Fort Collins Dental Assisting Program

Get the Skills to Pursue a Rewarding Dental Career in 12 Months*

Dental Assistants help to ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of dental offices and play a valuable role in the comfort and well-being of patients. This career can involve both administrative and clinical duties plus the satisfaction of helping others to maintain a healthy smile.

If you’re interested in the dental field and want to get established in a steady, rewarding career with a future, Dental Assisting could be a great opportunity.

The dental assisting diploma program from IBMC offers the hands-on training, expert instruction and personalized support you need to become a skilled dental assistant professional in as little as 12 months*.

  • 64 credits (17 classes)
  • 12 months*
  • Train at the Fort Collins campus

Next Start Dates

Dental Assisting Programs

How Will IBMC Prepare Me for a Dental Assisting Career?

Dental Assisting is an active, hands-on career and at IBMC College we know that’s how it should be taught. This is practical, career-driven training led by experienced dental professionals.

As a student in this program you’ll assist with chairside procedures, interact with and comfort patients, perform equipment sterilizations, take impressions and learn how to effectively operate equipment used in a dental office setting.

You’ll Learn:

  • Dental Assisting Techniques
  • Dental Science Applications
  • Preclinical Skills
  • Dental Materials
  • Dental Radiography
  • Clinical Skills
  • Medical Terminology and Anatomy
  • Dental Office Management

This program is career-focused and packed with hands-on training to prepare you to work alongside dentists.

*Program length when completed as designed.

IBMC offers a 10-month Dental Assisting Diploma program at our Fort Collins, Colorado campus

  • Accredited program
  • Modern dental training facilities
  • Hands-on learning
  • Day classes available

As a Dental Assistant, you’ll have the chance to put patients at ease and bring out their confidence by giving them a healthy smile. You’ll learn the clinical skills and administrative tasks that take place in a dental office, oral surgery center or public healthcare facility.

Our curriculum is career-driven and packed with hands-on training to prepare you to work alongside dentists. You will assist with chairside procedures, interact with and comfort patients, perform equipment sterilizations, take impressions and learn how to effectively operate  equipment used in a dental office setting.

Dental Assisting students are trained in both administrative and clinical procedures. You will learn about dental assisting techniques, dental sciences, dental materials, dental radiography, and specialty practices and office management.

With a focus on practical career-training skills, our goal is to help students get the most out of personal attention and hands-on learning. You will learn from experienced instructors, who are dental professionals.

Upon completion of your program you will receive, or be eligible to sit for the following certifications:

  • Nationally Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
  • Basic Life Support (BLS)
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Real World Experience

Professional Externship

As part of this program, you’ll have the opportunity to complete a 5-week externship in a professional dental office, speciality practice office or other healthcare setting. You’ll enter the professional world with confidence after gaining so much practical, on-the-job experience before you graduate.

During your externship you’ll be treated as a regular employee and your employer will evaluate your work for college credit. That means you’ll enter the workforce with real industry work experience on your resume.

Dental Assistant Certification

Students that complete the 5-week externship and graduate from the program are fully prepared and eligible to sit for the Registered Dental Assistant exam. The Registered Dental Assistant examination is administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT), which is a nationally and internationally recognized certification agency and membership society for medical professionals.

What Does a Dental Assistant Do?

Dental Assistants usually work closely with patients and dentists. Typical duties may include:

  • Taking a Patient’s Medical History
  • Taking Vitals (Blood Pressure, Pulse etc.)
  • Explaining Procedures
  • Teaching Proper Oral Care
  • Passing Instruments to Dentists During Procedures
  • Holding Equipment such as Hoses, Matrix Bands and
  • Dental Curing Lights
  • Preparing Treatment Room
  • Sterilizing Instruments and Equipment
  • Documenting Procedures
  • Scheduling Followup Appointments

In a dental office, no two days are the same. In this profession, you have all the benefits of a comfortable office workspace, but you often won’t be stuck at a desk or limited to the same computer screen all day long.

Most dental clinics operate within traditional business hours, which can help provide consistent stability. This can be particularly helpful for anyone trying to balance family and other responsibilities.

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Are We a Good Fit for You?

Whether you’ve been out of school for a while, have a full house and a job, we’re here to help you navigate your next move toward a rewarding career.  Our admissions advisors can help you:

  • Match your interests to a new career
  • Find flexible scheduling that fits real life
  • See how others like you made the leap into a new career
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Career Opportunities in Dental Assisting

Qualified Dental Assistants work in dental offices, oral surgery centers and public healthcare facilities. With experience, you may choose to work in a specialty field such as oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, dentofacial orthopedics, endodontic, periodontics, prosthodontics and pediatric dentistry clinics.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Dental Assistants is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.**

Personalized Instruction

At IBMC, we deliberately keep classes small to ensure you receive individualized instruction from skilled educators in dental assisting skills.

As a student in this program, you’ll gain valuable experience in the dental field, both through lecture classes and hands-on practice. You’ll work with dental professionals and clients during your 5-week externship.

In addition to hands-on Dental Assisting training, you’ll receive personal development education to help set you up for success in your career. These courses include:

  • Career Marketing Strategies
  • English Communication
  • Psychology of Success

Career Services

The dedicated and knowledgeable Careers Services team at IBMC is committed to helping you before and after graduation. You’ll receive the resources and personalized guidance you need to pursue your career goals.

You’ll feel confident and fully prepared to transition from college to the professional world backed by the ongoing support of the team at IBMC.

Funding Options Available

Our financial services team is here to make sure that you get access to all the resources that are potentially available to you, such as:

  • Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Payment plan options
  • Veteran Training Benefits

Every student’s situation is unique, and our dedicated financial services team will help you discover all of your financial aid options. Federal Financial Aid and Veteran benefits are available to those who qualify.

Learn about your funding options today.

See It For Yourself - Book a Tour or Sit In On a Class

One of the best ways to see if the collaborative hands-on learning environment of IBMC College is right for you is to experience it firsthand. Take a tour or even sit in on a class. There is no charge or obligation. You’re welcome to bring a family member or other significant person in your life with you for support during your visit.

Is Hands-On Dental Assistant Training Right for You?

To learn more about hands-on Dental Assistant career training and to explore whether the program from IBMC is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.

A helpful IBMC Admissions Advisor will assist with everything from career questions to financial aid and help you discover the perfect career path for you.

*Program length when completed as designed.

For immediate questions, give us a call at: Fort Collins: (970) 223-2669

Accreditation, Education Partners, and Awards

IBMC College Locations

IBMC has 3 accredited campus locations in Northern Colorado. Each of our campuses provides a unique learning experience, helping you become a career-ready professional. Explore your career options today!

Fort Collins

Greeley Campus

Longmont Campus

Ready for a Career in Healthcare or Cosmetology?

Call Now: 800-495-2669