Dental Assisting Program

Mission Statement

Students use a simulated head and mouth to do work

"The dental assisting student who successfully completes one year of education at John A. Logan College will meet the professional standards required in the program, be clinically proficient, recognize their role as an invaluable member of the dental health team, and be sensitive to the dental needs of various communities.

The program objective of this program is to develop an individual to assist the dentist in comprehensive patient oral health care and the dental specialties. Students must be educated to understand that patients are complex rational beings moving in a specific environment. To do this, a student must be educated in the clinical and dental sciences."

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Information Packets

Thank you for your interest in the Dental Assisting (DNA) Program at John A. Logan College (JALC). The College has an open admission policy; however, there are some programs which have additional entrance requirements. Attached you will find an information packet about the DNA program at JALC, an application for the DNA program and an application for the pre-entrance examination. You must contact the Admissions Office to obtain information about general admission to John A. Logan College.

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FAQ's

  1. Do I need to have my general studies completed before starting the dental assisting program? It is not necessary to have them completed, however, it is highly recommended. With general education courses completed means that the student will graduate in 2 semesters.
  2. Is it necessary to go through the Dental Assisting program before enrolling in the dental hygiene program? Yes, the dental assisting courses are pre-req. for the dental hygiene program. It is highly recommended that if you are looking at dental hygiene that the general education courses be completed before entry, however it is not required.
  3. Will I be able to work during this program? It is not recommended. Students must spend time studying each week in order to be successful in this program. It is possible to work if you are good at time management. The material is very difficult and demands that you are organized. Attendance is mandatory.
  4. Is there a part time program? No, the dental assisting program is full time. The full-time program begins every August for one calendar year. Classes are Monday-Thursday during the day. Friday's are used for seminars, guest lecturers or schedule changes.
  5. What is the advantage of going to a community college? Taking classes at a community college allows you to receive more personal attention from your instructors. Small classes.
  6. How do I enroll and what are the cost? Request an admission packet from the College or download a packet by going to the Assesment - Health Care Program Admission Page.

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Helpful Hints

  1. Working students and individuals with families will need to be highly organized.
  2. Time management skills and a personal planner are musts.
  3. Transportation is mandatory.
  4. Attendance is mandatory for success.
  5. Make sure you get your required physical and dental exam.
  6. Make sure immunizations are up to date: these include Rubella titer, Mantoux test, Tetanus Toxoid test, Hepatitis B vaccine series.
  7. Complete the general education course prior to entering, however this not required.
  8. Form study groups to benefit yourself.
  9. Be flexible, due to schedule changes.
  10. CPR is required to be renewed annually or bi-annually.
  11. Attendance is critical for success in the dental assisting program. Attendance is taken everyday and students will not be able to continue the program if they are not attending or if they have multiple absences they may drop a letter grade.

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Additional Resources

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