Not in Overland Park? Check out our lists of Dental Assistant Programs in Kansas City, Lawrence, Olathe, Topeka, Wichita, and across Kansas.
Looking for the best Dental Assistant Programs in Overland Park KS? You’re in the right place.
This guide will highlight top schools offering hands-on training, flexible schedules, and accredited programs designed to jumpstart your dental career.
Ready to choose the ideal program? Let’s get started.
Johnson County Community College – Dental Assisting Certificate Program
The Dental Assisting Certificate Program at Johnson County Community College (JCCC) stands out as an excellent choice for those aspiring to enter the dental field. This program is accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation, ensuring you receive a respected and recognized education.
Key Features:
- Hands-On Experience: Students engage in hands-on training in dental procedures, including taking radiographs, creating dental impressions, and fabricating bleaching trays and mouthguards.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The coursework covers essential areas such as dental emergencies, dental materials, oral microbiology, infection control, and dental office management.
- General Education Requirements: The program requires 52 credit hours, including general education courses like composition, psychology, and public speaking.
- Flexible Learning Options: JCCC offers a cooperative program with MCC-Penn Valley Community College, providing adaptability and a broader range of opportunities.
Graduates of this program are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board examination, equipping you with a certification that enhances your career prospects.
To learn more about admission requirements and deadlines, visit the JCCC Dental Assisting Certificate Program page.
Concorde Career College – Dental Assistant Program
The Dental Assistant Program at Concorde Career College offers top-tier training for future dental assistants. Located at its Kansas City campus, this program ensures comprehensive preparation for your career.
Key Highlights:
- Extensive Curriculum: The program covers foundational topics such as anatomy, physiology, dental specialties, and dental terminology.
- Practical Skills Training: Coursework includes patient care, diagnostics, orthodontics, and dental radiology.
- Externship Experience: Gain real-world experience with a 230-hour externship working alongside professionals in a clinical setting.
- Flexible Schedule: Complete the program in as few as nine months, making it suitable for those seeking swift entry into the workforce.
- Financial Aid: Financial assistance is available for qualifying students to make education more accessible.
Given the projected job growth of 7% from 2022 to 2032 for dental assistants, enrolling in Concorde’s program can be a strategic career move. The curriculum prepares you to efficiently support dental office operations and enhance patient care.
For further details, visit the Concorde Career College Dental Assistant Program page.
Metropolitan Community College – Dental Assisting Program
Metropolitan Community College (MCC) offers an exceptional Dental Assisting Program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Renowned for its excellence, MCC provides a robust training environment.
Notable Aspects:
- High Success Rate: Boasts a 100% success rate on the national dental assisting board exam, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness.
- Clinical Experience: Partnership with the UMKC Dental School offers students integrated clinical experiences alongside dental students and faculty.
- Advanced Equipment: Access to state-of-the-art tools, including a Dental Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) machine.
- Diverse Training: Rotations through specialties such as orthodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery.
- Structured Program: Consists of 55 credit hours with a February application deadline for the spring cohort.
Costs for in-district students total $9,075, with additional expenses for textbooks, uniforms, and professional membership fees. Scholarships are also available to help with costs. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.
For more information, visit the Metropolitan Community College Dental Assisting Program page.
90 Day Dental Assisting Program – 90 Day Dental Assisting Program in Kansas
The 90 Day Dental Assisting Program in Kansas offers a streamlined and cost-effective route to becoming a dental assistant. This innovative program is designed for individuals needing flexibility and affordability while pursuing their career goals.
Key Highlights:
- Flexible Learning: The entirely online curriculum spans three months and includes 12 video-based lectures, readings, study guides, and quizzes, making it accessible for those with existing commitments.
- Hands-On Training: Practical experience is gained through a clinical externship at an affiliated location or a local dental office, ensuring you are job-ready.
- Dental Software Training: Learn Dentrix dental software, a key skill for modern dental practices.
- Career Preparation: Additional training in resume writing and interviewing skills helps you secure positions post-graduation.
- Affordable: At $500, with flexible payment plans, it’s an accessible entry to the dental field.
The program uses “Modern Dental Assisting, 11th Ed.” and has no prerequisites, making it easy for anyone to start. Enrollment is open at any time, allowing you to begin when it suits you best.
Visit the 90 Day Dental Assisting Program for more information.
Choosing the Best Dental Assistant Program in Overland Park KS
Selecting the right dental assistant program in Overland Park, KS involves several crucial considerations to ensure the training aligns with your career aspirations and personal circumstances.
Factors to Consider:
- Accreditation:
- Hands-On Experience:
- Program Duration and Flexibility:
- Cost and Financial Aid:
- Comprehensive Curriculum:
- Support Services:
Checklist for Decision-Making:
- Accreditation Verification:
- Practical Training Opportunities:
- Program Length and Flexibility:
- Cost Analysis:
- Curriculum Review:
- Support Services Availability:
By thoroughly evaluating these factors, you can select a program tailored to your needs, setting the foundation for a successful career in dental assisting.
Conclusion: Start Your Dental Assisting Career in Overland Park Today
Embark on your journey to becoming a dental assistant by choosing the best Dental Assistant Programs in Overland Park, KS. Evaluate your options, consider your personal circumstances, and select a program that aligns with your career goals. Take the first step today by exploring your program options, enrolling, and preparing for a rewarding career in dental assisting.