2024-2025 Course Catalog
Dental Assistant, Diploma
Location(s):
Ankeny
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 Return to: Ankeny Campus Programs
The Dental Assistant program prepares the student, as a member of the dental health team, to assist the dentist in all phases of dentistry. The program includes general and specialty dentistry, chairside procedures, radiology, laboratory and business office assisting.
An integral part of the educational program is clinical experience; this is provided by rotation through various dental facilities.
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 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is: https://www.ada.org/en/coda.
Note: Criminal background checks will be completed on each student. Criminal convictions or documented history of abuse may delay or prevent students from participating in clinical education experiences. Students unable to participate in clinical education will be unable to complete the Dental Assistant program.
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Students start Fall semester
Program Entry Requirements
- Complete an application for admission.
- Satisfy the assessment requirement by obtaining a minimum ACCUPLACER Next Gen Reading score of 248 or a minimum ACT Reading score of 19.
- Obtain a minimum ACCUPLACER Next Gen Writing score of 254 or a minimum ACT Writing score of 19.
- Submit proof of high school graduation or GED prior to enrollment.
- High school biology or equivalent with a grade of “C” or better is required.
- Attend any required information/registration session.
- Keyboard skills of 35 NWPM with no more than five errors is strongly recommended.
- Recommend taking the three (3) General Education courses prior to August program start.
- 3 Credits of any SOC or PSY
- 3 Credits of any AAS Math or Science
- 3 Credits of any AAS Communication
Graduation Requirements
To earn a Dental Assistant diploma, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. Note:
Graduates may immediately sit for the National Board exam to become a Certified Dental Assistant. Total Credits Required to Complete this Diploma - 42
Fixed Costs
Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$193.00 per credit
The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.
Varied Costs
| Costs |
Semester1 |
Semester 2 |
Semester3 |
| Books (approximate) |
1500 |
300 |
100 |
| Uniforms/safety glasses/disposables |
500 |
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100 |
| DANB & Iowa Dental board exam fees |
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510 |
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| Transportation to clinical |
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400 |
| Hepatitis vaccine |
200 |
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| Student Association Dues |
45 |
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| CPR Certification |
90 |
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| Physical/Dental exam |
355 |
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| Lab Fees, Dental Materials, Radiography, Principles |
300 |
150 (Radiography Clinical Dental Assisting Lab Fees) |
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Approximate total for the program: $12,656**
**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.
The Dental Assistant program utilizes a background check service, this service will conduct criminal background/abuse checks and used to track immunizations, health records and CPR certification for each student after acceptance into the program.
What Kind of Work Will You Do?
- Assist dentist at chairside in delivering care to a patient. This may include seating the patients, adjusting the chair, placing a bib on the patient, operating the x-ray machine, developing and mounting x-rays, mixing filling materials and dental cements, and handing them to the dentist when they are needed.
- May serve as a receptionist, office manager, bookkeeper, secretary, laboratory assistant or preventive assistant.
- Might work for a specialist in the dental field such as an orthodontist who straightens teeth, an oral surgeon who removes teeth and performs other surgical procedures on the mouth, or a pedodontist who works on child patients only.
- Perform intraoral functions as delegated by the dentist within the limits of the State Practice Act.
- Sterilize instruments and pour plaster and stone models in the laboratory.
- Infection control and hazardous waste management.
What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?
- Knowledge of high school biology and ability to type 35 WPM is necessary to be successful.
- Excellent attendance and promptness are necessary.
- Perform activities in an organized and detailed manner.
- Apply knowledge from the biological, physical and social sciences.
- Take initiative in resolving patient care problems.
- Communicate easily with patients and coworkers.
- Good finger dexterity and eye/hand coordination.
What Else Should I Consider about this Diploma program?
- You will have to put your fingers in the patient’s mouth.
- Necessary physical and emotional stamina to meet demands of rigorous program.
- Must provide own transportation to clinical sites.
- Dealing with the diversity of patients’ personalities and dental problems is challenging and rewarding.
- You may have to work some Saturdays and evenings.
- Criminal background checks will be completed on each student. Criminal convictions or documented history of abuse may delay or prevent students from participating in clinical education experiences. Students unable to participate in clinical education will be unable to complete the Dental Assistant program.
- Average starting salary $44,000 (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022)
Program Competencies
1. Recognize the interrelationships of the biologic sciences on the diagnosis, treatment, and professional management of dental disease
2. Prepare students to successfully pass the Dental Assisting National Board Exam (DANB)
3. Work competently in four-handed dentistry
4. Implement current guidelines for infection control; aseptic technique and hazardous control protocols
5. Educate patients on oral hygiene techniques and other preventive dental care measures
6. Demonstrate preparation, use, and manipulation of dental materials and other laboratory procedures
7. Demonstrate effective communication techniques with all members of the dental team, patients, and others in the professional community
8. Comply with all federal, state, and local guidelines governing the practice of dentistry and dental assisting
AY2025
Nondiscrimination Statement
Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs.
Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Executive Campus Dean’s office, the Executive Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.
DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics
Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at Academic Pathway website.(2024)
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Return to: Ankeny Campus Programs
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