Middlesex Community College: MCC's Dental Assisting Program Leads To High Demand Jobs

Press release from the Middlesex Community College:

Caitlin Buckley

8/18/2021

With 15 years of experience working in the field, Jillian Reynolds came to Middlesex Community College to earn an associate degree to teach dental assisting. After graduating in the Spring of 2021, she feels as though Middlesex has helped her reach a professional goal.

“I have landed a new job teaching Dental Assisting and am the Dental Supervisor,” she said. “I love being able to teach people what I love to do.”

MCC’s Dental Assisting program prepares students to enter the workforce or update skills in a high demand field. Mary Jenny, MCC Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Dental Assisting Program, said local dentists and practices are reaching out to her to hire Middlesex students. Many of MCC’s Dental Assisting students get jobs before graduating from the program.

“On average, I get three calls or emails a week from area dentists looking for dental assistants,” Jenny said. “Pay has gone up to $25-30 an hour with full benefits. Our students each get two to three job offerings during their externships – before graduation – with the starting pay.”

With a focus on hands-on learning in small clinical and lab settings, the Dental Assisting associate degree or certificate program at Middlesex prepares students with the skills and knowledge necessary to assist at chairside in the dental environment. Students learn how to perform clinical supportive procedures – including some on patients – as well as how to perform laboratory procedures and basic office work.

Working full-time with three children, Reynolds appreciates the flexible and affordable classes Middlesex offers. From Lynn and now living in Haverhill, she had received a certificate in Dental Assisting before coming to MCC, but wanted to earn an associate degree.

With her years of experience, Reynolds enjoys helping her classmates succeed in the program and having the opportunity to learn new things. In 2020, she received the American Dental Assistants Association Merit Scholar Award and was honored to be recognized for her work.

“I just went to class every day and did what I was supposed to,” she said. “It is an award I will always be proud of.”

In MCC’s Dental Assisting program, Reynolds has enjoyed working with the professors, particularly Jenny, who she calls a “tough cookie.” Having learned a lot from Jenny, Reynolds hopes to one day live up to her effective teaching style in her own practice.

“The teachers are great [at Middlesex],” she said. “They really make sure the students are understanding, and made learning fun.”

While the information learned in classes was necessary, Reynolds emphasizes the importance of being able to “practice hands-on, rather than just reading books and lectures.” MCC’s required in-person clinical and lab experiences are valuable learning opportunities for students.

With access to full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – including fitted N-95s, goggles, face shields, gowns and gloves – MCC’s Dental Assisting Program was able to hold on-site lab and clinic sessions throughout the pandemic.

According to Jenny, in addition to portable room partitions and mitigation attachments for each dental chair, the clinics and labs also had several units of efficient air purifiers that allow for air changes for the entire room every five minutes.

Calling her experience in MCC’s program “quite a journey,” Reynolds has balanced her coursework and program responsibilities with caring for her family and working full-time.

“I turned 40, graduated college, and my son graduated high school all in the same three weeks,” she said. “I could not be any prouder of myself.”

Part of the Health Pathway, the Dental Assisting program at Middlesex helps students go into – and succeed in – the workforce or transfer to four-year schools with its award-winning and affordable offerings, small class sizes and flexible schedules. For more information on MCC’s Health programs, visit https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/discover/dyp_health.aspx and discover your path at Middlesex.

If you have ever taken a class at MCC, you are an alum! To share your story – and join the free Alumni Association – contact Amy Lee, Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Relations, at 978-656-3028 or leea@middlesex.mass.edu. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/alumni for more information.

Featuring a variety of on campus, online and a hybrid mix of both course formats, students can get back on track and reach their goals during the Fall 2021 semester at Middlesex. To register, visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC has been a proven leader in education for more than 50 years. Middlesex puts the student first. Meeting each learner where they are, MCC provides them with a safe, welcoming and engaging place to learn. Offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – Middlesex features flexible course formats and a variety of award-winning student support services and resources. Student success starts at MCC!

This press release was produced by the Middlesex Community College. The views expressed here are the author’s own.