TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) — Time is running out to apply for a free dental assistant training program offered by the American Red Cross in partnership with Irwin Army Community Hospital at Fort Riley. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, June 27.
The Red Cross says the program is open to applicants who meet specific eligibility criteria. Participants must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma, be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and have a valid military ID card.
This full-time training course will begin on September 15 and continue through April 2026. It includes 800 hours of hands-on experience assisting chairside in the Fort Riley dental clinic. Participants must also complete 25 hours of volunteer work with the Red Cross. Only eight students will be accepted into the program.
Applications must be complete and submitted by the close of business on June 27. Submissions can be sent by email to undine.lasater2@redcross or delivered in person to the Fort Riley Red Cross Office at 210 Custer Avenue. Late applications will not be considered.
The Red Cross notes that completing the training program allows skills to transfer between military dental treatment facilities. However, the course does not provide official certification.
To become certified, graduates must contact the Dental Assistant National Board (DANB) directly. Those seeking civilian employment as a dental assistant may need to complete additional coursework or obtain state board certification. While certification is encouraged, it is not required for dental assistant roles within military clinics.