Dental
A Bright Career to Smile About
The SCC Dental program provides comprehensive training for careers in dental assisting. You will develop specialized skills through hands-on training in our state-of-the-art facility with cutting-edge technology. The curriculum includes dental health education, chairside assisting, laboratory procedures, radiation techniques and business operations training. Our program features extensive clinical experience, preparing you for immediate employment in various dental settings. With a dental assistant license in Nebraska, you'll have opportunities for career advancement or continued education in the growing dental health field.
PROGRAM GOALS
Clinical Proficiency
You will demonstrate comprehensive skills in a wide range of dental procedures. Through our flipped classroom approach with engaged classroom lectures and hands-on practice in labs, students develop the technical abilities required for immediate employment in dental settings.
Patient Communication
You will develop strong communication skills to effectively educate patients before, during and after treatment. Our program emphasizes the importance of clear instruction in oral hygiene and dental care, ensuring graduates can confidently interact with patients of diverse backgrounds and needs.
Advanced Scope Procedures
Our A.A.S. students are taught advanced dental assisting duties through our specialized hybrid course. These duties include administering nitrous oxide, taking final impressions for fixed and removable prostheses, performing denture/partial adjustments, and contouring and cementation of primary stainless steel crowns on baby teeth.
Dental Assisting
Our program offers simulated hands-on learning in our lab to prepare you for patient care in clinical settings. Your preclinical competencies are provided within eight fully functional dental operatories, state of art infection control room, and with other specialized dental equipment and instruments.
ESTIMATED TUITION
$9,400 (A.A.S.) / $5,684 (Diploma)
CREDIT HOURS
60 (A.A.S.) / 33 (Diploma)
PROGRAM LENGTH
4 Terms (A.A.S.) / 3 Terms (Diploma)
SCHEDULE
Full-Time / Part-Time
STARTING TERM
Fall / Spring
WHY SCC?
What are the qualifications of SCC's Dental Assisting faculty?
All of our instructors are graduates of the SCC Dental Assisting program and are Nationally Certified Dental Assistants and Licensed Dental Assistants in Nebraska. Their extensive clinical experience allows them to share valuable first-hand knowledge to prepare you for the workforce.
Where do SCC Dental Assisting students complete their clinical rotations?
Our students begin clinical rotations at the University of Nebraska Medical Center - College of Dentistry. In the final term of the program, you will rotate to assigned private general and specialty dental offices and public clinics to provide diverse clinical experiences.
What certifications are included in SCC's Dental Assisting program?
Coronal Polish and X-ray certificates are included in our program; however, you must graduate with a diploma in dental assisting to obtain those certificates.
What qualities make a successful SCC Dental Assisting student?
Successful SCC Dental Assisting students are accountable, good communicators, excellent at time management, organized, flexible and empathetic. They thrive in team settings and demonstrate a willingness to learn and ask questions.
CAREER OUTCOMES
Dental Assistant
Dental assistants perform essential clinical and administrative tasks in dental practices. They prepare patients for procedures, sterilize instruments, assist dentists during treatments, take x-rays and manage office responsibilities.
Dental Office Manager
Dental office managers oversee the business operations of dental practices to ensure efficient workflow and excellent patient experiences. They handle scheduling, billing, insurance processing, inventory management and staff coordination.
Dental Laboratory Technician
Dental laboratory technicians create dental prosthetics like crowns, bridges, dentures and orthodontic appliances based on dentists' specifications. They work with various materials and precision equipment to produce customized dental devices.
Next Steps
Program Chair
Additional Resources
- Accreditation
- Getting Started Checklist: Diploma (PDF)
- Getting Started Checklist: AAS (PDF)
- Health Statement (PDF)
- Immunization Waiver Form (PDF)
- Essential Functions (PDF)
- CPR Training
- 24-25 Info-Sheet (PDF)
- Professional Awareness (PDF)
Accreditation
- The Dental Assisting program at SCC is accredited by:
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ADA - CODA |
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- Notice of Site Visit - October 21 and 22, 2025
- This program has been granted the accreditation status of “approval without reporting requirements.” The commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.
- Southeast Community College is a State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Institution (NC-SARA) institution. As such, SCC is unable to offer online or distance courses to students in the following areas at this time: American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
State Licensure or Certification Requirements
- This program’s curriculum has been approved through a National accreditor, the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. Graduates of this accredited program may sit for the Dental Assisting National Board Exam (DANB) – Certified Dental Assistant Exam.
- This program is acceptable in all states, however, other states may have additional requirements such as a CBC, drug testing, etc.
- The Dental Assisting Program meets the licensure requirements of the following states: AL, AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IA, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WI, WV.