Mar 28, 2026  
2026-2027 Academic Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Academic Catalog

Dental Assisting Certificate

Location(s): Springfield Campus


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Certificate: 43 Hours

The dental assisting profession offers a variety of career opportunities in a general or specialty dental offices. Dental assistants often spend much of their day working closely with patients and dentists. OTC’s dental assisting program strives to provide opportunities for students to discover their talents and abilities and to achieve individual excellence.

The dental assisting program is a selective admission program. A separate application process is required for acceptance into this program.  Upon acceptance, the students may take the “program specific courses.” Graduates receive a certificate or an Associate in Applied Science degree designed to prepare them for the national certification exam, administered by The Dental Assisting National Board and the Missouri Expanded Function Permits, issued by the Missouri Dental Board.

A grade of “C” or better is required for all dental assisting program required courses.

A new class begins each fall and spring semesters. The application deadline for the program is June 15 for the fall start and October 31 for the spring start.  Additional information may be found on the Application Packet webpage link found on the Dental Programs webpage.

The dental assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association located at 211 E Chicago, Suite 1900, Chicago, IL 60611. 800.232.6108  https://coda.ada.org/

Selective Admission Program:


The information below shows the courses and requirements you need to graduate from this program. Some courses may need to be completed before you can enter the program and may have extra rules, like a required minimum grade. Please contact the Health Sciences office or visit the program page for more information on how to apply. 

General Education Requirement - 3 Credit hours


Any higher level COM course will meet this requirement.

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