Purpose
Provide students with the theory, skills, laboratory and clinical experience to perform as entry-level dental assistants. Prepare students for employment in dental offices, hospitals, corporations, specialty dental clinics and the public health setting. Prepare students for the Dental Assistant National Board certification exams.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate workplace readiness skills
- Obtain first aid and CPR/BLS certification
- Collect and record vital signs
- Assist with oral examinations
- Prepare tray set-ups for oral procedures
- Prepare patients and operatories for dental procedures
- Take radiographic images and chart findings
- Help dentists by transferring instruments during appointments , such as restorations (fillings), crown preparations, tooth extractions, and many other clinical procedures
- Provide better visibility for dentists by using suction, retractors, and other equipment
- Take impressions and prepare study models
- Assist in maintaining accurate patient treatment records
- Schedule patient appointments and follow-up care
- Assist with patient billing, insurance, and other office tasks
- Protect patients and employees by adhering to infection control policies, OSHA regulations, and protocols
- Maintain basic equipment, dental supply, and office supply inventories
- Keep dental and office supply inventories, while also ordering new materials
- Assist with patient emergencies
- Assist dental professionals with patient education activities and community outreach projects
- Assist in procedures by selecting, mixing, or providing needed materials
Program Requirements
An academic advisor will review your preparation in Mathematics and English with you. You’ll be guided to appropriate preliminary coursework to give you the greatest chance of success in this program.
Employment Opportunities
Job opportunities may include working with other dental health professionals in private dental offices, hospitals, corporations, specialty dental clinics, volunteer dental events, and public health settings.
Admission Requirements
Dental Assistant is a competitive admissions program. The deadline to submit a program application is April 15th. Please visit www.mecc.edu to apply for program admission. Travel to clinical assignments and to the Center for Workforce and Innovation in Appalachia is required. The following immunizations, checks and screenings are required.
- Proof & record of three Hepatitis B vaccinations OR proof of immunity by titer OR proof that a current series of three is in progress and on time.
- Proof and record of two Hepatitis A vaccinations OR proof of immunity by titer OR proof of the first in the series being received within the past six months.
- Proof & record of two MMR vaccines OR proof of immunity by titer.
- Proof & record of negative TB test (two-step).
- Proof & record of seasonal flu shot.
- Proof & record of two varicella vaccinations OR proof of immunity by titer.
- Proof & record of DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccinations OR proof of immunity by titer.
- Proof and record of current health insurance coverage.
- Passing of criminal and sexual background checks and drug screen.
- Voluntary disclosure of COVID-19 vaccination status.
Mountain Empire’s Dental Assisting program is recognized by both Virginia and Tennessee Boards of Dentistry. MECC is starting the Commission On Dental Accreditation (CODA) review, which is a national recognition honored in all 50 states.
Click here for more information on our advanced Expanded Function (DA-II) training.
For Further Information, Contact:
- Dr. Emily Bowen, Dental Assistant Program Director
276-523-9008 - Sarah Clarkston, Health Sciences Advisor
276-523-9010 - Wes Mullins, Dean of Health Sciences
276-523-9017
