The Dental Assisting diploma program at IBMC College in Fort Collins can be completed in as little as 10 months (42 weeks) when completed as designed. The program is 50.5 credits and includes a 6-week externship in a professional dental setting.

The Dental Assisting program is offered at IBMC College’s Fort Collins campus at 3842 S Mason Street, Fort Collins, CO 80525. Prospective students are welcome to tour the campus or sit in on a class at no charge or obligation.

Yes. Financial aid is available to students who qualify. IBMC College’s financial services team helps Dental Assisting students explore options including Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), tuition assistance, payment plans and veteran training benefits. An IBMC College Admissions Advisor can walk you through total program cost and your funding options.

Yes. Students who complete the externship and graduate from IBMC College’s Dental Assisting program are eligible to sit for the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) certification exam through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

Yes. IBMC College’s Dental Assisting program includes a 6-week externship in a professional dental office, specialty practice or other healthcare setting. Externs are treated like regular employees, and the employer’s evaluation counts toward college credit, so graduates enter the workforce with real experience on their resume.

No. Dental Assisting does not typically require a four-year college degree. Career-focused Dental Assistant training can help students build the practical skills needed to pursue entry-level opportunities in dental offices, specialty dental practices, oral surgery centers, and other healthcare environments. This makes Dental Assisting a good option for students who want healthcare training without spending several years in school.

Dental Assistants may work in general dental offices, orthodontic offices, pediatric dental practices, oral surgery centers, specialty dental practices, and public healthcare settings. Their training can help prepare them for entry-level roles that combine patient care, chairside support, dental office procedures, and administrative responsibilities.

Dental Assistants and Dental Hygienists both work in dental care, but their roles are different. Dental Assistants typically support dentists during procedures, prepare rooms, sterilize instruments, take records, and assist with patient care. Dental Hygienists usually focus more on preventive care services such as cleanings, oral health education, and periodontal assessments, and they generally require a separate dental hygiene education and licensure path.

IBMC College Dental Assisting students learn clinical and administrative skills, including chairside assisting and patient care, dental science and preclinical skills, dental materials and radiography, medical terminology and anatomy, and dental office management. The program also includes personal development courses in career marketing, English communication and the psychology of success.

Yes. Classes at IBMC College are kept small and led by experienced dental professionals. Students practice chairside procedures, instrument sterilization, dental impressions, radiography and patient care using equipment found in real dental offices, then apply those skills during a 6-week externship.

Dental Assistants support dentists and patients throughout the visit. Typical duties include preparing treatment rooms, taking medical histories and vitals, passing instruments during procedures, taking dental x-rays, sterilizing equipment, documenting procedures, teaching oral care and scheduling follow-up appointments.

Dental Assistants work in general dental offices, orthodontic and pediatric practices, oral surgery centers, specialty practices and public health clinics. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Dental Assistant employment is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than average. IBMC College’s Career Services team supports students before and after graduation.