Program Coordinator Chrissea Braun
Job opportunities continue to grow in dental assisting, and you can take advantage of the opportunities with a certificate from Lewis and Clark Community College. According to the most recent edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the U.S. Department of Labors’ Bureau Labor Statistics, employment is expected to increase 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Population growth, greater retention of natural teeth, and an increased focus on preventive dental care for younger generations, will fuel demand for dental services. Also, dentists are likely to employ more assistants for several reasons. For example, older dentists, who are less likely to employ assistants, will leave and be replaced by recent graduates who are more likely to use one or more assistants. In addition, as dentists’ workloads increase, they are expected to hire more assistant to perform routine tasks, so they may use their own time more profitably.
Your certificate can help you find employment as a chairside assistant or as a dental office administrator. Additionally, you may choose to continue your education in a related career such as dental hygiene, dental technology or dentistry. The program at L&C is demanding and comprehensive. You will study clinical practices, disease processes of the head and neck, infection control, diagnostic and therapeutic practices, radiographic and laboratory procedures, dental terminology, ethics. law, patient communications and office management.
You will receive an education that will equip you to handle the responsibilities of working in a dental practice, and that’s why 100 percent of L&C graduates find employment positions upon graduation. Classes are small and you will receive personal attention. A strong system of peer support and tutoring helps to ensure an atmosphere of success. Program completion will involve supervised clinical experiences in dental practices and specialty offices during the final semester, giving you added confidence and an edge in competition for jobs.
The program can be completed in two semesters. Enrollment is limited, and you must achieve an acceptable score on the pre-admission test. Selection of qualified applicants will be based upon test scores and fulfillment of other stated requirements. Classes are available to recent high school graduates and to adults seeking new career opportunities.
L&C’s dental assisting program is accredited by the American Dental Association-Commission on Dental Accreditation. This means that upon graduation, you’ll be in a select group of people who have the trust and confidence of dental practitioners.
Students graduate with a Certificate of Proficiency and are qualified to take the Dental Assisting National Board to become Certified Dental Assistants.
Dental Assisting Program Mission Statement: The mission of the Lewis and Clark Community College Dental Assisting Program is to meet the oral health care needs of the Metropolitan St. Louis area. We are committed to providing quality education to all students without discrimination, recognizing and respecting the dignity of each individual; fulfilling the oral health care needs of the community by providing high quality patient care; and encouraging participation in professional and service organizations. In order to accomplish the overall mission, the Dental Assisting Program recognizes and supports the need for the personal and professional growth of each student and faculty member.
Program Learning Objectives
Reflect the core competencies of ethics, values, skills, and knowledge which are integral to all foundational aspects of the dental assisting profession (Addresses ADEA Competency Domain 1: Core Competencies)
Recognize that health promotion and disease prevention are key components of comprehensive health care (Addresses ADEA Competency Domain 2: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention)
Appreciate the ability to influence members of the community to facilitate access to care and services (Addresses ADEA Competency Domain 3: Community Involvement)
Follow a defined process of care for the appropriate provision of supportive patient services. This requires completion of the accredited dental assisting program, compliance with all Illinois State Dental Practice Act guidelines, and successful professional credentialing according to the Dental Assisting National Board (Addresses ADEA Competency Domain 4: Patient Care)
Seek opportunities for professional growth and development that may influence the profession and recognize the needs of the changing health care environment (Addresses ADEA Competency Domain 5: Professional Growth and Development)
Nature of Work: The dental assistant works with the dentist during examinations and treatments. Responsibilities include preparing material for impressions and restorations; exposing, processing, and mounting dental radiographs; maintaining infection control according to OSHA and ADA standards; preparing tray set-ups for dental procedures and providing preventive patient education; and providing preventive treatment such as coronal polishing fluoride and sealant applications. The dental assistant is also trained to manage the office. This responsibility may include arranging and confirming appointments; greeting patients; maintaining treatment records; mailing statements and receiving payments and ordering supplies. (The work of the dental assistant should not be confused with that of the dental hygienist or dental laboratory technician.) Most dental assistants work in dental offices either for private or group practitioners. Job opportunities also exist in dental schools, hospitals, and public health departments, nursing homes, prisons, military installations and community clinics.
Skills and Abilities: High school background in biology, computer concepts and office practices is helpful. The dental assistant should exhibit manual dexterity and be able to work with all types of people.
Earnings: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median hourly earnings of dental assistants in the St. Louis metropolitan area (IL and MO) were $18.51 in 2018.
Accreditation: The program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. In addition, the Madison District Dental Society supports the mission, goals and objectives of the Lewis and Clark Community College Dental Assisting Program.
All applicants and students must be able to fulfill certain “technical standards.” These standards are the essential requirements of the Dental Assisting program that students must master to successfully participate in the program and become employable in the field of dental assisting.
Technical standards for students in the Dental Assisting Program
All applicants and students must possess the manual dexterity and visual capacity to perform all required technical procedures and properly manipulate materials and dental instruments.
Students must be able to communicate in an effectual manner. Students will be required to read and comprehend technical material, as well as write technical reports in a clear and concise manner. In addition, all students must be able to verbally communicate effectively with patients, co-workers, and other dental personnel.
Each applicant needs to assess his/her own ability to meet the above technical standards.
Application and Admission: Applicants to the Dental Assisting Program are required to provide the following information:
Online L&C application for the Dental Assisting Program (instructions found on the dental assisting webpage).
High school transcript and/or Illinois High School Diploma report showing successful completion (must be received by the L&C Enrollment Center).
Transcripts from any previously attended college or university (must be received by the L&C Enrollment Center). Applicants with foreign transcripts will need to contact the L&C Enrollment Center for further information.
Current transcript (sent to the L&C Enrollment Center), if presently a college student, showing courses in which you are now enrolled.
Score earned on Dental Assisting Pre-admission Aptitude Test. Applicants who do not take this test will not be considered for admission. To register for this Aptitude Test, please call the L&C Assessment Center and follow the instructions found in the Admission Guide in the Resources section of the dental assisting webpage. If you find it necessary to repeat this test in an attempt to attain a higher score, you are eligible to retake the test the following year. Candidate ranking for acceptance to the class is based on the pre-entrance exam score.
Proof of ranking in the upper half of your high school graduating class, OR completion of a minimum of six semester hours with a grade of “C” or better from among the following: SPCH 145, PSYC 131, BIOL 130, or ENGL 131.
Qualify for ENGL 131 by L&C College Placement Test scores in English and Reading. Please identify yourself as a dental program applicant when scheduling this exam. If necessary, appropriate prerequisite courses must be taken prior to program enrollment.
One year of high school general biology, or one college semester of general biology with a grade of “C” or better: BIOL 130, BIOL 131, or BIOL 132. (BIOL 132 is preferred if this requirement has not previously been met.)
Be 18 years of age at time of completing the program. (Legal age for x-ray manipulation)
Students wanting re-admittance in the program (i.e., due to failing a course or not returning for second semester) must apply to the program coordinator within one year of initial enrollment. If more than one year has lapsed, the student will be required to repeat the fall semester prior to enrolling in the spring semester.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the above credentials are in the L&C Enrollment Center by February 1 of the year they intend to begin the program. Provisional acceptance into the program is possible if the above coursework criteria can be fulfilled prior to the start of class.
The student must also show proof of the following by July 1 (further instructions provided at the new student orientation):
Prove residency in Lewis and Clark Community College District No. 536 within 30 days prior to the beginning of classes. Out-of-district residents will be eligible only if space is available after the dental assisting class has been selected from in-district residents. L&C has entered into a cooperative agreements with Southwestern Illinois College, East St. Louis Community College Center, Illinois Eastern Community College, Lincoln Land Community College and John Wood Community College which allow Southwestern Illinois College District No. 522 students, East St. Louis Community College Center students, Illinois Eastern Community College District No. 529 students, Lincoln Land Community College District No. 526 students, and John Wood Community College District No. 539 students to enroll in this program as an in-district student, regarding tuition, fees, and all college services. (Documented proof of residency includes voter’s registration card, driver’s license, utility bill, or rent payment receipt.)
Complete the medical and dental health packet that is provided at new student orientation. Must have immunizations for TB, tetanus, measles, mumps, and rubella. Hepatitis vaccine is strongly recommended.
Must be recognized in Basic Life Support, including CPR, with the American Heart Association before classes commence. Health Care Provider card must be valid all semesters enrolled in the program and be submitted along with required medical and dental history forms.
Proof of medical insurance, certified background check, and drug screening (instructions and additional information given at new student orientation)
Lewis and Clark Community College adheres to the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, which requires college campuses to be drug and alcohol free. In accordance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, the use, possession, maintenance, distribution and/or sale of alcohol, cannabis, illegal drugs, controlled substances or unauthorized prescription drugs while on College property, in College-owned vehicles or while participating in any College activity is strictly prohibited.
In addition, the Lewis and Clark Community College Dental Program partners with external agencies to provide clinical experiences for Dental students. These agencies require that all clinical participants undergo a drug test as a condition upon placement in a clinical program. A negative result is required for a dental program student to be placed in a clinical program. Some clinical agencies may require random drug testing throughout a student’s clinical experience and require a negative result for the student to continue his/her participation in the clinical experience.
Substances prohibited by the clinical agencies include, but are not limited to: amphetamines, methamphetamines, cocaine, cannabis, opiates, heroin, PCP, and alcohol. A student who tests positive for any of these substances, or who refuses to undergo the required drug test, is subject to disqualification from lab and clinical participation, which will result in the student not completing the dental programs due to a failure to meet the lab and clinical component of the L&C Dental Programs.
To obtain a Dental Assisting admissions guidelines packet, please go to the Resources section of the dental assisting webpage at www.lc.edu and download the document.
To make an appointment with an academic advisor to review your records and determine which prerequisites are met and what you need to do to meet any deficiencies, call 618-468-2222.
Graduation will be processed after all required general study and dental assisting courses are completed. Dental courses require a letter grade of C or better to graduate. A dental assisting course is defined as any course in the program with a DENT prefix and SPCH 145 and PSYC 131. Students wanting re-admittance in the second semester (i.e., due to: failing a course, or not returning for second semester), of the program must apply to the program coordinator within one year of completing the fall semester. If more than one year has lapsed, the student will be required to repeat the fall semester prior to enrolling in the spring semester.
Students in this program will be required to abide by specific policies for this program. These policies are available for review by contacting the program coordinator.
Course Transferability In and Out of the Lewis and Clark Dental Programs
Program-specific dental courses are not designed to transfer in or out of the L&C dental programs.
The L&C 1+1 curriculum design between dental assisting and dental hygiene requires full completion of an ADA-CODA accredited dental assisting program to qualify for dental hygiene admission. Courses in the completed dental assisting program must be formally evaluated by L&C dental program coordinators to ensure that all required dental assisting course content was included to meet this dental hygiene guideline.
Some required dental program courses are considered general education and/or science courses. Lewis and Clark Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and general education and science courses are designed to transfer out to other regionally accredited institutions. However, course equivalency is determined by the reciprocal institution. L&C only accepts general education and science courses from regionally accredited institutions, and each course is formally evaluated to determine L&C course equivalency. We encourage students to work with L&C academic advisors regarding transferability of specific general education and science courses.
Dental Assisting - DENT/ASST.CP
Certificate of Proficiency
Fall Semester
DENT 131 - Dental Biology 4 credit hours
DENT 134 - Preclinical Orientation 2 credit hours
DENT 136 - Orofacial Anatomy 3 credit hours
DENT 144 - Dental Materials 3.5 credit hours
DENT 150 - Dental Radiology 3 credit hours
DENT 153 - Operative Procedures 3 credit hours
Total: 18.5 Credit Hours
Spring Semester
DENT 132 - Pathology I 2 credit hours
DENT 137 - Oral Histology And Embryology 2 credit hours
DENT 143 - Dental Office Management 2.5 credit hours
DENT 148 - Dental Specialties 2 credit hours
DENT 152 - Preventive Dentistry 2 credit hours
DENT 154 - Clinical Practice 5 credit hours
PSYC 131 - General Psychology 3 credit hours *
SPCH 145 - Public And Private Communication 3 credit hours *
Total: 21.5 Credit Hours
*PSYC 131 and SPCH 145 may be taken during the semester of the student’s choice; it is strongly recommended that these courses be taken prior to admission into the program.