Dental assisting
Start a dental career fast – one that gives you room to grow. The Stark State College dental assisting program prepares you to support dentists and hygienists in all aspects of dental treatment. It’s also a great first step if you want to further your future in the dental field.
Program at a glance
DEGREE TYPE
Associate of Science
PROGRAM FORMAT
In person
LENGTH (FULL TIME)
5-semester degree
2-semester certificate
CAREER COMMUNITY
Program overview
If you enjoy helping others and working with your hands, and you’re also detail-oriented, Stark State’s dental assistant program could be a great fit.
It combines the best in classroom learning and hands-on training. You will learn to provide basic, supplemental and supportive dental services alongside licensed dental professionals.
Program details
Most dental assistants work in dental offices, dental clinics and public health departments. It’s their job to help make sure that day-to-day operations in their offices run smoothly. They support all aspects of dental treatments and work closely with dentists and dental hygienists.
Stark State’s dental assisting curriculum includes instruction in the dental sciences, materials, radiography, office management, preventative dentistry and general chairside procedures. Start with a dental assisting certificate and take classes that directly apply to the associate degree in dental assisting.
- High school diploma or GED.
- Complete the College’s admissions process including completion of the ACCUPLACER exam and providing high school and/or college transcripts for evaluation.
- Submit a health program application to the Academic/Records/Registrar’s Office.
- Complete critical analysis (IDS102) or demonstrate proficiency in college reading through the ACCUPLACER placement assessment or ACT scores.
With two semesters and completion of major courses, you can earn a dental assisting certificate and sit for Ohio’s dental assistant certification exam. After completing the certificate courses, you’re also eligible to apply for the Ohio dental assistant’s radiographer certificate.
With four additional semesters of study, you can earn an associate of science degree with a major in dental assisting.*
After two semesters of study and completion of the major courses, you’ll earn a certificate and can sit for Ohio’s certified dental assistant exam or the American Medical Technologists, Registered Dental Assistant exam.
*Students who have a dental assisting certificate from a tech prep or career/technical center program and have successfully passed state or national CDA examinations can apply their dental assisting courses toward the associate degree.
Careers and outcomes
The training you receive at Stark State prepares you to work as a clinical assistant, infection control manager, practice manager, dental hygiene assistant or receptionist in dental offices, dental clinics and public health facilities.
Employment is expected to grow 6% from 2024–2034, which is faster than average. About 52,900 openings are projected each year due to workforce needs and retirements.
Dental assisting student outcomes
| Cohort enrollment, completion/term & year | SP2021-FA2021 | FA2021- SP2022 | FA2022- SP2023 | FA2023- SP2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Students enrolled* | 17 | 15 | 15 | 16 |
| Students completed | 12 | 14 | 14 | 16 |
| Cohort pass rate | 70% | 93% | 93% | 100% |
*Students enrolled in dental assisting program technical courses
FAQs
You can work in private or group dental practices, hospital dental clinics, specialty offices, free clinics or public health settings.
Employment is expected to grow 6% from 2024–2034, which is faster than average. About 52,900 openings are projected each year due to workforce needs and retirements.
The certificate includes 21 credit hours. The associate degree pathway includes 62–63 credit hours.
Yes. Classes are generally once a week. However, you must balance this with study time, and many reduce work hours during the program.
Yes. You must meet an Accuplacer reading score of 80 or complete IDS102, submit official transcripts and complete BCI/FBI background checks.
Yes. Technical courses include extensive lab activities. You complete observation hours in the first semester and participate in clinical experiences in the second semester.
Stark State’s dental assisting courses are offered in fall and spring semesters during the day. Most are in-person with some online lecture components. Attendance is required.
Many general education courses transfer. Technical courses are evaluated by the receiving institution. Contact the department chair for degree completion pathways.
First apply to Stark State College. Then, complete the Accuplacer, submit official transcripts, complete BCI/FBI checks, and submit the dental assisting program application after meeting eligibility requirements.
Check out the dental assisting program checklist and application.
Select the links below to view the estimated expenses for our degree and certificate programs:
Related programs
Looking for more career options? Check out these other programs.
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Stark State’s tuition costs up to 83% less than other area colleges and universities. Along with financial aid and scholarship opportunities, you gain the most value for your education without sacrificing quality.
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Jill Kohler
Program Coordinator for Dental Assisting
330-494-6170 ext. 5047
Take the next step
Whether you’re just starting out, making your college comeback or looking for a change, you belong at Stark State.