STCC Dental Assisting Program Expands Applications to Spring Semester
SPRINGFIELD — The Dental Assisting program at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) is now accepting applications for the spring 2026 semester.
This marks an opportunity for students to begin their training in either the fall or spring semester of 2026, offering greater flexibility with an afternoon/evening schedule designed to meet the needs of today’s students.
Applications for the spring 2026 semester opened Sept. 15, and the deadline to apply is Nov. 14. Acceptance letters will be mailed during the first week of December. A mandatory program orientation will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon, at which time students are required to have their dental kit purchased and paid in full.
“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,” said 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.”
The admissions process requires applicants to provide proof of high school graduation or GED/HiSET completion, along with a transcript or test scores. In addition, applicants must have completed or be enrolled in one of the following courses: BIO 120/120L “Basics of Anatomy & Physiology” or BIO 231/231L “Anatomy & Physiology I.” A new program coursework requirement form will also be part of the online application, effective immediately.
Students who have completed preferred courses such as “English Composition 1” (ENG 101),
“General Psychology” (PSY 101) or “Introduction to Sociology” (SOC 101), “Fundamentals of Oral Communication” (ENG 105), and “Nutrition” (BIO 115) will be given priority consideration.
Graduates of the one-year certificate program may also strengthen their applications to STCC’s Dental Hygiene program, as some of the core dental assisting courses, such as “Dental Radiology,” “Oral Anatomy I,” and “Dental Materials and Lab,” transfer directly into the curriculum.
“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,” said 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.”
For more information about the Dental Assisting program and to apply, visit stcc.edu.