Dental Assisting

Diploma, Certificate

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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. Iowa's Last-Dollar Scholarship may even cover your tuition.

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

Tour the Dental Assisting Lab

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.

Two students talking with Student Services staff member

Iowa's Last-Dollar Scholarship

You may be eligible to earn a degree in this high-demand field for zero tuition costs! You file for financial aid, and if your Expected Family Contribution is at or below $20,000, the state covers the remaining balance beyond the aid for which you are eligible. More than two dozen career programs qualify, including this one. File your FAFSA by July 15.

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Tutoring

Need some extra help? We offer drop-in and scheduled tutoring on each campus, and online, too. You can also get a writing consultation via email. Visit our tutoring centers for more information on services and schedules.

EXPLORE ACADEMIC RESOURCES
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Counseling Services

Yes, you can do this. You can achieve your goals, and we are here to help. Need some coping strategies or just want to talk? Our Student Assistance Program provides free, confidential mental health services, including short-term counseling. Meet with a counselor in person or via Telehealth. Just call 309-779-2273 or 800-383-7900 to schedule an appointment.

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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 is more affordable than you think, especially when you factor in federal and state aid, loan options, scholarships, institutional grants, and Work-Study.

Financial Aid 101

Complete the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for federal and state aid as well as federal loan programs.

 
Complete the FAFSA

Scholarships

Scholarships are investments from local donors who know you can succeed and make the world a better place, and so do we.

 
Apply for Scholarships

Grants & Work-Study

Apply for federal and state grants, and Work-Study programs where you can earn a wage — 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.

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Dental Assisting: Locations

Scott Community College

500 Belmont Rd.
Bettendorf, IA 52722
Map and Directions