The program in dental assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the status of “approval without reporting requirements.”

The Commission on Dental Accreditation is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.

This milestone coincides with another major achievement: four graduates –Emma Sate, Madison Visser, Hailey Brazel, and Paige Hansmeier — earned a 100 percent pass rate on the Iowa Jurisprudence Examination. They recently completed clinical internships in general and specialty dental practices, including orthodontics and oral surgery, gaining essential hands-on experience to prepare for their careers.

The graduated students are now eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination to earn the Certified Dental Assistant credential. This certification covers infection control, chairside assisting, and ionizing radiation health and safety–core competencies that ensure quality patient care and effective support for dental teams.

-Messenger file photo
Iowa Central Community College welcomed students back for the fall semester in August 2023. The college announced that its Dental Assisting Program has achieved accreditation from the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Dental assistants play an essential role in dental practices by supporting smooth operations, enhancing patient comfort, and assisting with a wide range of procedures. Their responsibilities may include preparing treatment rooms, updating patient records, taking radiographs, sterilizing instruments, assisting during dental procedures, providing post-operative care instructions, and educating patients on oral hygiene. Many also manage administrative duties such as scheduling, billing, and insurance coordination.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for dental assistants is projected to grow 11 percent by 2032, significantly higher than the national average of 3 percent for all occupations.

In Iowa, dental assistants earn an average annual salary of approximately $49,140 or $23.62 per hour, with earning potential varying based on location, experience, and specialized skills.

Career opportunities for dental assistants extend beyond private practices to specialty offices, education, business administration, insurance, office management, public health clinics, and more.