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

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 Dental Assisting program is a selective admissions program. Each applicant must submit the following credentials by April 1 in order to be considered by the committee for fall semester admission of the same year. Admission is based upon a point system that is designed to objectively evaluate applicants. Applicants with the highest total points will be admitted to the program. 

Selective Admission Points

Send an email request to Program Coordinator, Mrs. Allison Hopkins to request your Application Packet at 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 2023-2024:

  September 20, 2023
  October 18, 2023
  November 15, 2023
  January 17, 2024
  February 14, 2024
  March 13, 2024

If you are unable to physically attend one of the scheduled pre-admission conferences, please contact:
Allison Hopkins
At (270) 534-3382 or allison.hopkins@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.

Throughout the two semesters, graduates will also be certified in radiation health and safety, coronal polishing, and expanded duties (lab competency).

Additional Resources / Training

• DentalAssistant.org
• Commission on Dental Accreditation - Site Visit Process and Schedule
• If you would like to make an appointment with the University of Louisville onsite dental clinic, please contact them directly at (270) 534-3437.

WKCTC Trainings

• HIPAA Training Information
• Bloodborne Pathogens Training Information
• Visit CastleBranch

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