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Want to kickstart your career in dental assisting but don’t know where to start?
Springfield, IL, offers some of the best dental assistant programs to prepare you for a thriving role in healthcare. This article covers top-rated options, their unique benefits, and what you need to know to make an informed choice.
Explore the best dental assistant programs in Springfield IL and secure a future in dental care.
Lincoln Land Community College – Dental Assistant Training Program
Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) offers a robust Dental Assistant Training program in Springfield, IL. This program equips you to become a vital part of the dental healthcare team, aiding dentists in delivering quality oral health care. The coursework blends both academic and clinical elements, ensuring a holistic approach to dental assisting.
Key features include:
- Flexible schedules: Classes are available during the day and in the evening to accommodate your lifestyle.
- Payment options: While the program is not eligible for financial aid, flexible payment plans are available.
- Hands-on training: You will learn four-handed dentistry and tray setups for various dental procedures.
- Certification readiness: Upon completion, you are eligible to pursue certification through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) by gaining 3,500 approved working hours.
By the end of the program, you’ll be well-prepared to work efficiently and effectively within a dental office setting, catering to the needs of patients and dentists alike.
Midwest Technical Institute – Dental Assisting Program
The Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) in Springfield, IL, features an accredited Dental Assisting Program that focuses on quick and comprehensive training, allowing you to be job-ready in just 9 months. The program ensures practical, hands-on experience in lab settings that replicate real dental work environments.
Core components include:
- Accelerated learning: The 9-month duration allows you to enter the workforce quickly.
- Hands-on experience: Lab sessions mimic real-life dental work settings.
- Experienced instructors: Trainers bring real-world experience to the education process.
- Externships: Gain valuable on-the-job training during the externship segment.
- Career support: Career counseling and placement assistance help you transition into the workforce smoothly.
- Certification prep: Prepare for Radiology Health & Safety (RHS) and Infection Control Exam (ICE) certification exams offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
Investing in MTI’s Dental Assisting Program sets you on a swift, thorough path to a rewarding dental career.
Renken Dentistry – Dental Assistant Program
Renken Dentistry in Springfield, IL, provides a unique Dental Assistant program within its established dental offices, emphasizing a holistic approach to both dental health and career development. For more than 21 years, Renken Dentistry has specialized in a variety of dental services, including Invisalign, prosthodontics, Botox, and sleep dentistry.
Program highlights include:
- 90-day mentorship: Engage in a comprehensive training period with continuous support.
- Work/life balance: Benefit from competitive pay, monthly bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Professional development: Opportunities for mentorship roles and referral incentives for additional compensation.
- Supportive environment: A positive and conducive work setting focused on growth and development.
This program is ideal if you are looking for a supportive and growth-oriented environment to start your dental assisting career.
By selecting a Dental Assistant Program in Springfield IL, you set yourself on a promising path towards a fulfilling career in dental care. Each program offers unique advantages designed to suit various needs and goals, whether it’s quick entry into the workforce, extensive hands-on training, or ongoing professional development. Explore these opportunities to find the right fit for you.
Kaskaskia College – Dental Assisting Program
The Kaskaskia College Dental Assisting Program offers thorough training to prepare you for a successful career in dental care. The program meets Illinois state standards for licensure or certification and involves classroom, lab, and clinical instruction.
- Hands-on experience: Gain practical skills in local dental offices via internships. These are pivotal for learning specific techniques like sterilizing instruments and assisting during procedures.
- Diverse curriculum: Topics cover everything from preparing treatment areas to teaching patients about oral hygiene. You’ll also enhance key skills such as organization and interpersonal communication.
- Certificates in expanded functions: Graduates can receive certificates for Coronal Polishing, Sealant Placement, and Monitoring Nitrous Oxide.
- Accredited program: Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, ensuring high-quality education.
This comprehensive program offers both a strong educational foundation and practical experience, making it an ideal choice for aspiring dental assistants in Springfield, IL.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dental Assistant Program
When evaluating dental assistant programs, consider these critical factors to make an informed choice that aligns with your career aspirations:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by a recognized body like the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Accreditation ensures the curriculum meets industry standards.
- Program Length: The duration of programs varies, from a few months to two years. Shorter programs, like the 9-month course at Midwest Technical Institute, might be suitable if you want to start working quickly.
- Cost: Tuition fees can range widely. Evaluate what’s included in the cost, such as books, lab fees, and exam costs. Consider financial aid availability and payment plans.
- Curriculum: Look for comprehensive training that includes both academic coursework and clinical experience as provided by Kaskaskia College. A robust curriculum covering various essential skills ensures thorough preparation.
- Job Placement Assistance: Programs that offer career services like job placement assistance, career counseling, and externships can ease the transition from student to professional. Midwest Technical Institute provides strong employment support.
- Certification Opportunities: While certification is not always mandatory, it can enhance job prospects. Check if the program prepares you for certification exams by DANB, such as the Radiology Health & Safety (RHS) and Infection Control Exam (ICE).
Conclusion: Start Your Dental Assistant Career in Springfield IL
Springfield, IL, presents excellent opportunities for aspiring dental assistants. Each program offers unique advantages tailored to various needs and career goals. Enroll in one of these reputable dental assistant programs and embark on a fulfilling career in dental care today. Whether it’s Lincoln Land Community College, Midwest Technical Institute, Renken Dentistry, or Kaskaskia College, you’ll find a program that meets your aspirations. Don’t wait; start your journey now!