Dental Assistant Program

The dental assistant program at Mount Wachusett Community College prepares students for a career in a dental office, dental supply manufacturer, hospital dental department, or insurance company. The program focuses on preparing patients and equipment for dental procedures, and office administrative functions. Program courses include: medical record-keeping, general office duties, reception and patient intake, scheduling, equipment maintenance and sterilization, basic radiography, pre and post-operative patient care and instruction, chairside assisting, taking tooth and mouth impressions, and supervised practice. Get more details below including other Massachusetts colleges that offer dental assistant program.

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Mount Wachusett Community College (The Mount)

50 College Street, South Hadley, MA

About
Mount Wachusett Community College, located in Gardner, Massachusetts,  is a public two year institutions founded in 1963 to service residents in over 29 cities and areas in north central Massachusetts. The school has maintained academic excellence since its establishment, leading to growth as a school and providing much needed opportunity for technical and academic advancements in its area of service. Individuals enrolled in the school will find an environment that is helpful and conducive to one's success as a student and professional.

Academics
Mount Wachusett Community College offers over 40 programs of study, allowing students to choose a program that best reflects their goals either academically or in regards to career training and development. Academic transfer programs fulfill the first two years of a four year education, followed by applying to a four year institution to complete the final two years of their bachelor's degree. Transfer requirements typically  vary by school and  as such it is recommended students meet with an academic advisor to plan for and best determine what curriculum will meet the requirements for transfer to one's desired school or schools.

Career training programs are offered in high demand or community demand fields.  Individuals enrolled in a career program will learn the skills and abilities necessary to become a professional in their field of study. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in an associate degree or certificate, demonstrating competency and allowing for immediate entry into the workforce at the entry level. During the education process students will be exposed courses and environments that help develop practical experience prior to entering the workforce.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• General Studies
• Business Administration
• Early Childhood Education
• Nursing

Admissions and Financial Aid
As an open enrollment institution, Mount Wachusett Community College will admit any applicant that meets the minimum requirements and applies for admission through the submission of an admissions application. Applicants are required to provide all transcripts or GED test scores, and will most likely be required to take a placement test. Students are also asked  participate in orientation and to meet with a counselor to choose a program of study and develop a curriculum.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student AID (FAFSA), the information from which is used by the financial aid office to identify financial need, aid program eligibility, and monetary awards. Students may be asked to provide further financial information prior to the disbursement of funds as per new federal regulations governing financial aid. New applications for aid must be submitted prior to the start of each academic year due to changing financial circumstances from year to year.

Students Enrolled in the Dental Assistant Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Mount Wachusett Community College offers a less than two-year award program in dental assistant.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

Dental Assistants

Description

Assist dentist, set up equipment, prepare patient for treatment, and keep records.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, dental assistants employment is expected to grow at a rate of 18.4% from 2014 to 2024

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).