Lowell Campus - Day, Starts Fall Semester Only

Program Description:

The Dental Assisting Certificate program provides the skills and knowledge necessary to assist at chairside in the dental environment. The program prepares students to perform clinical supportive procedures, some clinical procedures on patients (such as oral-health instruction), to perform laboratory procedures, and basic office procedures. Students also gain knowledge into the legal provisions and regulations pertinent to the Massachusetts Dental Practice Act and dental auxiliary utilization. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board exam which awards the credential of Certified Dental Assistant. The program emphasizes hands-on learning in small clinical and lab settings, as well as through the internship experience and Service-Learning activities.  The part time option (2 years) is designed for matriculated students who are not able to carry the full course load of 15+ credits per semester.

Accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.

• Visit the Department Website for this program
• View the Academic Map for this program

Career and Transfer Outlook:

Typically, graduates gain employment in private and group dental practices.  Entry-level salary is around $25-30 an hour. In Massachusetts, dental assistants must be licensed as a Registered Dental Assistant and be certified in Dental Radiology and Infection Control.

Gainful Employment Disclosure Information: In accordance with Federal regulations, Middlesex Community College discloses information about student costs, tuitions, fees and employment statistics to various governing bodies to ensure certification and oversight. See: Gainful Employment Information

 Helpful Hints:

• Students should consider taking the general education/non-dental courses prior to entry into the Dental Assisting program.
• Fundamental courses such as Dental Sciences must be taken prior to courses with clinical component in accordance to the Commission on Dental Accreditation requirements for course sequencing.
• Students in the part time option must follow the academic map as published. All Dental Assisting Program courses scheduled to be taken in the first year must be successfully completed before proceeding to the second year clinical courses.

Standard/Technical Skills Notice: To view a list of standard and/or technical skills required for performing duties in various health career fields, visit the Middlesex Community College Health Division website (https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/healthcareersdiv/) or the Student Information Centers. These skills are not conditions for admission to MCC programs, but do indicate abilities and characteristics necessary for successful completion of college Health programs, and to perform the duties of the career upon graduation.

Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the Dental Assisting Certificate program are prepared to:

• Enter the workforce as an entry-level dental assistant with the knowledge and technical skills needed to be successful while assisting in any dental environment, emergency or otherwise;

• Communicate professionally and effectively with patients, employers and colleagues;

• Accurately record dental/medical data into a dental record and/or chart;

• Provide care with empathy for patients;

• Practice within the legal and ethical frameworks of the dental-assisting profession and the Massachusetts Dental Practice Act;

• Accept responsibility for professional growth by participating in continuing education and membership in the American Dental Assistants Association.