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Program Information
Entrance Requirements
Courses
Instructors
Video
Robin
Johnson, CDA
MCC Dental Assisting Program Coordinator
601-484-8676
rjohnson@meridiancc.edu |
MERIDIAN
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM
Robin
Johnson, Coordinator
The Dental Assisting program at MCC is a 1 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. 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
their radiography permit which is necessary for taking x-rays in a
dental office. The student will have taken 2 of the 3 parts (Infection
Control and Radiation Health Safety) of the Dental Assisting National
Boards (DANB). The student will be given the application form for the
3rd portion (General Chairside). If taken and passed within 5 years of
completion of the Dental Assisting program, the dental assistant will be
able to secure their CDA credential. Graduates of the 12-month program
will be awarded a certificate of completion.
In order for a student to progress in the Dental Assisting (DAT)
program, the student must earn a grade of "C" or better in each DAT
course and attain an overall average of "C" or better in all coursework
(CGPA of 2.0).
DENTAL ASSISTING
If you are a "hands-on" person, enjoy people, like fast-paced work, like
variety, and enjoy the thought of helping people; then Dental Assisting
might be for you. Dental Assistants help a dentist work on patients in a
dental office or clinic. They take dental x-rays, make
study models, help with dental procedures, do coronal polishes, apply
sealants, and maintain infection
control of dental operatories, instruments, and equipment. They calm
patient's fears, maintain patient's dental records, make appointments,
answer the telephone, and help with patient oral healthcare education.
The median salary of Mississippi DANB Certified Assistants employed
full-time is $16.77/hour. Starting salary is usually in the
$10.00-$12.50 range for non-certified assistants. The
hours are great-usually no weekends. You don't take work home at night!
If this seems like a profession or program of study you might be
interested, then call MCC for more information. We can get you
information on courses, admission policy, and answer other questions you
may have. Dial 1-800-MCC-THE-1.
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