Welcome to Dental Assisting
Accreditation
The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the status of Accreditation without reporting requirements. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission of Dental Accreditation can be contact at 312-440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the college is granted to all individuals who are high school graduates or the equivalent; however, some programs may require additional information for acceptance. We encourage you to review our Getting Started Checklist for specific requirements for admission.
Obtain certification in cardiopulmonary resusitation (CPR) through a "nationally recognised course" such as the American Red Cross, the American Heart Assocaition or the National Safety Council. The Dental Assistant National Board will require proof of current CPR.
Sources for CPR certification include: (click on link)
Student Testimonials
"Now that I am in the working world I have found that many offices are more eager to hire new graduates from Iowa Western Community College than from any other school. This makes me feel more proud of my alum and of what I've accomplished"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Trisha Cusick, CDA
"When I chose Iowa Western Community College to receive my education, I had no doubt in my mind this would be the place to attend. After graduating with the knowledge and experience I was able to go out into my community with confidence".~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Amy Taylor, CDA, RDA
Dental Assistant Program Philosophy
There is a definite need for formally educated dental assistants. The course of study must be made available to any student regardless of race, color, creed or religion.
The faculty is responsible for utilizing all available teaching tools, techniques and methods to stimulate the learning process of the student.
The student is responsible for comprehension and assimilation of specialized knowledge, skills and concepts embodied within the program objectives.
The course of study must be consistently reviewed and updated to assure the student is competent in performing four handed dentistry, intra-oral functions and other chairside related procedures.
The education of the student does not end with graduation but must continue as a life long learning process, an essential component to a successful career in dental assisting.
Scholarship Information
Juliette A. Southard/Oral B Laboratories Scholarship Program. This scholarship is awarded annually to students enrolled in a dental assistant program. Applications are available December 1 each year with a deadline of January 31st each year. This is a national award and candidates are considered on the basis of academic achievement, ability and interest in the career of dental assisting.
Iowa Dental Foundation
Omaha District Dental Society – Awards a scholarship yearly to a Nebraska resident enrolled in the dental assisting program at Iowa Western Community College.
Iowa Western Community College has many scholarship opportunities available for new and continuing students. We encourage you to take a moment to explore these options by visiting our Scholarships Page
General Information
- Graduates of the 10 ½ month program earn a diploma.
- 108 hours (4 weeks) of clinical experience is received at Creighton University School of Dentistry during spring semester
- Summer session clinical experience (8 weeks) is received at selected off-site dental offices and clinics
- Eighteen (18) students are admitted each fall semester
- Classes are held during the day, Monday through Friday.
- Courses must be taken in sequence as stated in the curriculum; a minimum grade of “C” is required in each course to progress in the program
Employment Outlook & Career Opportunities
There is a continued demand for employment of dental assistants in all areas of the United States. Effective July 1, 2001, all dental assistants practicing in Iowa must be registered with the Iowa Board of Dental Examiners.
Career opportunities include:
- Private dental offices
- Group dental practices
- Specialty dental offices
- Dental colleges
- Dental product sales
- Insurance claims departments
- Public health institutions and clinics
Career information
Every state determines its educational requirements and determines what tasks can be performed by dental assistants in their states. Several states, including Iowa, have Expanded Function training that allows assistants trained in Expanded Functions to perform additional tasks. Iowa Western Community College offers class through our Continuing Education Program
Some general responsibilities of the Dental Assistant include; but are not limited to:
- Patient Education
- Infection Control
- Exposure and processing dental radiographs
- Taking impressions for study models
- Performing coronal polish
- Placement and removal of matrix systems
- Preparing, placing and removal of dental dam
- Preparation of materials used in restoring teeth
- Basic laboratory procedures
- Applying Fluoride treatments
- Applying Topical Anesthetic
Certification
The Dental Assistant National Board (www.danb.org) is recognized by the American Dental Association (www.ada.org/) as the national credentialing agency for dental assistants. DANB serves the public good by providing a means of identifying qualified and competent dental assistants. It is recommended that graduates of the dental assistant program at IWCC sit for the DANB exam at the completion of the program. Upon successful completion of the DANB exam, a dental assistant may use the CDA credential after his/her name. The certification must be renewed yearly.
Registration
Effective July 1, 2001, all dental assistants practicing in the state of Iowa must be registered with the Iowa Board of Dental Examiners. To become registered, a dental assistants takes a 3 part exam through the Iowa Board of Dental Examiners. Once registered, there are continuing education requirements to remain current.
Links:
Dental Assistant National Board
Iowa Board of Dental Examiners
Iowa Western Community College Scholarship Information
Contact Information:
Sue Norman, CDA, BA
Program Chair, Associate Professor
712-325-3469
1-800-432-5852 x3469
E-mail: snorman@iwcc.edu
or you may contact the
Admissions Office 712-325-3277
800-432-5852 x3277