Westmoreland County Community College Youngwood, Pennsylvania

The Dental Assistant program at Westmoreland County Community College prepares students for a rewarding career supporting dentists in providing quality patient care. This comprehensive program typically runs for one to two years and equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform a wide range of duties in a dental office. Students can expect to learn about chairside assisting techniques, dental radiography, sterilization protocols, infection control, dental materials, and office management. The program often includes hands-on training in a simulated dental clinic environment, where students gain practical experience using dental instruments and equipment. Furthermore, students generally have the opportunity to participate in clinical externships at local dental practices, allowing them to apply their skills in a real-world setting and network with potential employers. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions as dental assistants in various dental settings, including general dentistry offices, specialty practices, and public health clinics. The program also emphasizes the importance of patient communication, ethical considerations, and legal compliance within the dental field.

You can view detailed information about the programs or certificates available at Westmoreland County 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.