
Dental Assisting Program
The Iowa Central Dental Assistant program will allow students to enter the workforce upon completion of the ten-month diploma program. The students will gain hands-on experience as a chairside assistant in the Iowa Central Dental Hygiene clinic and a clinical externship, This will allow graduates to successfully work in private dental offices, specialty offices, dental colleges, insurance claims, dental product sales, in government or public health institutions, and dental laboratories. Dental Assistant’s perform limited clinical duties under direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.
Application Process
- Complete an Iowa Central Community College admissions application. This application can be found at www.iowacentral.edu/apply.
- Request your high school transcript, GED/HiSET scores, and any previous college transcripts. This information should be sent to the registrar.
Program Admission
- High school diploma (GPA ≥ 2.5), (GED ≥ 550/HiSET ≥ 15), or 8 hours of previous college credit (GPA ≥ 2.0).
- Minimal scores in reading and writing based on the most current Mandatory Assessment and Placement Chart (see advisor for assistance in interpreting scores based on test taken). Placement Scores are valid for 3 years. Any person who holds an Associates of Arts, Science or Professional Studies, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree (from a regionally accredited institution) should be exempt.
*Applicants must submit a copy of their proctored ALEKS and/or Accuplacer exam scores, unless taken at Iowa Central Community College. Only one test is required, however applicants who have taken a test more than once, or have taken different tests, are encouraged to send in as many different tests as they would like. The highest scores from each category will always be used for evaluation.
- Official college transcript for any colleges previously attended (GPA ≥ 2.0) received by the Iowa Central Community College Admissions Office on the Fort Dodge Campus.
- Required for consideration is completion of eight (8) hours of job shadowing in 2 separate dental offices, and if possible, one should be in a specialty office, examples include: orthodontic, oral surgery, endodontics, community health, pediatrics, prosthodontics, periodontics.
Upon completion the dentist must fill out the job shadowing form and evaluation form.
- Review and acknowledgement of Blood Borne Pathogen statement.
- All students starting the Dental Assistant Program must complete an approved, (hands on) CPR course, Criminal Record/Child and Dependent Adult Abuse Check and/or Castle Branch compliance prior to starting the program and prior to attending clinical. The cost of the background check is the responsibility of the student.
Acceptance into the Dental Assisting program is based on meeting program entry requirements, including job shadowing hours and meeting personally with the program coordinator. Acceptance is first come first serve with a waiting list if necessary. You will be notified via email or letter of your acceptance into the Dental Assistant Program.
Course Schedule
More Information
Career Outlook

Accreditation
The program in dental assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation [and has been granted the accreditation status of “initial accreditation”]. 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. The Commission’s web address is: https://coda.ada.org/.
Contact Us
Instructors
Director of Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting
515-574-1326
piper@iowacentral.edu

I chose Iowa Central because both of my parents came here and absolutely loved the environment. I was able to be a part of so many programs at once which isn't offered at other colleges. I knew right away after visiting that it would be a great school where I could better myself as a student and as an athlete.