Dental Assistant Programs in Mississippi
You’re looking for a healthcare career that lets you start working and gaining experience as quickly as possible. Dental assistant school may be the solution you have been looking for.
As a dental assistant, you can provide valuable services to dental offices in your community. Daily tasks include patient check-in, payment collection, paperwork filing, dental cleanings, exam room setup, and exam room cleanup. There’s always more to learn and build on in this career.
Learn more about this career path by contacting dental assistant schools in Mississippi.
Dental Assistant Schools in Mississippi
One of the main benefits of becoming a dental assistant is the fact that you can complete your training in a short timeframe.
Many schools have certificate and diploma programs that take one or two semesters. Associate’s degree programs usually take about two years of full-time education, since you have to earn 60 credits before graduating. All three options should offer plenty of hands-on experience with patients of varying dental needs.
The courses listed below help you master dental theory, terminology, and techniques before you have to apply them in clinical settings.
Commonly Required Courses in Mississippi
- Dental Orientation
- Dental Science
- Chairside Assisting
- Dental Radiology
- Dental Assisting Materials
- Dental Health Education
- Practice Management
By the time you graduate, you should have experience with office management and clinical work, but most of your practical experience may come from clinical rotations. The more time you spend working with dentists and patients, the more prepared you may be to tackle your daily work responsibilities.
Students at dental assistant programs in Mississippi can take advantage of different financial aid programs. There are many federal programs available to healthcare students, particularly if you can demonstrate financial need. You can also look into dental associations like Colgate Professional. Colgate Professional pairs with dozens of industry organizations to offer dental scholarships.
Working as a Dental Assistant in Mississippi
After learning how to become a dental assistant, it’s time to put all of your education to work and start your job search.
At this point, you should have a clear answer to, “What does a dental assistant do?” Daily assignments depend on where you work and the specific needs of your supervising dentist. As you get to know their work habits and needs, you can make yourself a great asset to your dental office.
Dental assistant requirements in Mississippi indicate that you must be CPR-certified before you can work as a dental assistant. To gain licensure in expanded functions and radiography, you must apply through the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners.
The job outlook in Mississippi is positive, which can really help you as you start your career. By 2024, O*Net expects job openings for Mississippi dental assistants to increase 9% (2016). The average dental assistant salary in Mississippi is $30,830 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016).
Don’t wait any longer to start preparing for an exciting new career.
Use the list of Mississippi dental programs below to contact training programs near you.
Mississippi
Blue Cliff College
Campus Locations in: Gulfport, MS
Matching Programs: Clinical Medical Assisting – Diploma
Program Types Offered: Diploma
Concorde Career College
Campus Locations in: South Haven, MS
Matching Programs: Medical Assistant, Medical Assisting – (AAS), Medical Office Professional, Medical Office Professional – (AAS)
Program Types Offered: Associate Degree, Diploma
Hinds Community College
Campus Locations in: Pearl, MS
Matching Programs: Medical Assistant Program
Program Types Offered: Associate Degree
Programmatic Accreditation: CAAHEP
Northeast Mississippi Community College
Campus Locations in: Booneville, MS
Matching Programs: Medical Assistant Program
Program Types Offered: Associate Degree
Programmatic Accreditation: CAAHEP