Launch Your Healthcare Career Sooner: Springfield Technical Community College‘s Dental Assisting Program Now offers Spring Enrollment
Are you considering a rewarding career in healthcare, one that combines technical skill with patient care? The Dental Assisting program at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) is making it easier than ever to get started. Recognizing the growing demand for skilled dental professionals and the diverse needs of today’s students, STCC is now accepting applications for a spring 2026 start – a first for the program. This expanded schedule offers increased versatility and a faster pathway to launching your career.
Why Choose Dental Assisting? A Growing Field with Real Possibility
The dental assisting profession is projected to grow considerably in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 16 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for preventative dental care and the aging population.
But it’s not just about job security. Dental assisting is a dynamic role that offers:
* Direct Patient Interaction: Build rapport and provide comfort to patients during their dental visits.
* Technical Skills: Master essential procedures like taking X-rays, preparing patients, and assisting the dentist.
* Career Advancement: The program provides a strong foundation for further education in dental hygiene or other healthcare fields.
* Competitive Salaries: Dental assistants earn a median annual wage of $44,820 in May 2023 (BLS data), with potential for growth based on experience and location.
STCC’s Dental Assisting Program: Designed for Your Success
STCC’s Dental Assisting program is renowned for its hands-on training and commitment to producing highly skilled graduates. The program’s curriculum is designed to meet the rigorous standards of the dental profession, preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce.
Here’s what you need to know about the spring 2026 enrollment:
* Submission Deadline: November 14th, 2025
* Acceptance Notifications: Mailed the first week of December 2025
* Mandatory Orientation: Wednesday, December 17th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.Dental kit purchase and payment are required at this time.
* Flexible Scheduling: Afternoon/evening classes cater to students with work or family commitments.
“By expanding to both fall and spring starts, we are opening the door for more students who want to pursue a career in dental assisting but may not have been able to wait a full year to apply,” explains Samantha Kelley, Dental assisting Program Coordinator. “This change provides additional access and flexibility for students who are eager to join the workforce and contribute to the growing demand for dental professionals.”
What Does it Take to Apply?
The admissions process is straightforward. Applicants will need to submit:
* Proof of high school graduation or GED/HiSET completion.
* Official transcripts or test scores.
* Completion of, or current enrollment in, either BIO 120/120L (“Basics of Anatomy & Physiology”) or BIO 231/231L (“Anatomy & Physiology I”). A new program coursework requirement form is now part of the online application.
Priority Consideration: While not mandatory, completing courses like English Composition 1 (ENG 101), general Psychology (PSY 101), Introduction to Sociology (SOC 101), Fundamentals of Oral Communication (ENG 105), and Nutrition (BIO 115) will strengthen your application.
A Stepping Stone to Further Education
STCC’s Dental Assisting program isn’t just a career launchpad; it’s also an excellent pathway to advanced education. graduates of the one-year certificate program can leverage core coursework – including Dental Radiology, Oral Anatomy I, and Dental Materials and Lab – to strengthen their applications to STCC’s Dental Hygiene program.
“The Dental Assisting program at STCC is known for producing highly skilled graduates who are ready to meet the needs of dental practices across the region,” says Christopher Scott, Dean of the School of Health and Patient Simulation. “Expanding admissions to both fall and spring semesters will help us serve more students and continue building a strong pipeline of healthcare professionals.”
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Don’t delay your future! The spring 2026 semester is your opportunity
