Indian Hills Community College Ottumwa, Iowa

The Dental Assisting program at Indian Hills Community College provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become valuable members of a dental healthcare team. Typically a one-year diploma or two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program (check with Indian Hills for specifics), the curriculum covers essential areas such as dental terminology, chairside assisting, radiography, sterilization, infection control, and patient communication. Students learn to prepare treatment rooms, assist dentists during procedures, take dental radiographs, and educate patients on oral hygiene. A significant portion of the program involves hands-on clinical experience in real dental settings, allowing students to apply their classroom learning and develop essential clinical skills. Upon graduation, students are prepared to pursue careers as dental assistants in general dentistry, orthodontics, periodontics, and other dental specialties. They may also be prepared to take the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exams to become Certified Dental Assistants (CDA). The program at Indian Hills likely emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the dental profession. Look to IHCC for specific information regarding the types of credentials that can be earned upon completion.

You can view detailed information about the programs or certificates available at Indian Hills Community College on the NCES website.

* Cohort Year represents the year for which students began their studies and applies to Graduation and Transfer Out Rates.
** Net Price is Average Net Price for 2022-2023 generated for full-time beginning undergraduate students who were awarded grant or scholarship aid from federal, state or local governments, or the institution. For public institutions only students paying the in-state or in-district rate are included. For institutions that charge students by program, net price is generated for the institution’s largest program.
NA (Not applicable) – Graduation rate, transfer-out rate and the net price are not applicable to institutions that do not have full-time, first-time degree-seeking undergraduate students in the applicable cohort year or the financial aid year.