Work-Study, you can earn a wage while you’re in school, plus a tuition stipend.

 
Grants & Work-Study
The Dental Assisting program 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 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is: https://www.ada.org/en/coda. 

Contact Admissions

Contact the admissions representative from the college you plan to attend. If you’re not sure, you may contact any rep. Each can answer questions about any college or program.

Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Request Info

Dental Assisting: Locations

Scott Community College

500 Belmont Rd.
Bettendorf, IA 52722
Map and Directions