Dental Assisting Technology

Progression: 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) must include one of the following:

• Attain a 17 or better composite score on the ACT;
• 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)
• 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.

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.