Dental Assisting

The Dental Assisting program is a one year, technical certificate program that prepares graduates to enter the profession of dental assisting. During the one year cohort, students receive an in-depth education in many aspects of dentistry including clinical practice, oral and human anatomy, dental materials and radiology. Included in the radiology training, students will take the Dental Assisting National Board Radiation Health and Safety exam and will be eligible to apply for a state license after graduation. The Dental Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.

The Dental Assisting program is a selective program. When you apply to the college, you will be accepted into the undeclared program while you complete the prerequisite requirements. The dental assisting program accepts a limited number of students each year and there is a separate application process. Contact your campus of interest below for more details.

Check out the Ivy Tech Guided Pathway to Success (Ivy Tech GPS) icons to map out your pathway for success.


WHY CHOOSE THE DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM? If you enjoy working with and caring for people and thrive in a fast paced environment, dental assisting may be for you. The dental profession is a very rewarding career. The dental assistant performs and assists with an extensive variety of dental treatments. Therefore, each day is a new creation of its own. Not only does the profession present the opportunity for one to work with a wide array of amazing patients, one gets to experience the gratification received from performing their best dental health care skills and practices. The Dental Assisting program at Ivy Tech Community College produces quality graduates to enter this fascinating field of health care. During the student's educational journey one will participate in lectures, labs and clinicals to equip and strengthen them as a person and as a dental professional. Throughout the course of the program, students will be introduced to knowledge and skills that will build on each other as the year progresses. In addition, students will be inspired by a diverse range of dental professionals as they share their time with us on campus and in their dental offices. The students networking possibilities start on the first day of class. The Dental Assisting instructors have numerous years of experience in the dental field and are eager to share their passion for their profession with their students. These instructors will be happy to discuss the details of their program. Contact your campus of interest for more information. For more information about dental assisting, visit the American Dental Assistant's Association website.

SAMPLE CAREERS IN THIS FIELD Dental Assistant

DEGREES AVAILABLE Technical Certificate. NOTE: The number of credits required for a degree or certification is based on students who are program-ready and does not include non-academic skills courses. Availability of degrees varies by campus. Contact your campus of interest below for more information.


TECHNICAL CERTIFICATE IN DENTAL ASSISTING (Minimum of 41 credit hours)
The Technical Certificate in Dental Assisting can be earned on the way to acquiring the Associate of Applied Science degree. Many available jobs require advanced education beyond the high school diploma. Technical Certificate programs provide education in conceptual and technical skills for specific occupations. The program content is designed to develop competency in the comprehension of general and technical skills. Certificate programs require mastery of basic reading, writing, mathematical and quantitative skills. Program and Employment Information

LOCATIONS
The Dental Assisting program is offered at the following campuses. Please click on the campus of interest below for contact and campus specific program information:

Columbus/Franklin

Faculty Contact:
Christy Ross, CDA, MS
Dental Assisting Program Chair
Assistant Professor
cross@ivytech.edu
812-374-5179

» Program Information and Application (pdf)

Accrediting Agencies for Dental Assisting

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
30 North LaSalle Street
Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602-1504

American Dental Association Commission Of Dental Accreditation
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611-2678
(312) 440-2915

East Central (Anderson, Marion, Muncie, New Castle)

Application Deadline:

October 21 for classes starting in January

Contact:

Teresa A Macauley CDA, EFDA, MS

Dental Assisting Program Chair

Associate Professor

765-643-7133 ext. 2369

tmacaule@ivytech.edu

Program Information and Application (pdf)

Kokomo (Kokomo, Logansport, Wabash)

Contact

Information Packet

Kristy Parker, program chair
866-457-0891, ext. 104

Lafayette (Crawfordsville, Lafayette)

For an overview of the Dental Assisting program and information on how to apply to the program, see Program Overview and Application Booklet (PDF)

Contact

Missy Ticen
Program Chair, Dental Assisting
(765) 269-5720

North Central (Elkhart, South Bend, Warsaw)

text