Open the door to the dental profession by training to become a dental assistant. Prepare to assist dentists & dental hygienists in providing safe and effective care for patients through sterilizing equipment, ensuring patient privacy and comfort, and communicating effectively and compassionately with patients of all ages. This 8-week program, DNTL 102, teaches you the knowledge and professionalism required to be a part of the dental team as you learn to utilize every day, entry-level dental assisting skills.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for dental assistants is expected to grow 6% from 2024-2034, faster than the average for all occupations. By the year 2032, projected regional jobs are to be approximately 1,920.
* Projected jobs are for regions roughly equating to HCC district 540.
There are many reasons to study at Heartland Community College.
You can find our graduates in private dental offices, group practices, hospitals, dental supply and dental manufacturing companies.
This course, DNTL 102, familiarizes students with all areas of pre-clinical dental assisting and provides training in the professional and interpersonal skills required to function as an assistant in a dental practice. The course covers foundational concepts, including the history of dental practice and dental assisting, oral anatomy, tooth structure, primary and permanent teeth, and the oral cavity and related structures.
The majority of the course focuses on core technical skills in dental assisting, including equipment use and function, proper patient positioning, dental handpieces, sterilization, and patient safety. Students also prepare for roles in dental office administration, including legal and regulatory aspects of dentistry, insurance billing and coding, maintaining dental records, ensuring patient privacy, and customer service skills. Students must earn a grade of C or better to receive the HCC Certificate of Completion.
This course is a specific requirement for an Associate of Applied Science or certificate program and may not transfer. Please consult with your advisor about transferability.
There are no formal prerequisites or placement testing requirements for this program.
We strongly recommend you attend one of these informational sessions. All information meetings are held at the main campus in Normal, IL, unless otherwise noted.
Adjunct Instructor I
Teaches: Dental Assistant Program
| Informational Session(s) | |
|---|---|
| Room | Day and Time |
| Please register for this event here. | Tuesday, March 3rd at 5:00 PM. |
Contact Financial Aid for information about scholarships or other assistance with program costs.
Heartland Community College tuition for credit courses is based on residency in District 540. Additional fees may apply. Click here for more information about residency.
Please see this page for additional information on how to apply for Work Ready scholarships.