Training Opportunities

We believe that learning opens doors for the dental assistant; doors to increased pay, professional recognition, advanced career opportunities, and a matchless feeling of personal accomplishment. The Dental Assistant Program is a 12-month course of study, beginning in the Fall and ends in the Summer. There are two degree options: Technical Degree or Associate of Applied Science. Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam will be taken in 3 parts: Infection Control, Radiology and General Chairside. Once all three exams are passed, and course curriculum completed with a “C” average, student becomes a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).

Pre-requisites required:

Length of Program:
2 years

Summary of Program Requirements:

Skills Needed

This one (1) day, non-credit healthcare training prepares the dental assistant applicant currently certified by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and/or who is a graduate to a dental assisting program accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA) to apply for a Mississippi radiology permit. Upon successful completion of the program and obtaining the permit, the graduate is eligible to pursue additional opportunities in the dental field related to radiologic procedures.

Pre-requisites required:

Length of Program:
1 Day

Summary of Program Requirements:

Skills Needed

"The Dental Assisting Technology program at Meridian Community College is a one-year certificate program designed to prepare the student for employment and advancement in the dental assisting field. Upon successful completion of this program, the student will have performed a variety of patient care, office and laboratory duties. The program includes lecture hours, lab hours, and supervised clinical experiences. Students will complete 300 hours in local dental offices. In the clinical experiences, the student will assist the dentist at chairside both in private offices, clinics, and state facilities as applicable. Upon graduation from the program, the student will be able to apply for a Mississippi Radiology Permit which is necessary for legally using X-rays to make radiographs or capture digital images in Mississippi dental offices. Students are required to take two of the three components of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exams while in the DAT program. Student will take the Infection Control Exam (ICE) and the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam. Graduates from the program can then qualify to take the final component, the General Chairside (GC) exam. If all three components are passed within a five year period, the assistant will become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). This CDA certification usually brings a higher salary for the dental assistant."

Pre-requisites required:
Attain a 17 or better composite score on the ACT; or score 251 or above on the ACCUPLACER Reading section and a 251 or above on the Arithmetic 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 Register's Office about scheduling their information session.

Length of Program:
1 year

Summary of Program Requirements:
Attain a 17 or better composite score on the ACT; or score 251 or above on the ACCUPLACER Reading section and a 251 or above on the Arithmetic 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 Register's Office about scheduling their information session.

Skills Needed
Critical thinking skills; interpersonal skills sufficient to interact with co-workers and patients;  written and verbal communication skills;  fine motor skills; hand-eye coordination.