Dental Assisting

What is Dental Assisting?

A Dental Assistant functions effectively as an integral member of the dental health team and performs chairside assisting and related office and laboratory procedures under the direct supervision of a dentist.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Dental Assisting program, plan on attending a pre-admission conference or contact the program coordinator.

What are my career choices?

An example of workplaces in your local area:

• Dental offices
• Schools
• Public Health Clinics

What are my degree, diploma, or certificate options?

Diploma(s)

Dental Assisting | Download the academic plan

Diploma programs are usually short-term and less comprehensive than associate's degree programs. WKCTC offers diploma programs as educational opportunities for students who aren't pursuing full-time degrees. Diploma programs usually consist of several courses in a specific subject area or skill and can lead you toward entry-level employment in a professional field.

How do I apply for this program?

The application deadline for the dental assisting program is April 1. Send an email to Allison Hopkins to request your Application Packet. allison.hopkins@kctcs.edu    

Submit verification of attendance at a Pre-Admission Conference. The pre-admission conferences are scheduled each month from September to March (December excluded) at 3:30pm CST in the WKCTC Anderson Technical Building Room 238:

• Dates for 2021-2022:

  September 15, 2021
  October 20, 2021
  November 17, 2021
  January 19, 2022
  February 16, 2022
  March 2, 2022

If you are unable to physically attend one of the scheduled pre-admission conferences, please contact:
Carrie Hopper, Dental Assisting Program Coordinator
At 270-534-3412 or carrie.hopper@kctcs.edu

Number of students accepted: 12

Verification of attendance at a pre-admission conference must be on file. Pre-admission conferences are offered the 3rd Wednesday of each month from September to March (excluding December). If you are unable to attend a pre-admission conference, you may contact the program coordinator to schedule a conference.

Length of Program

The Dental Assisting program is completed in a fall and spring semester.

Additional Resources / Training

• DentalAssistant.org
• Dental Assistant Application Packet
• Download HIPAA Training Information
• Download Bloodborne Pathogens Training Information
• Visit CastleBranch
• Commission on Dental Accreditation - Posting Form for Third Party Comments

Field Licensure Requirements

Upon completion of the program, students must pass the Dental Assisting exam to become certified. CPR certification at healthcare provider level, proof of immunizations, background checks, and drug screens are required after a student is admitted and prior to starting the first semester of the program.

Accreditation / Program Success

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.

This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.

Financial Resources

How to Apply for Scholarships

How to Pay for College