How To Apply
Complete PRCC Application
Within 3-5 days after you apply, you will receive RiverGuide Credentials.
Current PRCC students may skip to the Dental Assisting application.
All required items must be submitted by the application deadline to be considered for program acceptance.
Submit Your
Transcript
You must escript (preferred) or mail an official high school transcript and official transcripts from all previously attended colleges to:
Pearl River Community College
Office of Admissions
101 Hwy 11 North
Poplarville, MS 39470
TRANSCRIPTS/ACT
The applicant is responsible for ensuring their high school and previous college (if applicable) transcripts and highest ACT composite score have been received by the PRCC Admissions Office.
Applicants must have a minimum ACT score of 16, an ACT score of 18 or higher is preferred.
Applicant’s high school GPA is part of the selection process and vital to acceptance.
GED/HiSet
A GED/HiSet Test Result Form with scores must be included if you completed a GED (Diploma Equivalence) program.
Complete the
Dental Assisting Application
Use your RiverGuide credentials to access the Dental Assisting application. The Dental Assisting Application will open from Dec. 1, 2024 to May 15, 2025.
If you have any questions regarding the application, please email vgulley@prcc.edu.
Upon completion of the application, you will receive an email stating that your application has been received for the current program application period along with further information.
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.
The information session will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 4pm.
To register for the information session, please click here.
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