How To Apply

How To Apply

Dear Prospective Student: 

We are pleased that you have shown an interest in the Dental Assisting program at Pearl River Community College. The deadline to apply for the August 2024 class is April 28, 2024. Please follow the steps below to ensure that your application is complete.

Information Sessions

Each spring semester the Dental Assisting Technology program will hold an Information Session for fall applicants.  Information Sessions are not mandatory but will be an opportunity for applicants to meet faculty, learn more about the DAT program, and submit any application materials they have completed. 

Check back in Spring, 2025 for new dates!

The following items must be submitted before the semester deadline for a student to be considered for the Dental Assisting Technology program:

  • Complete the PRCC Admissions Application. Within 3-5 days, you will receive RiverGuide Credentials. 
  • When the application is opened each fall, you will use your RiverGuide to complete the Dental Assisting Program Application (the application will open Dec. 1).
  • You must eScript (preferred) or mail an Official High School/GED transcript and official transcripts from all previously colleges
    attended to:

Pearl River Community College 
Office of Admissions 
101 Hwy 11 North 
Poplarville, MS 39470 

  • Submit ACT Scores: Applicants must have a minimum ACT score of 16, an ACT score of 18 or higher is preferred. 
  • Click this link to print Verification of Observation Hours Form– Observe a Dental Assistant working with a dentist for a minimum of eight (8) hours and have the verification form completed and returned with your application information.  

You have the option of saving your application information before submitting, exiting, and returning at a later date to complete the application. Once you have completed the information and submitted the application, the application will no longer be available to you. You will receive an email stating that your application has been submitted for the current program application period along with further information. 

Credentials 

The Dental Assisting Program is a 12-month course of study, beginning in the fall and ending in the summer. There are two-degree options: Technical Degree or with additional academic coursework, Associates Degree of Applied Science. The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam will be taken in 3 parts: Infection Control, Radiology Health and Safety, and General Chairside. Once all three exams are passed, and the course curriculum is completed with a “C” average, a student then becomes a Certified Dental Assistant. Please see danb.org for more information. 

Admission Requirements* 

In addition to completing the steps above, applicants must also meet the following requirements:   

  • Be 18 years of age by the date of program completion  
  • Have a minimum ACT score of 16, preferred ACT score is 18 or higher 
  • Must be eligible to take English Composition I, if not taken previously

Applicants with the highest points for ACT and GPA will be invited for personal interviews. Applicants will be selected based on the following: 

  • Admission Point Scale 
  • Knowledge of the dental field and duties of the dental assistant 
  • Interest in becoming a dental assistant 
  • Verbal and nonverbal communication skills 
  • Alternates will be chosen to fill vacancies that could arise before the end of late registration.

All statements related to admission criteria or announcements of present policies are subject to revisions.  

Any advice given by the Dental Assisting Department regarding coursework does not ensure acceptance into the program.  

Please note, if you are selected for an interview, you will receive an email concerning dates and times of interviews.  

*Application submission and/or meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. 

Post Acceptance Requirements 

Upon acceptance, the applicant must: 

  • Submit a college-approved health form  
  • Complete CPR training for healthcare providers with an AED component  
  • Complete a comply or decline Hepatitis B vaccinations 
  • Complete a physical, including drug screening 

Each community college president is asked to bring two (2) wrapped door prizes, minimum value of $50 each. We will have a station set up at the conference for you to drop off the door prizes.

Each community college is asked to provide name tags for their Board members, administration, and staff attending the conference.