Mitchell Community College celebrated a major milestone for one of its newest health sciences programs with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new home of its Dental Assisting Program on its Workforce Development campus location (located at 323 Drake Street, Statesville, NC 28677).
The event brought together students, faculty, community leaders, dental professionals, and supporters who helped make the program a reality. The ceremony also recognized the inaugural cohort of Dental Assisting students as they continue their journey toward becoming workforce-ready dental professionals.
Guided by a purpose to prepare qualified, compassionate and professional Dental Assistant II (DA II) graduates through high-quality education, hands-on training and community partnerships, Mitchell’s Dental Assisting Program combines classroom instruction, laboratory experiences, clinical education and service learning to prepare students for successful careers in the dental field.
The program’s dedicated facility was designed to support experiential learning and includes six fully equipped dental operatories and 12 dental assisting simulators. Students develop skills in chairside assisting, dental radiography, infection control and sterilization, coronal polishing, dental materials, dental anatomy, preventive dentistry, patient care, practice management, professionalism and teamwork, completing the program in approximately one year.
As a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)-accredited program, Mitchell’s Dental Assisting Program accepts 18 students annually and prepares graduates for multiple industry-recognized credentials, including Dental Assistant II (DA II), Radiography, Coronal Polish, Nitrous Oxide Monitoring (N₂O), SPICE, Infection Control and Medical Emergencies certifications.
Students also complete 384 hours of clinical education in community dental settings, applying their knowledge in real-world environments while building confidence and professional experience.
“I’m really grateful for this opportunity, and having this new facility has been so nice,” said student Eden O’Donovan as she addressed those in attendance. “It’s been really great to be able to come here and work hands-on. Honestly, that’s the best learning you can have, just doing it over and over again. We have enough spaces for everybody to learn. I’m grateful to everybody who helped fund this so we can all be here.”
The program’s inaugural cohort reflects a variety of backgrounds and career aspirations. Some students were inspired by family members working in the dental profession, while others were drawn to the field through a desire to help others and pursue new career opportunities.
Cailee Cumbee: “I was in the cosmetology field for 10 years and was looking for a career change with steady pay benefits and one that could help people. Mitchell’s Dental Assisting program is very hands-on. Everyone is super nice if you need help and very supportive.”
Logan Shue: “With the support I’ve received and the hands-on experience in the Dental Assisting program, I feel like I work really well with this subject.”
Nicholas Sarria: “I’ve had engaging opportunities with the Dental Assisting program. The community here is amazing. They want you to have a good career path and get you to where you need to be.”
A hallmark of the program is its commitment to service learning. Each semester, students complete 12 hours of need-based dental outreach, helping expand access to care while strengthening their skills and understanding of patient-centered service. Outreach opportunities include partnerships such as TeamSmile events and regional initiatives that provide free dental care to underserved populations.
“This space will allow us to provide students with an enhanced learning experience,” said Meredith Parker, program chair for Dental Assisting. “What makes this program stand out from others is that we’re an accredited dental assisting program. Our program is a little longer, but students leave career-ready.”
The Dental Assisting Program is led by Parker alongside faculty members Autumn Shano, NCDA II, CDA, AAS, and Dr. Catherine Bickley, DDS, whose combined academic and clinical expertise helps prepare students for success in the profession.
“The opening of this facility represents an exciting investment in the future of healthcare education and workforce development in our community,” said Dr. Tim Brewer, president of Mitchell Community College. Referencing Dental Assisting as one of several new programs developed to meet workforce needs, Dr. Brewer thanked the many partners who helped bring the program to life.
“It’s been a labor of love,” Brewer said. “Many of you here in this room have been contributors to that, whether you’re part of the dental world or a professional in the field, and we thank you.”
The new facility represents Mitchell Community College’s continued commitment to providing students with affordable, high-quality workforce training while helping address regional healthcare needs. As the inaugural cohort progresses through the program, the facility will serve as a foundation for future generations of dental assisting students and the communities they will serve.
Learn more about Mitchell’s Dental Assisting program at mitchellcc.edu/dental-assisting.