Foundational Skills to Launch Your Career in the Dental Field
Pursue your future in the dental field with hands-on training at Ozarks Tech. You’ll build skills to provide essential support and deliver quality care in dental clinics. In your courses you will learn how to:
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Maintain infection control standards
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Assist with restorative dental procedures
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Take dental x-rays
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Provide preventative patient care
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Fabricate dental laboratory materials
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Perform expanded functions permitted to dental assistants in Missouri
Prepare for success in dental healthcare through guided instruction in our fully equipped dental lab and clinic, complemented by community clinic rotations. With a blend of foundational education and practical experience, you’ll graduate ready to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board and begin your career in any general or specialty dental office.
The Ozarks Technical Community College Dental Assisting Program is the only program in Southwest Missouri accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
Program Information
Explore our accreditation information and learn more about how to apply for the program.
The Dental Assisting Program is a selective admission program, and admission is determined by a points-based system. Points are awarded on the grades made in the general education classes, completion of clinical observation hours, and residency status.
Application Requirements and Information
General Admissions to Ozarks Tech
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.
At Ozarks Tech, we want your transfer process to be easy. We accomplish this goal through articulation agreements. These agreements are an official partnership to match coursework between schools. This gives you a more seamless transition from Ozarks Tech to a four-year institution.
We have established an agreement for this program. This will simplify the transfer of your credits to partner schools. To understand how this degree will transfer, review the current articulation agreements. Be sure to consult with your transfer school to ensure you’re on the right path toward completing your four-year degree.
Accreditation
The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) 211 East Chicago Avenue; Chicago, IL 60611 800.232.6108 www.coda.ada.org
OTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our current accreditation status with the HLC is displayed on the page linked below. Our next comprehensive evaluation will be in 2030-2031. View more on OTC Accreditation.
Program Outcomes
Program Goals
Goals of the OTC dental programs are threefold:
- The student will comprehend, analyze and evaluate concepts established by evidence-based clinical theory utilized by dental health care professionals.
- The student will demonstrate the ability to apply technical proficiency in skills necessary to fulfill their roles as dental health care professional.
- The student will exhibit professionalism in areas of personal growth through continuing education, community service, employer expectations and as members of their professional organizations.
Sarah A. Johnson
Dental Assisting Program Director
417-447-8832
The dental programs advisory committee brings prospective and insight to the Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs, keeping course content consistent with current practices in the field.
The committee consists of a group of dental professionals from a variety of dental care roles – ranging from office managers to general dentist and orthodontists.
Interested in learning more?
Join us during our next informational session to ask questions and learn more about the program.
Get Involved
The Pre-Dental Club is a great place to meet other students pursuing a career in dentistry. Find educational resources, professional development opportunities and meet others with a similar interest in dental careers.
Course Information
Discover overview information, course sequences and specific course descriptions. Or, view the full catalog to see all the details.
Dental Assisting (A.A.S.)
A.A.S. Degree: 62 Hours
The dental assisting profession offers a variety of career opportunities in a general or specialty dental offices. Dental assistants often spend much of their day working closely with patients and dentists. OTC’s dental assisting program strives to provide opportunities for students to discover their talents and abilities and to achieve individual excellence.
The dental assisting program is a selective admission program. A separate application process is required for acceptance into this program. Upon acceptance, the students may take the “program specific courses.” Graduates receive a certificate or an Associate in Applied Science degree designed to prepare them for the national certification exam, administered by The Dental Assisting National Board and the Missouri Expanded Function Permits, issued by the Missouri Dental Board.
A grade of “C” or better is required for all dental assisting program required courses.
A new class begins each fall and spring semesters. The application deadline for the program is June 15 for the fall start and October 31 for the spring start. Additional information may be found on the Application Packet webpage link found on the Dental Programs webpage.
The dental assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association located at 211 E Chicago, Suite 1900, Chicago, IL 60611. 800.232.6108 https://coda.ada.org/
Dental Assisting – Program Requirements – 43 Credit Hours
Dental Assisting – Program Requirements – 43 Credit Hours
- COM 100: Introduction to Communication (or higher)
Introduction to Communication
- DAS 101: Chairside Assisting I
Chairside Assisting I
- DAS 102: Infection Prevention
Infection Prevention
- DAS 103: Chairside Assisting II
Chairside Assisting II
- DAS 105: The Dental Professional
The Dental Professional
- DAS 114: Operative Dentistry
Operative Dentistry
- DAS 115: Dental Science and Health
Dental Science and Health
- DAS 120: Dental Materials I
Dental Materials I
- DAS 123: Dental Materials II
Dental Materials II
- DAS 130: Dental Radiology I
Dental Radiology I
- DAS 132: Dental Radiology II
Dental Radiology II
- DAS 150: Dental Office Procedures
Dental Office Procedures
- DAS 191: Dental Clinic Practicum I
Dental Clinic Practicum I
- DAS 192: Dental Clinic Practicum II
Dental Clinic Practicum II
General Education Requirements – 16 Credit Hours
General Education Requirements – 16 Credit Hours
The Missouri Department of Higher Education has identified a common set of general education courses that have been adopted statewide. These courses are called the “CORE 42.” CORE 42 courses are guaranteed to transfer to any Missouri public college or university to satisfy general education requirements.
Courses in knowledge areas below, designated with the CORE 42 logo indicates courses in that area have been evaluated and provided a MOTR number for transfer to all Missouri public institutions of higher education.
Courses that do not have this designation may still transfer to public and private colleges and universities in Missouri and elsewhere, but students are encouraged to check the transfer equivalency website of the institution to which they plan to transfer to confirm.
Please refer to the MDHE Core Transfer Curriculum for detailed information on CORE 42 courses.
Mathematical Sciences – 3 Credit Hours
Mathematical Sciences – 3 Credit Hours
- MTH 128: Contemporary Mathematics *
Contemporary Mathematics
- MTH 128S: Cont Mathematics with Support
Cont Mathematics with Support
- MTH 129: Introductory Statistics
Introductory Statistics
- MTH 130: Algebra for Calculus
Algebra for Calculus
- MTH 130S: Algebra for Calculus With Support
Algebra for Calculus With Support
- MTH 131: Trigonometry
Trigonometry
- MTH 138: Pre-Calculus Mathematics
Pre-Calculus Mathematics
- MTH 140: Analytic Geometry and Calculus I
Analytic Geometry and Calculus I
- MTH 141: Analytic Geometry and Calculus II
Analytic Geometry and Calculus II
- MTH 210: Statistical Methods
Statistical Methods
- MTH 215: Algebraic Structures
Algebraic Structures
- MTH 230: Linear Algebra
Linear Algebra
- MTH 240: Analytic Geometry and Calculus III
Analytic Geometry and Calculus III
- MTH 241: Differential Equations
Differential Equations
Written Communications – 3 Credit Hours
Written Communications – 3 Credit Hours
- ENG 101: Composition I
Composition I
or - ENG 100: Composition I With Support
Composition I With Support
- ENG 101: Composition I
Natural Sciences – 4 Credit Hours
Natural Sciences – 4 Credit Hours
- BCS 115: Essentials in Human Biology
Essentials in Human Biology
- BCS 132: Health Sciences Nutrition
Health Sciences Nutrition
- BCS 165: Human Anatomy *
Human Anatomy
- BCS 210: Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology
- BIO 100: Life Science
Life Science
- BIO 105: Environmental Science
Environmental Science
- BIO 135: Nutrition for Living
Nutrition for Living
- BIO 160: General Biology I
General Biology I
- CHM 101: Introductory Chemistry
Introductory Chemistry
- PHY 105: Introduction to Physics
Introduction to Physics
- PHY 110: Introduction to Geology
Introduction to Geology
- PHY 115: Introduction to Astronomy
Introduction to Astronomy
- PHY 120: General Physics I
General Physics I
- PHY 220: Physics Engrs & Scientists I
Physics Engrs & Scientists I
- CHM 160: General Chemistry I
General Chemistry I
and - CHM 161: General Chemistry I Lab
General Chemistry I Lab
- CHM 160: General Chemistry I
Social and Behavioral Sciences – 6 Credit Hours (must include PLS 101 or HST 120 or HST 130)
Social and Behavioral Sciences – 6 Credit Hours (must include PLS 101 or HST 120 or HST 130)
- ANT 101: Introduction to Anthropology
Introduction to Anthropology
- ANT 220: Cultural Anthropology
Cultural Anthropology
- COM 150: Intro Mass Communication
Intro Mass Communication
- CRM 210: Intro to Criminal Justice
Intro to Criminal Justice
- ECO 270: Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Macroeconomics
- ECO 275: Principles of Microeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
- GRY 101: World Geography
World Geography
- HST 105: Ancient and Medieval World History
Ancient and Medieval World History
- HST 106: Modern World History
Modern World History
- HST 120: U.S. History I: to 1865
U.S. History I: to 1865
- HST 130: U.S. History II: 1865-Present
U.S. History II: 1865-Present
- PLS 101: American Government and Politics
American Government and Politics
- PLS 201: International Relations
International Relations
- PSY 110: Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Psychology
- PSY 130: Life Span Development Psychology
Life Span Development Psychology
- SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology
Introduction to Sociology
- SOC 210: Urban Sociology
Urban Sociology
Institutional Electives – 3 Credit Hours
Institutional Electives – 3 Credit Hours
The 3 elective hours for this category can consist of any course numbered 100 or higher from any area of study that a student is eligible to enroll.
Dental Assisting Certificate
Certificate: 43 Hours
The dental assisting profession offers a variety of career opportunities in a general or specialty dental offices. Dental assistants often spend much of their day working closely with patients and dentists. OTC’s dental assisting program strives to provide opportunities for students to discover their talents and abilities and to achieve individual excellence.
The dental assisting program is a selective admission program. A separate application process is required for acceptance into this program. Upon acceptance, the students may take the “program specific courses.” Graduates receive a certificate or an Associate in Applied Science degree designed to prepare them for the national certification exam, administered by The Dental Assisting National Board and the Missouri Expanded Function Permits, issued by the Missouri Dental Board.
A grade of “C” or better is required for all dental assisting program required courses.
A new class begins each fall and spring semesters. The application deadline for the program is June 15 for the fall start and October 31 for the spring start. Additional information may be found on the Application Packet webpage link found on the Dental Programs webpage.
The dental assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association located at 211 E Chicago, Suite 1900, Chicago, IL 60611. 800.232.6108 https://coda.ada.org/
Dental Assisting Certificate Requirements
Dental Assisting Certificate Requirements
- COM 100: Introduction to Communication
Introduction to Communication
(or higher)
- DAS 101: Chairside Assisting I
Chairside Assisting I
- DAS 102: Infection Prevention
Infection Prevention
- DAS 103: Chairside Assisting II
Chairside Assisting II
- DAS 105: The Dental Professional
The Dental Professional
- DAS 114: Operative Dentistry
Operative Dentistry
- DAS 115: Dental Science and Health
Dental Science and Health
- DAS 120: Dental Materials I
Dental Materials I
- DAS 123: Dental Materials II
Dental Materials II
- DAS 130: Dental Radiology I
Dental Radiology I
- DAS 132: Dental Radiology II
Dental Radiology II
- DAS 150: Dental Office Procedures
Dental Office Procedures
- DAS 191: Dental Clinic Practicum I
Dental Clinic Practicum I
- DAS 192: Dental Clinic Practicum II
Dental Clinic Practicum II
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about our admission, acceptance and schedules.
The Dental Assisting program accepts up to 20 students per cohort. There are two cohorts per academic year – one beginning in the fall and one in the spring. The number of students accepted may be less due to extenuating circumstances with placing students in clinical sites.
Admission is competitive, with the top applicants being chosen based on their candidate selection form scores. If you are not accepted into the program you may reapply. Directions will be outline in your regret letter.
No. You must complete the online application process for each program.
You may complete observation hours at one office or several.
It is preferable to visit multiple offices to view different job expectations. It is encouraged to spend time with the different team members to learn about their job responsibilities.
Ozarks Tech does not provide a list of dental offices. You will need to arrange your own observation. Our program has an outstanding relationship with the dental community, and many offices will work with students from our programs. Let the office know you are applying to Ozarks Tech and you want to learn more about dental by observing in their office.
If you are applying to both Dental Assisting and dental hygiene programs, you can use the 24 hours of observation for both program applications.
You are required to attend lab once a week, while the majority of your coursework is completed online. This hybrid model provides flexibility for students who live farther from Springfield. It also allows students to attend clinicals closer to home, with most clinical schedules averaging two days per week for the majority of the program.
Locations Offered:
More Tools for Finding Your Path
Notices & Disclaimers
*Costs displayed are based on current tuition and fee rates for the program’s required credit hours, as approved by the OTC Board of Trustees, and are subject to change without notice. Estimates reflect both in-district and out-of-district residency rates. Actual costs, degree completion time, and credit requirements may vary based on residency, prior credits, elective courses, program updates, and enrollment factors. For additional information on attendance costs, visit Cost of Attendance, tuition and fees or contact us at 417-447-6900.
**Graduation rates vary by individual. For details on program enrollment, retention, exam/certification, and employment rates, visit Student Outcomes / Student Right-to-Know. Some careers on this list may require additional education and training. For program-specific accreditation visit OTC Accreditation.