Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting

Make Smiles Shine

As a dental assistant, you play a vital role in supporting dentists by providing chairside assistance during procedures and contribute to exceptional patient care. As a dental hygienist, you transform lives by providing professional dental cleanings and periodontal treatment, patient education, and oral health prevention services.

Apply at Hawkeye Today

" Hawkeye is a very welcoming environment. They really open doors and welcome you in and help you with what you need. I would recommend it to anyone. "
  • Brianne Martin
  • Dental Hygiene '22

Choose Your Dental Pathway

background
  • Dental terminology
  • Preventative and oral health education
  • Oral and dental anatomy
  • Digital dental radiography
  • Dental procedures
  • Computerized charting and record keeping
  • Dental equipment and materials
  • Infection control

Explore the 1 year Dental Assisting Diploma

  • Medical terminology
  • Oral and dental anatomy
  • Digital dental radiography
  • Oral disease and health
  • Computerized charting and record keeping
  • Dental equipment and materials
  • Infection control
  • Oral and dental hygiene practices
  • Patient education
  • Dental pharmacology
  • Pain control techniques
  • Public health systems

Explore the 2 year Dental Hygiene AAS Degree

Dental Assistant vs. Dental Hygienist

A dental assistant works closely with the dentist to set up instruments, prepare the treatment area, take X-rays, and help care for patients. A dental hygienist examines patients' teeth, takes X-rays, gives thorough cleanings, treats gum problems, teaches good oral care, and provides other services to help keep teeth and gums healthy.

Hawkeye's Dental Clinic

24

Patient Chairs

800+

Patients Annually

$3.79M

College Investment

5

Intraoral Radiograph Suites

Program Overview

Dental Clinic: Train in the state-of-the-art clinic featuring 25 patient chairs, computerized patient record software, and a complete digital X-ray system under the supervision of licensed dentists and dental professionals.

Clinical: Gain many hours of real-world work experience, ensuring you have the skills you need to succeed in your future career. Dental Assistant students complete 320 hours of clinical rotation. Dental Hygiene students complete 528 hours.

This is a partial list of employers who hire Hawkeye graduates:

  • Delta Dental of Iowa, Johnston, IA
  • Dental Associates of Manchester, Manchester, IA
  • Henry Schein Dental, Melville, NY
  • Iowa Department of Public Health, Des Moines, IA
  • Kimball & Beecher Family Dentistry, Waterloo, IA
  • Patterson Dental Supply, Inc., Des Moines, IA
  • Peoples Community Health Clinic, Inc., Waterloo, IA

This program qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship and will pay up to 100% of your tuition.

You must apply for, be awarded, and meet the ongoing eligibility requirements for the Last-Dollar Scholarship.

The Future of Healthcare Education

Contact Us

Admissions

Main Campus
Hawkeye Center 134
319-296-4000
Email Admissions

Regular Hours — Spring 2025

Monday – Friday 8 AM – 4:30 PM