Dental Assisting Technology

(Advanced Manufacturing & Technology Center)

Coming Soon

The Dental Assisting Technology (DAT) Program is a one-year technical program designed to prepare the student for employment and advancement in the dental assisting field. The curriculum requires 46 semester hours of courses that include lecture hours, lab hours, and supervised clinical experiences. During clinical experiences, students will assist the dentist chairside in private practice offices, clinics, and state facilities as applicable.

This program has begun the initial application process with the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and anticipates accreditation for students entering in the Fall of 2025. The program must have a pre-accreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board Certification Exam (DANB).

DANB certificates contribute to high-quality oral healthcare. With a DANB certificate, you will enhance your dental team’s level of competency, efficiency, reputation and credibility. Employers and patients alike value DANB’s certifications. Upon graduation from the program, the student may apply for a Radiology permit which is necessary for taking x-rays in a dental office. If the student desires, an Associate of Applied Science degree may be obtained by completing additional prescribed courses.

Dental Assisting Goals

• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of dental anatomy, dental procedures, patient communication, infection control, and medical emergencies,
• Master the necessary dental assisting competencies, including office and administrative duties, and
• Be eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam and become a Certified Dental Assistant, which is recognized by many employers as a measure of competency and professionalism.

Admission Procedure

1. Complete application and be accepted to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.  Application can be completed online.
2. Submit copies of official transcripts of all schools attended to the Office of Admissions.  All transcripts must be reviewed for determination of course credits.
3. Meet all Academic Requirements (listed below) and complete any program pre-requisites or Entry Requirements.
4. After successful completion of all academic and entry requirements (see section below), the student is eligible to complete the Massage Therapy Supplemental Application for Program Admission. To complete and submit the online Supplemental Application:
   1. Visit Web Services.
   2. Select Student.
   3. Select School of Nurisng and Health Professions Supplemental Application.

Thereafter, the applicant MUST read the guidelines carefully. In order to complete and submit the application, college admission and ALL pre-requisite requirements are required.

Note: The School of Nursing and Health Professions Supplemental Application for Dental Assisting Technology will not be open until the program has been granted CODA accreditation status.

Academic and Entry Requirements

• An official high school transcript from an approved high school or High School Equivalency score (GED or HiSET), if not previously enrolled in college
• Achieve a minimum Composite ACT Score of 16 (If the ACT score is less than 16, an applicant can qualify by successfully completing ENG 1113; English Composition I and SPT 1113; Public Speaking, each with a grade of C or higher.)
• Review the online mandatory Pre-School of Nursing and Health Professions Orientation Session prior to completing the supplemental application for program ranking.  The session can be viewed anytime and anywhere you have access to the internet.  The Power Point presentation gives you valuable information on topics common to all School of Nursing and Health Professions programs at MGCCC.   Even without the ability to speak directly or interact immediately with a School of Nursing and Health Professions advisor, the session speaks to frequently asked questions from program entrance to completion.  In order to receive credit for viewing the session, follow the steps below.  The information is approximately one (1) hour in length.           

To complete this requirement do the following:           

1. Visit Web Services
2. Select Student
3. Select School of Nursing and Health Professions Supplemental Application Orientation Session.
4. In order to receive credit, you must review the entire session.
5. Click survey complete so that your log-in information will be recorded in the college’s BANNER system.   

• Comply with Mississippi law requiring a Criminal Background History Check with Fingerprinting through the Mississippi Department of Health. All students making application to a School of Nursing and Health Professions program at MGCCC are required to obtain a clear or acceptable Criminal Background Check from the MGCCC Campus Police Department at HC, JC, Perkinston, or GC Campus.  The criminal background check policy (including testing dates and times) can be viewed at School of Nursing and Health Professions Criminal Background Check Policy .

Selection Process

Program openings are filled based on Selective Admission. Admission requirements are evaluated by the use of a rating scale which includes but not limited to: ACT scores, GPA, and applicable previous degrees/certifications earned. All applicants are considered on a competitive basis. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the program. The number of applicants accepted is limited due to the nature of the program.

DAT Program Policies

• All students are required to submit to substance testing in accordance with the substance testing policy and procedures for the School of Nursing and Health Professions. The testing policy can be viewed by clicking here:  School of Nursing and Health Professions Substance Testing Policy .
• The School of Nursing and Health Professions requires proof of Immunizations and/or CPR. Submission of all required documents will begin following program acceptance. Failure to meet the requirements will result in withdrawal/dismissal.
• Upon admission a student must obtain a minimum grade of “C” in all DAT co-requisite courses to graduate from the program.
• Adherence to additional clinical affiliation requirements may be necessary depending on clinical rotation placement. (i.e. hospital orientation, HIPAA training, CPR certification)
• The School of Nursing and Health Professions Student Manual can be viewed here