Kishwaukee College
Kishwaukee College, located in Malta, Illinois, offers a Dental Assistant program designed to prepare students for careers in the dental field. This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and meets the educational requirements for certification as a Dental Assistant in the state of Illinois.
The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience in a dental office. Students learn the fundamentals of dental assisting, including dental anatomy, infection control, patient communication, and basic dental procedures such as taking X-rays, making impressions, and assisting with dental surgeries.
In addition to the technical skills, the program also emphasizes professionalism and communication skills. Students learn how to communicate effectively with patients, dentists, and other dental team members, as well as how to manage the administrative tasks associated with dental offices.
The program at Kishwaukee College is designed to be completed in one year, with classes held during the day. To be eligible for the program, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and complete a placement test to demonstrate college-level reading, writing, and math skills.
Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certification exam, which is a requirement for certification in many states. Graduates of the program are also eligible to become members of the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA), which provides additional resources and networking opportunities.
Overall, the Dental Assistant program at Kishwaukee College provides students with a comprehensive education in dental assisting, preparing them for rewarding careers in the dental field.