Studying Dental Assisting at Ozarks Technical Community College
As the only program in Southwest Missouri to receive accreditation from the Commission of Dental Accreditation, Ozarks Technical Community College offers a program designed to help you achieve your academic and professional goals.
Curious to learn more about what the program offers? Keep reading to find out what you can expect from this dental assistant school in the Ozarks.
Applicants
Prospective students do not need to have prior experience in dental assisting to apply to the program. However, only the top twenty students from all applicants are selected to join the program.
To be considered, students should review their transcripts carefully and submit any other necessary documentation. Students should also have completed the required 24 hours of clinical observation before the deadline.
If an applicant is denied entry to the program, the student can try again for the following term.
Program
OTC believes that dental assistants must be equipped with a diverse skill set, including interpersonal skills, listening skills, and organizational skills to be successful. The program focuses on developing these skills through training on proper chairside care and etiquette to provide exceptional oral health care to patients.
Students who complete the program emerge well-rounded after completing 61 credit hours of coursework. The curriculum creates a foundation in health sciences for students to build upon and they continue to further their careers academically. Clinical experience is required, giving invaluable hands-on experience to students looking to pursue dental assisting as a career.
Students can expect to learn the following through OTC’s coursework:
- Foundations of dental hygiene
- Orofacial anatomy
- Oral pathology
- Dental materials
- Radiology
Job Outlook
Completing the curriculum allows graduates the opportunity to become Certified Dental Assistants. This career experiences faster growth than the average occupation and allows for more flexibility when it comes to scheduling. Both of these qualities are attractive to graduates who have completed their coursework and met the high standards OTC has held them to.
The qualifications obtained by these graduates will allow them to find work assisting in chairside care, oral surgery, orthodontic care, and labs. They may also seek work in managing offices for the dental industry.
Conclusion
When looking for a dental assistant school, Ozarks offers a quality program where students can focus on learning the skills they need to join the growing workforce. The application process is selective, ensuring that the few who are chosen to join are up to the task and can complete the program. However, once admitted, you can expect rigorous training that prepares you for a lifelong career as a dental assistant.