Dental Assisting
Highlights of the OTC Dental Assisting Program
The following information will help get you started. Before you begin the application process, please read the Admissions Checklist.The OTC Dental Assisting program is an accredited program by the American Dental Association (ADA), and the only accredited dental assisting program in the Southwest Missouri area. Accreditation allows students to take the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam upon completion of and graduation from the program. The students will also graduate with their Missouri Expanded Functions Certificates. The OTC Dental Assisting program maintains high standards required by the ADA and is a highly respected program in the community, and therefore, there are quality standards in place with high performance expectations of students.
Dental assistants perform many duties within the dental practice. These duties require skills in interpersonal relationships, technologies, and dental procedures. Tasks occur in several areas including, infection control, radiology, practice management, patient management, laboratory work, and dental practitioner assistance. Dental assistants must have the ability to perform dental duties efficiently and with compassionate attitudes for the patients.
The OTC Dental Assisting program has two completion options: the Traditional Track option and the Hybrid Track option (see below links for more information). These new track options allow increased accessibility to the program for all interested individuals and help satisfy increased demand for this valuable program.
Applicants who have work-related demands, family obligations, transportation challenges, or who cannot attend classes on a fulltime basis will appreciate the new Hybrid Track option. Applicants who have evening jobs, or are not yet working, may find that the Traditional Track option is the best choice. Both of these options require some coursework onsite at the Springfield campus.
Whichever option is selected, all applicants are required to attend a dental advising session at least once per academic year to learn what is required prior to and during the application process. Advising session dates and times and additional information can be found by browsing the below provided links. Applicants are encouraged to read all of the information to determine which option is best for their situation.
Questions that cannot be answered via the provided links should be emailed to guynni@otc.edu or sellj@otc.edu.