Get Started On Your Path to an In-Demand Career with MCC

At Middlesex Community College, students in the Dental Assisting Program can earn an associate degree or certificate to gain the knowledge and skills needed to assist at chairside in a dental office. MCC’s program features hands-on experience working in an active Dental Assisting clinic that is currently being renovated, as well as preparation for the Dental Assisting National Board exam.

The college’s updated clinic features brand new, state-of-the-art equipment, including CAD/CAM for students to practice taking digital impressions and assisting in design of appliances. According to Mary Jenny, MCC’s Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Dental Assisting Program, MCC is the only program in Massachusetts – and one of a few in the country – to offer this advanced technology.

In addition to practical experience in MCC’s clinic, students also participate in externships. Students choose two general practice and two specialties – pedodontics, orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics, etc. – to receive a wide-range of experiences.

“Dental Assistants are always in-demand, even during an economic recession as dentists cannot work without their assistants,” Mary Jenny said. “We work closely with the dental community. That is how every year almost all of our students each get three to four job offers even before they graduate as we have over 60 affiliated dental clinics for externships.

Many MCC alums – and the dental offices where they complete their externships – believe MCC provides the tools and practice needed in order to succeed in the high-demand industry.

Neda Man is finishing up her time in MCC’s program. Man chose Middlesex to pursue her certificate and associate in Dental Assisting because she is familiar with what the school offers and it is close to home. She has a passion for pediatric dentistry because she enjoys helping children have a positive experience at the dentist.

“My experience at MCC was challenging but rewarding,” she said. “Professor Jenny has taught me that hard work does pay-off – that we need to work hard for what we want in life. Middlesex prepared me for what comes next for my career by having me learn hands-on experiences.”

Man worked for Dr. Geraldine Garcia-Rogers at Sugarbug Dental Suite in Chelmsford for one of her externships during the pandemic. Dr. Gigi believes it was helpful to have Man in the office as the office had to increase their protective measures. Because of Man’s educational experience, she learned how to adapt effectively to new situations.

“MCC has a strong Dental Assisting program,” Dr. Gigi said. “The students are given an excellent foundation and transition very well into the dental office setting. Building partnerships with programs like MCC’s is vital to the sustainability of our profession. In general, dentists cannot function without a good assistant by their side. Having a well-trained assistant is paramount to delivering exceptional care to our patients.

“I trust and believe in MCC’s education and I am proud to say that I have hired graduates from their Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs.”

Dr. Gigi believes now is a good time to pursue a career in dental assisting because there is a national shortage and dental offices are competing for availability. She believes the salary and benefits, as well as the variety of opportunities a Dental Assistant can pursue makes the profession relevant and interesting.

“By joining the dental team, you can make a difference in how people perceive their oral health,” she said. “Not only will you help create beautiful smiles, but you will also be instrumental in helping prevent dental disease.”

For Gertrude Namulindwa, it’s the difference a Dental Assistant can make in the life of a patient that inspires her to pursue the profession. This inspiration comes from when Namulindwa was living in Uganda, where she has a background in dentistry.

She’s also interested in pediatric dentistry because she witnesses the difference she makes in helping children gain confidence when they have a nice smile and healthy set of teeth. MCC’s program was challenging, but pushed her and other students to perform at a high-level.

“It’s the best decision I ever made,” Namulindwa said. “I tell everyone if you want to go to school, go to Middlesex. I’ve had the best experience. Middlesex is like a family. I wasn’t bored and I didn’t feel alone.”

One of Namulindwa’s externships was with Dr. Balkrishna Gentyala at Arlington Smiles in Arlington. According to Dr. Gentyala, Dental Assistants are highly involved in the practice and need organization, multi-tasking and collaboration skills in order to succeed.

“Gertrude has been a great addition to our team,” Dr. Gentyala said. “We were able to teach her a lot about chairside assisting, in return she was able to help us become more efficient. It is important to build partnerships with programs like MCC’s because it allows us to get the best and brightest of talents in the marketplace. This also allows us to mold and train assistants the way we like them, and also gives the assistant a real-life view of what a Dental Assistant does.”

MCC also enjoys a partnership with Dr. Arthur Lyford of Lyford Smiles in Hollis, N.H. He believes in the importance of getting as much education as possible – even after graduating – and training in different types of offices for diverse experiences. It is also important to remain up-to-date in technology skills and to be prepared to always be moving because Dental Assisting is “no profession for a couch potato!”

“Understand the difference between working in a profession where the patient comes first, no matter what,” Dr. Lyford said. “The profession of dentistry relies on real world experiences in conjunction with the academic world and partnerships with program like MCC helps keep MCC’s program relevant and our work with students helps give them real world experience. Both the profession and MCC benefit from these relationships.”

Middlesex offers one of only seven accredited Dental Assisting programs in Massachusetts. Accreditation allows graduates to apply for their license and sit for the chairside portion of their exam upon finishing the program.

For more information on MCC’s Dental Assisting Program, contact Mary Jenny at JennyT@middlesex.mass.edu or 978-656-3060.

MCC will feature expanded online options this Fall semester. 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 online education for more than 20 years. We educate, engage and empower a diverse community of learners, offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses. Middlesex Community College: Student success starts here!