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Dental Assisting (Diploma or Associate of Applied Science)

Southaven, MS

Dental Assistants can make a  real difference for a patient when they visit the dentist. Whether welcoming clients with a smile, maintaining the back-office or assisting the dentist in a procedure; a dental assistant can help put a smile on everyone's face.

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9 / 17

Months

35.0 / 62.0

Credit Hours

240

Lab Hours

Program Overview

Dental assistants do some of everything in the dental office. From updating patient records to sterilizing instruments and assisting the dentist and hygienist during procedures, their role is versatile, fast-paced, and can make a real difference in the lives of patients. With Concorde, you can be ready to pursue a dental assistant career in months, not years. Learn the foundations of dental care and front office operations in the diploma or associate of science degree program options.

  • Curriculum includes an externship so you gain real-world experience.
  • Complete your diploma in as few as 9-months or the associate of applied science  in as few as 17-months of study.
  • Choose between two local campuses: Southaven or Memphis 

Now Enrolling

Concorde's Southaven and Memphis campuses are seeking dedicated students who want to:

  • Learn to help dentists and dental hygienists deliver quality care and maintain office operations
  • Prepare for career opportunities in private practices, clinics, cosmetic dentistry, and more
  • Complete the diploma in as few as 9-months or associate of science in as few as 17-months

Get started by scheduling an in-person or virtual  Career Planning Session  to explore if the dental assistant program is right for you!

  1. **Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected national growth in job openings for dental assistants 2023-2033 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm Projections are national. Local job market demand may vary.

  2. Externships are a non-paid in-person learning experience, who's length and location may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee externship placement, graduation, post-externship employment or salary outcomes.

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Curriculum

  • 240

    Lab Hours

    Practice On-Campus

    Students will complete on-campus labs including simulations and patient care settings.

  • 230

    Externship Hours

    Dental Assisting Hands-on Experience

    The dental assistant program includes an externship where you will gain hands-on experience working along side dentists, hygienists and other healthcare professionals.

  1. Prep does not guarantee certification, employment or subsequent salary.

Concorde dental assisting programs teach foundational concepts of dentistry, including anatomy, physiology and the different dental specialties. You’ll learn to take impressions, assist during procedures, and how to keep the front office operating efficiently.

  • Introduction to Dental Assisting & Dental Terminology
  • Dental Specialties
  • Materials & Procedures
  • Patient Care & Management
  • Diagnostics & Orthodontics
  • Dental Radiology

The dental assisting programs include an externship where you will gain hands-on experience working along side dentists, hygienists and other healthcare professionals.

The dental assistant diploma program courses cover topics including:

  • Taking patient histories and vital signs (blood pressure, etc.)
  • Sterilizing dental instruments and equipment
  • passing instruments to the dentist during procedures
  • Using suction to remove fluids from patients mouths during procedures
  • Educate patients about proper oral hygiene
  • Maintain patient records and appointment schedules
  • Generate patient bills and process payments

 The diploma program can be completed in as few as 9-months.

The Dental Assisting program prepares students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for success in an entry-level position. The program aims to guide students in developing proficiency, professionalism, empathy, and accurate technique while learning to interact professionally with dentist, coworkers, and patients.

The program includes general education courses covering mathematics, written, verbal, and nonverbal communications; interpersonal skills; critical thinking; the sciences; and the humanities. Learning objectives include achievement of sufficient theoretical knowledge and practical skills in which students are required to successfully complete radiological written and skills assessments.

The associate of science degree program can be completed in as few as 17-months

Career Outlook

A Career with Smiles

Dental assistants do a little of everything in the dental office. From updating patient records to sterilizing instruments and assisting during procedures, their role is versatile, fast-paced, and can make a real difference in the lives of patients.

  • Work Alongside Dentists & Hygienists
  • Assist Chairside During Patient Exams & Procedures
  • Prepare & Take Patient X-Rays
  • Manage and Schedule Patient Appointments
  • Collect and Record Patient Records
  • Prepare & Sanitize Instruments & Care Spaces
8%

National Employment Demand (2023-2033) 

Dental Assisting Career Growth

Job demand for dental assisting is projected to grow as more patients seek dental care and clinics expand.

Address and Hours

Southaven Campus

Campus Hours of Operation

  • Monday - Friday 8 am - 7 pm
  • Saturday By Appointment
  • Sunday Closed


Dec 24 - Closed
Dec 25 - Closed
Jan 1    - Closed

 

Note: The Southaven campus is a branch of the Memphis, TN campus.

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Financial Aid

As part of our commitment to your success, Concorde ensures that you have access to comprehensive information and guidance in navigating the financial aid process. Concorde offers financial aid and scholarship programs to those who qualify.

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Financial Aid

Get financial support for your education with our dedicated financial aid team by your side.

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Scholarships

Find the perfect scholarship for your health care goals based on your background, programs or other criteria.

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Scholarship Opportunities

Pacific Dental Services Dental Assistant Scholarship

The Pacific Dental Services Foundation is proud to offer the "Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship”. Named after Dr. Carolyn Ghazal and her heart for service, the scholarship aims to mold the next generation of passionate, servant-hearted, dental assistant leaders.

Learn more

Institutional Accreditation and Licensure

Accreditation and licensure are an important part of an academic institution’s operation.

Visit our Accreditations and Licensure page for more details about our accreditations and licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions

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The Dental Assisting (Associate of Applied Science) program at Concorde can be completed in as little as 21 months. However, this varies by location. Please check with an admissions advisor for program length information.

For program-specific tuition information, please see the campus catalog.

Call us to find out when the Dental Assisting (Associate of Applied Science) program starts at a Concorde campus location near you. Program start dates can also be found in the campus catalog located at www.Concorde.edu.

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  1. Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

  2. Professional certification is not a requirement for graduation, may not be a requirement for employment nor does it guarantee employment.

  3. Financial aid is available to those who qualify but may not be available for all programs. Concorde does not guarantee financial aid or scholarship awards or amounts.

  4. Clinical hour requirements and delivery may vary by campus location and may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee clinical site assignments based upon student preference or geographic convenience; nor do clinical experiences guarantee graduation, post-clinical employment or salary outcomes.

  5. Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Concorde, but by outside agencies, and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Concorde cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take these exams, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.

  6. Externships are a non-paid in-person learning experience, whose length and location may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee externship placement, graduation, post-externship employment or salary outcomes.