Dental Assisting Technology

FIND YOUR WINGS

This one-year certificate program is designed for employment and advancement in the Dental Assisting field. This program includes lecture hours, lab hours, and supervised clinical experiences. In the clinical experience, the student will assist the dentist at chairside both in private offices, clinics, and state facilities as applicable.

Graduates of the Dental Assisting program will be awarded a certificate of completion. Upon graduation from the program, the student will be able to apply for a Mississippi radiology permit, which is necessary to administer dental radiographs or digital images in the state of Mississippi. The student is required to sit for two of the three components of the Dental Assisting National Board CDA exam (Infection Control Exam- ICE and Radiology Health and Safety Exam- RHS) during the program year.

To meet graduation requirements for this program, students must successfully complete the specified courses listed below with a “C” average (GPA of 2.00) or better. A grade of “C” or higher is required in each DAT course to progress in the program. All coursework must be passed.

Minimum admission requirements (in addition to general admission requirements):

  • Attain a 17 or better composite score on the ACT


OR

  • Score a 251 or higher on the ACCUPLACER NG Reading Section and a 251 or higher on the ACCUPLACER NG Arithmetic Section (or 231 on the ACCUPLACER NG Algebra QAS Section)

OR

  • Complete 15 semester hours with a “C” average or above at an accredited college or university with six (6) of the hours being awarded in English Composition I (ENG 1113) and Public Speaking (SPT 1113). Developmental coursework does not satisfy this requirement; 

AND

  • Have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 (“C” average) on all previous college coursework;


AND

  • Attend a DAT Information Session offered in late spring. Students will receive notice from the Registrar’s Office about scheduling their Information Session.


The DAT Admissions Committee will select each year’s class from the pool of applicants who meet minimum admission requirements. Any application with incomplete records will not be considered for admission. The admission process is competitive, and completion of minimum requirements is not a guarantee of admission. Priority consideration for admission will be given as follows: (1) In-district students who complete program prerequisites and/or general education coursework at MCC; (2) Out-of-district students who complete program prerequisites and/or general education coursework at MCC; (3) Mississippi residents who complete program prerequisites and/or general education coursework elsewhere; (4) Out-of-state students. Check with the Health Education Advisor for selection details and deadlines.

After program admission and prior to beginning of class, students must begin a three-part Hepatitis-B vaccination (or present physician’s statement stating that this vaccination is not advisable) and have a current CPR card not expiring while the students are in the program. Students must provide proof of immunization for MMR. A Mantoux Two-Step TB Skin Test and a Drug Screening Test will be scheduled after classes begin.


GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES
Course Number Course Description Hours
SPT 1113 Public Speaking 3
DAT 1111 Dental Orientation 1
DAT 1214 Dental Assisting Materials 4
DAT 1313 Dental Science I 3
DAT 1415 Chairside Assisting I 5
DAT 1514 Dental Radiology I 4
DAT 1911 Dental Seminar I 1
  Semester Hours 21
Second Semester
Course Number Course Description Hours
DAT 1323 Dental Science II 3
DAT 1423 Chairside Assisting II 3
DAT 1522 Dental Radiology II 2
DAT 1612 Dental Health Education 2
DAT 1714 Practice Management 4
DAT 1815 Clinical Experience I 5
DAT 1921 Dental Seminar II 1
  Semester Hours 20
Third Semester
Course Number Course Description Hours
ENG 1113 English Composition I 3
DAT 1822 Clinical Experience II 2
DAT 1433 Chairside Assisting III 3
  Semester Hours 8
Total Semester Hours 49

 

The program in Dental Assisting education is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of "approval without reporting requirements". The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at  312.440.4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission's web address is: ada.org/en/coda.

MCC’s Dental Assisting Certificate program is a program that meets the education requirements for a Dental Assistant in MS, and qualifies graduates to apply for a Mississippi radiology permit. Students take two components of the Dental Assisting National Board Exam while enrolled in the program. 

Determinations about whether the Dental Assisting Certificate program at MCC meets the state education requirements for US States, Territories, and the District of Columbia can be found at Professional Licensure & State Authorization Program Determination Disclosure. Outbound Link

 

For more informationFor more information:
Nandi Dove, Coordinator
nandi.dove@meridiancc.edu
601.484.8676

For more informationFor more information:
Jimmyia Smith, Advisor
jimmyia.smith@meridiancc.edu 
601.484.8629