The Dental Assisting program prepares you for employment as a professional dental assistant. You learn how to support dentists during procedures and complete laboratory and office tasks with skill and confidence.
Graduates meet Nebraska requirements for practice and are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board exam to become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). The program is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Hastings Campus
Diploma, Associate Degree
Learn Online. Practice in Person. Build Your Career.
Balance work, family, and school with a flexible learning format designed for busy students. Complete much of your coursework online while coming to campus just one to two days each week for hands-on labs, clinical skill development, and face-to-face instruction.
The Dental Assisting diploma prepares you for a fast-paced healthcare career in just 10 months. You are trained in all areas of dental assisting and are ready for strong job opportunities with competitive wages.
If you choose to earn the AAS degree, you can expand your career options into business and office roles within a dental practice. The degree includes additional general education and business courses to strengthen your skills.
“The Dental Assisting Program at Central Community College prepared me to be efficient, professional, and ethical. I gained skills and improved skills I already had. Officially entering the field, I was ready to learn more, face challenges, and excel from them. The faculty in the program ensured I was performing to the best of my abilities both in the classroom and in the field while gaining clinical experience. I am beyond grateful for the Dental Assisting Program and faculty at Central Community College.”
Chelsea Cuellar, ’25
“The dental assisting program taught me way more than just about assisting. Thanks to Shelly and Marie I know my patients are well taken care of from the knowledge I received. In the program it’s not about just learning to do things but making sure you do them right and the reason why you do them. As an employed dental assistant while in the program, I still learned so much and was even more prepared for the workforce. Making a mistake in class was never about being wrong but a learning moment to improve and become better. Never a negative environment, but a classroom full of knowledge, skills, friendships and a little fun. I would gladly redo the program just to relive the amazing moments dental assisting was.”
Bridget Ramirez, ’24
“My experience in the dental assisting program has been more amazing than I could have ever hoped for. I’ve gained not only the skills and confidence to achieve my dream, but also the knowledge I will be able to pass onto my future patients! I am beyond grateful for my amazing advisor that I have been blessed with and the support she has shown me throughout this journey.”
Zalie White, ’26
“The Dental Assisting program has given me hands-on experience and helped me feel ready to start my career in dental assisting. I’ve developed both clinical skills and professional skills that I can use in the real world. The instructors have taught me a lot and have helped me feel confident and prepared to work in a dental office.”
Avary Bondasak, ’26
“My experience in the program was super helpful in so many ways. I already had a job in the dental field during my time in the program, but the program helped me realize what kind of office would be the best fit for me and helped me to find an office that I truly love and feel at home at! I gained a lot of understanding of technical terms while in the program, as well as refining the skills I knew coming into the program and adding some definitions to help understand things better! My professors were both amazing, and they helped me through a lot and were very understanding while I was facing health issues! I see Shelly as a friend now outside of the program that I know I can reach out to whenever, and she was the best mentor anyone could ask for!”
Emma Largent, ’25
“My experience in the dental assisting program has prepared me for employment by giving me hands-on clinical skills, confidence in patient care, and a strong understanding of dental procedures. Throughout the program, I have gained valuable knowledge in radiology, infection control, and communication with both patients and the dental team. My experience with the program faculty and director has been extremely positive, as they have been supportive and dedicated to helping me succeed in my future career.”
Alta Kinnaman, ’26
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