Dental Assisting

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Dental Assisting Program

MCC Dental Assisting students performing chairside techniques in the Evergreen Park dental lab. 

Spring 2026 Enrollment Now Open for MCC Programs!

Call (312) 236-9000 ext. 1
 to book your enrollment appointment today.

Midwestern Career College’s Dental Assisting program prepares individuals to work as Dental Assistants under the supervision of dentists and dental hygienists. Students can sit for the RDA after completion, which is a national certification.

The program includes instruction in medical record-keeping, general office duties, reception and patient intake, scheduling, equipment maintenance and sterilization, basic radiography, pre- and post-operative patient care and instruction, chairside assisting, taking tooth and mouth impressions, and supervised practice.

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Did you know? One of MCC’s partners is TAG Oral Care Center for Excellence. The TAG Oral Care Center for Excellence is a first-of-its-kind facility, providing cutting-edge comprehensive dental care at no cost to underserved Illinois residents. Learn more

Is a Dental Assisting Program Right for You?

Take the Midwestern Career College Dental Assisting Readiness Quiz

Identify goals, personal strengths and important facts about your potential career path so you can make an informed decision about your future. It takes just a few minutes!

Get Your Career Training Readiness Score Now!

Campus: Study format: Start date:
Evergreen Park, IL Hybrid Spring 2026
Program Length: 60 Instructional Weeks/3 Terms

Program Goals

The dental assisting program utilizes criteria based on clinical practices related to Certified Dental Assisting/Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).Dental Assisting Program Goals ChicagoDANB Preparation Dental Assistant MCCChicago Dental Assisting Training OutcomesMCC Dental Assistant Program Competencies

What Do Dental Assistants Do?

Dental Assistants support dental teams with clinical, technical, and administrative duties. Responsibilities include dental charting, infection control, radiography, dental materials, restorative dentistry, endodontics, periodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, pediatrics, prosthodontics, orthodontics, pharmacology and pain control, medical and dental emergencies, oral evacuation and instrument transfer, law and ethics, and dental office management. They may also assist with chairside instrumentation, equipment safety, and reception activities.

What Skills Will I Learn in the Dental Assisting Program?

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • take dental radiographs (x-ray photographs);
  • prepare patients and equipment for dental procedures;
  • discharge office administrative functions and medical record-keeping;
  • maintain equipment and sterilization;
  • provide chairside assisting;
  • take tooth and mouth impressions.
Video: Dental Assistant career overview from the U.S. Department of Labor.

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What Certification Does the Dental Assisting Program Prepare Me For?

MCC’s Dental Assisting program prepares students to sit for the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification.

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How Many Externship Hours Does the Dental Assisting Program Include?

300 total hours of externship are included in the program.

MCC Podcast S1E15: Inside Dental Assisting with Lead Dental Instructor Rigo Zavala

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What Is the Career Outlook for Dental Assistants?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (B.L.S.), dental assistant employment is expected to grow by 6% from 2024–2034, which is classified as faster than average. The B.L.S. also has information on career outlook for dental assistants.

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Projected Job Growth for Dental Assistants (2024–2034)

All Occupations
~3%
Dental Assistants
6%
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (2024–2034 projections).

Disclosures

 

More on dental assisting

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Admissions Contact Info

Admissions

203 N. LaSalle St.
Chicago, IL 60601

312-236-9000 ext. 1
admissions@mccollege.edu

 

Hours:

Mon – Thu 9:00A.M. – 6:00P.M.

Fri 9:00A.M. – 4:00P.M.

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