Dental Assisting - Associate of Applied Science
The Dental Assisting program at OTC provides instruction on intra-oral dental procedures and direct patient care experiences. Students will develop skills to assist dentists with chairside care, provide oral health instructions to patients and perform laboratory procedures required for dental treatment. Students will also learn the basics of how a business office operates.
The Dental Assisting (A.A.S) degree requires the same program courses as the Dental Assisting Certificate, however, the A.A.S. program includes additional general education requirements to give students well-rounded credentials. Students who complete the program requirements are qualified to take the national examination to become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). This program requires a separate application in addition to the application for general admission to OTC. To view application details, visit otc.edu/alliedhealth.
The Ozarks Technical Community College Dental Assisting Program is the only program in Southwest Missouri accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Program At a Glance
For those who want to:
Work in a dental office or laboratory
Assist dentists
Provide direct patient care
Prepare instruments and supplies
Learn basic dental office procedures
Strengthen their credentials
Program Snapshot
In-district Tuition: Click Here
Out-of-district Tuition: Click Here
Average Length: 2.9 Years
Credits: 61*
Average Salary: $36,310*
Graduation Retention Rate: 98%*
Possible Careers
Dental assistant
Dental laboratory technician
Dental office manager
Dentist
Educator
Dental supply representative
*Costs are estimates and are subject to change. Please visit the tuition and fees details page for precise details or call 417-447-7500. Degree time/credits vary with students' enrollment and course completion. Graduation retention varies by case. For program enrollment, retention, exam/certification, and employment rates visit Student Outcomes/Student Right-to-Know. Salary information is provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some careers on this list may require additional education and training. For program-specific accreditation visit OTC Accreditation.
Degree Requirements
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credit hours
Program Required Courses
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credit hours
General Education
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credit hours
Institutional Electives
For the full program requirements, see curriculum. For the full list of courses, see the catalog.
Admissions
Admission to Ozarks Technical Community College is open to all individuals who can benefit from its educational programs. A focus of the college mission is on the academic, career and personal goals of the student. OTC may admit you as a First-Time student just completing their high school, GED or HiSET requirements or as a Transfer student coming from another institution finishing up a certificate or degree. For more information, visit OTC Admissions.
Wondering how you’re going to pay for college? At OTC, we believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to earning a degree. Our staff will work with you to make a financial plan. To browse the resources available to you, see paying for college.
