The Dental Assisting curriculum prepares individuals to assist the dentist in the delivery of dental treatment and to function as integral members of the dental team while performing chairside and related office and laboratory procedures.
Course work includes instruction in general studies, biomedical sciences, dental sciences, clinical sciences, and clinical practice. A combination of lecture, laboratory, and clinical experiences provide students with knowledge in infection/hazard control, radiography, dental materials, preventive dentistry, and clinical procedures.
Graduates may be eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination to become Certified Dental Assistants. As a Dental Assistant II, defined by the Dental Laws of North Carolina, graduates work in dental offices and other related areas.
Mitchell Community College has begun the accreditation process with the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Currently, the Dental Assisting program is not CODA-accredited. If the college is granted initial accreditation, graduates will be recognized as Dental Assistant II (DA II) by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners. According to the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners, a DA II is authorized to perform certain expanded functions duties, including coronal polishing, and exposure of Dental X-rays.
Upon receiving CODA accreditation, students will become eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board Exam, which will allow them to obtain the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) designation.
The Dental Assisting program is also in the process of seeking accreditation approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Information Sessions
You must attend 1 session to be considered for admission into the program.
| Date | Time | Location | Campus |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 22, 2025 | 6 p.m. | Main Building, Room 214 | Statesville Campus |
| November 12, 2025 | 10 a.m. | Teaching and Learning Center in Brawley Building 092 | Mooresville Campus |
| January 15, 2026 | 12 p.m. | Online | Virtual Session - Link will be emailed |
| March 19, 2026 | 5 p.m. | Main Building, Room 214 | Statesville Campus |
| April 27, 2026 | 3 p.m. | TBA | Mooresville Campus |
Program Outcomes
| 2023 Median Pay | $46,540 per year, $22.38 per hour |
|---|---|
| Typical Entry-Level Education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-The-Job Training | None |
| Number of Jobs, 2023 | 376,500 |
| Job Outlook, 2023-2033 | 8% (Faster than average) |
| Employment Change, 2023-2033 | 31,500 |
Meredith Parker, NC DAII, C.D.A., M.B.A.
Program Chair, Dental Assisting
(704) 878-3200 EXT 5401