Dental Assisting Essentials

Fall 2026 Cohort

Start Your Career in Dental Assisting

Launch your career in one of healthcare's fastest-growing fields with the Dental Assisting Essentials program at Bunker Hill Community College.

Designed for students with little or no previous dental experience, this 25-week program combines classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory training, CPR certification, and a supervised externship to prepare you for entry-level employment in today's modern dental practices.

Whether you are starting a new career, changing professions, or exploring opportunities in healthcare, this program provides the knowledge, practical experience, and confidence to take the next step.

Apply for the Fall 2026 Cohort

• Applications Open: April 27, 2026
• Application Deadline: July 15, 2026
• Admission Decisions Released: August 14, 2026
• Program Dates: September 8, 2026 – March 9, 2027

Why Students Choose This Program

• No previous dental experience required
• Convenient evening classes
• Includes a supervised 2-week externship
• CPR certification included
• Textbook and lab supplies included in tuition

Dental assistants play an essential role in providing quality patient care. They prepare treatment rooms, assist dentists during procedures, maintain infection control standards, manage instruments and materials, and help patients feel comfortable throughout their visit.

The Dental Assisting Essentials program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment by combining classroom instruction with practical, hands-on training in a simulated dental laboratory.

No previous experience in dentistry is required.

The program is designed with working adults in mind. Classes are held in the evening, making it easier to balance school with work and family responsibilities.

Tuesday

Lecture & Non-Clinical Lab

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Students learn the foundational knowledge needed for a career in dental assisting, including dental terminology, anatomy, infection prevention, patient care, radiography concepts, and professional communication.

Thursday

Clinical Dental Lab

6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Students practice the techniques learned in class using dental equipment, instruments, and modern technology in BHCC's clinical laboratory.

CPR Session

All students are required to complete one Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR training session.

• One evening or Saturday session
• 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
• Date announced during the semester

Throughout the program, students develop the knowledge and practical skills employers expect from today's dental assistants.

Topics include:

• Dental anatomy and terminology
• Infection prevention and OSHA standards
• Sterilization procedures
• Chairside assisting
• Four-handed dentistry
• Dental instruments and materials
• Dental impressions
• Digital dentistry
• Dental radiography simulation
• Practice management software (Dentrix)
• Patient communication
• Dental ethics and professionalism
• Surgical assisting
• Specialty dentistry
• Medical emergency procedures

Hands-On Training

Learning by doing is an important part of this program.

Throughout the course, students practice clinical skills in BHCC's dental laboratory before completing a supervised externship in a professional dental office.

This combination of classroom learning and real-world experience helps students build confidence and prepare for employment.

CPR Certification

The program includes Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR training.

Students who successfully complete the CPR course and pass the certification exam will receive their CPR certification.

Externship Experience

Every student completes a required 2-week (80-hour) externship.

During the externship, students gain valuable real-world experience by working alongside experienced dental professionals in a clinical setting.

An Externship Coordinator will arrange each student's placement and guide them through the process.

Students are responsible for:

• Providing their own transportation
• Submitting an updated résumé
• Meeting any immunization requirements requested by the externship site, including TB and/or Hepatitis B if required
• Providing any additional documentation requested before the externship begins

Externship placements are assigned by BHCC based on availability and educational needs.

To be considered for admission, applicants must submit the following:

1. Proof of Education

Submit one of the following:

• High School Diploma
• GED
• HiSET
• Unofficial College Transcript

If your education was completed outside the United States, documents must be translated into English and evaluated by an approved credential evaluation agency.

Applicants who have earned a college degree do not need to submit their high school diploma.

2. Current Résumé

Your résumé should include:

• Current contact information
• Educational background
• Employment history
• Relevant volunteer or work experience, if applicable

3. Personal Essay

Write a personal essay (maximum one-half page) that answers the following questions:

• Tell us a little about yourself.
• Why are you interested in becoming a Dental Assistant?
• What are your career goals after completing this program?

Important: You must upload all three required documents in a single submission.

The application system does not allow you to upload additional documents or make changes after your initial submission.

If you do not have all three required documents ready, please do not submit your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Start Your Dental Assisting Essentials Application

Once your application has been submitted:

Step 1: Your application and supporting documents will be reviewed.

Step 2: Applicants who meet the initial eligibility requirements will be invited to participate in an interview (virtual or in person).

Step 3: Final admission decisions will be released by August 14, 2026.

Need Help Applying?

Before submitting your application, please review the Student Gateway Upload Documents Visual Step By Step Guide for step-by-step instructions on uploading your required documents.

If you have questions about the application process or the program, we're here to help.

Email: dentalassisting@bhcc.edu