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Looking for the best Dental Assistant Programs in Kansas City, MO? This article narrows down the top programs to help you choose the perfect fit.
From accreditation details to hands-on training opportunities, find everything you need to kickstart your dental assistant career in Kansas City.
Learn about program lengths, tuition costs, and career support services to make an informed decision today.
Metropolitan Community College – Dental Assisting Program
Metropolitan Community College (MCC) in Kansas City, MO, is a leader in providing a top-notch Dental Assisting program. This program is noteworthy for its association with the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) Dental School. Here’s what makes this program exceptional:
- Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
- Hands-On Training: Students receive clinical training across various specialty areas, including orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, and pediatric dentistry.
- State-of-the-Art Resources: Access to advanced equipment like a Dental Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) machine enhances radiography skills.
- Curriculum: The three-semester program includes preclinical coursework and clinical rotations at both UMKC School of Dentistry and community-based clinics.
- Success Rates: The program boasts a 100% success rate on the national dental assisting board exam and excellent employment outcomes.
- Licensure and Certification: Graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam offered by the Dental Assisting National Board.
Financial aid options, including federal aid, loans, state aid, and veterans benefits, are available to help ease the cost burden. Tuition varies by residency status, with additional fees covering textbooks, uniforms, immunizations, and insurance. Prospective students should apply for financial aid 6-10 months before enrollment, with the scholarship application deadline for the fall semester being March 1st.
Overall, MCC’s Dental Assisting program is a stellar choice for those looking to enter the dental assisting profession with comprehensive training and strong employment outcomes.
Concorde Career College – Dental Assistant Diploma Program
Concorde Career College in Kansas City, MO, offers a Dental Assistant Diploma Program designed to equip students with vital skills needed for a successful dental career. Here are the key features of this program:
- Curriculum: The program covers essential dental topics, including anatomy, physiology, radiology, diagnostics, orthodontics, and materials and procedures.
- Practical Training: Students gain hands-on experience in tasks like taking patient histories, sterilizing instruments, assisting dentists during procedures, and maintaining patient records.
- Externship: A critical component of the program is the externship, where students practice in real-world dental settings.
- Career Opportunities: Graduates find employment in dental offices, clinics, and cosmetic dentistry practices.
- Completion Time: The diploma can be earned in as few as nine months, allowing for a quick transition into the workforce.
With a projected 7% job growth for dental assistants from 2022 to 2032, Concorde’s program offers a promising career path. The college also provides financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Its Kansas City campus offers modern training facilities and flexible schedules to accommodate students’ needs. Career support services include job search assistance, resume help, and interview preparation.
Concorde Career College’s Dental Assistant Diploma Program combines thorough academic instruction with practical experience, preparing students for successful careers in the dental field.
Concorde Career College – Additional Programs
Concorde Career College in Kansas City provides a range of healthcare programs:
- Dental Assistant Diploma Program: Completed in just eight months, providing essential skills for immediate entry into the dental field.
- Dental Hygiene Associate of Science: Takes 24 months to complete, preparing students for careers as dental hygienists.
- Medical Assistant and Medical Office Administration: Both programs can be completed in 8 months.
- Physical Therapist Assistant: A 20-month program for those leaning towards physical therapy.
Each program emphasizes practical training and job readiness. Concorde aids students in understanding certification requirements, with eligibility varying based on external agencies.
The college’s commitment to practical, career-oriented training makes it an excellent educational institution for healthcare aspirants in Kansas City. For more information, visit Concorde Career College.
How to Choose the Best Dental Assistant Program
Choosing the right dental assistant program involves several considerations:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). This guarantees educational quality and eligibility for certification exams.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Look for essential areas like dental radiography, infection control, and chairside assisting, as well as specialized fields like orthodontics and oral surgery.
- Hands-On Training: Programs offering clinical rotations or externships provide valuable real-world experience.
- Job Placement Rates: High employment rates and positive employer feedback can be indicators of effective training and strong industry connections.
- Cost: Compare tuition fees and explore financial aid options. Consider total costs, including uniforms, textbooks, and examination fees.
- Program Length and Flexibility: Consider your timeline and commitments. Opt for a program that fits your schedule.
- Support Services: Career counseling, resume assistance, and interview preparation can be beneficial for launching your career.
In conclusion, choosing the best dental assistant program involves evaluating accreditation, curriculum, hands-on training, job placement rates, cost, and support services. Conduct thorough research to make an informed decision tailored to your career aspirations.
Concorde Career College – Dental Assistant Diploma Program
Concorde Career College in Kansas City, MO, offers a Dental Assistant Diploma Program designed to equip students with vital skills needed for a successful dental career. Here are the key features of this program:
- Curriculum: The program covers essential dental topics, including anatomy, physiology, radiology, diagnostics, orthodontics, and materials and procedures.
- Practical Training: Students gain hands-on experience in tasks like taking patient histories, sterilizing instruments, assisting dentists during procedures, and maintaining patient records.
- Externship: A critical component of the program is the externship, where students practice in real-world dental settings.
- Career Opportunities: Graduates find employment in dental offices, clinics, and cosmetic dentistry practices.
- Completion Time: The diploma can be earned in as few as nine months, allowing for a quick transition into the workforce.
With a projected 7% job growth for dental assistants from 2022 to 2032, Concorde’s program offers a promising career path. The college also provides financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Its Kansas City campus offers modern training facilities and flexible schedules to accommodate students’ needs. Career support services include job search assistance, resume help, and interview preparation.
Concorde Career College’s Dental Assistant Diploma Program combines thorough academic instruction with practical experience, preparing students for successful careers in the dental field.
Concorde Career College – Additional Programs
Concorde Career College in Kansas City provides a range of healthcare programs:
- Dental Assistant Diploma Program: Completed in just eight months, providing essential skills for immediate entry into the dental field.
- Dental Hygiene Associate of Science: This program takes 24 months to complete and prepares students for careers as dental hygienists.
- Medical Assistant and Medical Office Administration: Both programs can be completed in 8 months.
- Physical Therapist Assistant: A 20-month program for those leaning towards physical therapy.
Each program emphasizes practical training and job readiness. Concorde aids students in understanding certification requirements, with eligibility varying based on external agencies.
The college’s commitment to practical, career-oriented training makes it an excellent educational institution for healthcare aspirants in Kansas City. For more information, visit Concorde Career College.
How to Choose the Best Dental Assistant Program
Choosing the right dental assistant program involves several considerations:
Accreditation
Ensure the program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). This guarantees educational quality and eligibility for certification exams.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Look for essential areas like dental radiography, infection control, and chairside assisting, as well as specialized fields like orthodontics and oral surgery.
Hands-On Training
Programs offering clinical rotations or externships provide valuable real-world experience.
Job Placement Rates
High employment rates and positive employer feedback can be indicators of effective training and strong industry connections.
Cost
Compare tuition fees and explore financial aid options. Consider total costs, including uniforms, textbooks, and examination fees.
Program Length and Flexibility
Consider your timeline and commitments. Opt for a program that fits your schedule.
Support Services
Career counseling, resume assistance, and interview preparation can be beneficial for launching your career.
In conclusion, choosing the best dental assistant program involves evaluating accreditation, curriculum, hands-on training, job placement rates, cost, and support services. Conduct thorough research to make an informed decision tailored to your career aspirations.
Wrap Up Your Dental Assistant Journey
In summary, whether you choose a program at Metropolitan Community College or Concorde Career College, Dental Assistant Programs in Kansas City MO, offer valuable training and promising career opportunities. Evaluate the program features, consider your personal and professional needs, and take the next step towards a rewarding career in dental assisting. Explore your options and start your journey today; your future is just a decision away.