A public institution, Pearl River Community College is based in Popalarville and offers its dental assisting program from its Forest County Center in Hattiesburg. The program culminates in a certificate and requires applicants to have a high school diploma or GED and previously completed coursework in anatomy, nutrition and human development in order to enroll. ACT college admission test scores are also required. Students spend three semesters at the college, completing classes in dental materials, radiology, dental health education, practice management and oral and written communications. A semester-long internship is required for graduation. Eligible students may receive federal or state financial aid or institutional scholarships while studying at Pearl River.
Pearl River Community College
5448 US Highway 49 South
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
601-554-5555
prcc.edu
The largest public, community college in Mississippi, Hinds Community College is in Jackson and has an enrollment of more than 19,000 students, according to its website. The college's dental assisting diploma program lasts for 12 months. Admissions requirements include a high school diploma or GED and submitting ACT scores. The program covers topics like administering X-rays, performing dental laboratory work, managing the clerical and business aspects of dental office and assisting dentists with in-office procedures. The program admits students twice per year. Financial aid opportunities are available through Hinds include state and federal grants and loans, veterans benefits, work-study placements and institutional scholarships. Job placement assistance is available for all graduates.
Hinds Community College
1750 Chadwick Drive
Jackson, MS 39204
800-446-3722
hindscc.edu
Meridian Community College is a public institution in the east-central city of Meridian. To qualify for admission to the college's dental assisting certificate program, students must have a high school diploma or GED and submit satisfactory ACT scores or complete 15 credits of coursework at the university with a "C" or better in each class. Among the courses included in the curriculum are oral communication, dental materials, radiology, practice management and English composition. Two clinical internships are required for graduation. Qualified students can take advantage of federal and state loan and grant programs while studying at Meridian. The college provides assistant with resume-writing, job placement and preparation for the national dental assisting certification examination.
Meridian Community College
910 Highway 19 North
Meridian, MS 39307
601-483-8241
mcc.cc.mc.us