The Dental Assisting Program at Amarillo College provides the entry-level skills needed to work as a chair-side assistant in a dental office. You will be involved in the entire process, from preparing a patient and sterilizing instruments to assisting with actual dental procedures. AC’s curriculum is broad enough so that students also learn the skills necessary to work in other positions in the dental setting, including the front office. The program is designed to be completed in just one year. Classes and laboratory sessions in Dental Assisting are held at the West Campus of AC. Related required courses are conducted at the Washington Street Campus. Students also will spend 20 percent of their educational time gaining practical experience in dental offices within the community.
Dental assistants perform many tasks, ranging from providing patient care and taking x-rays to record-keeping and scheduling appointments. Their duties vary by the dentists’ offices where they work, but almost all dental assistants work in dentists’ offices, and most work full time. Being a Dental Assistant is a satisfying, team-oriented occupation. It is a challenging position, and those individuals best suited for the dental profession will have good communication skills, be physically fit, and be willing to work as a loyal team member. New graduates have success finding employment in our geographical area.