Prepare for a new career sooner than you think
Dental Assistants can make a real difference for a patient when they visit the dentist. Whether welcoming clients with a smile, maintaining the back-office or assisting the dentist in a procedure; a dental assistant can help put a smile on everyone's face.
Program Overview
Dental assistants do some of everything in the dental office. From updating patient records to sterilizing instruments and assisting the dentist and hygienist during procedures, their role is versatile, fast-paced, and can make a real difference in the lives of patients. With Concorde, you can be ready to pursue a dental assistant career in months, not years. Learn the foundations of dental care and front office operations in the diploma or associate of science degree program options.
- Curriculum includes an externship so you gain real-world experience.
- Complete your diploma in as few as 8-months or the associate of applied science in as few as 16-months of study.
- Choose between two local campuses: Southaven or Memphis
Now Enrolling
Concorde's Southaven and Memphis campuses are seeking dedicated students who want to:
- Learn to help dentists and dental hygienists deliver quality care and maintain office operations
- Prepare for career opportunities in private practices, clinics, cosmetic dentistry, and more
- Complete the diploma in as few as 8-months or associate of science in as few as 16-months
Get started by scheduling an in-person or virtual Career Planning Session to explore if the dental assistant program is right for you!
**Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected national growth in job openings for dental assistants 2022-2032 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants Projections are national. Local job market demand may vary.
Externships are a non-paid in-person learning experience, who's length and location may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee externship placement, graduation, post-externship employment or salary outcomes.
Curriculum
Concorde dental assisting programs teach foundational concepts of dentistry, including anatomy, physiology and the different dental specialties. You’ll learn to take impressions, assist during procedures, and how to keep the front office operating efficiently.
- Introduction to Dental Assisting & Dental Terminology
- Dental Specialties
- Materials & Procedures
- Patient Care & Management
- Diagnostics & Orthodontics
- Dental Radiology
The dental assisting programs include an externship where you will gain hands-on experience working along side dentists, hygienists and other healthcare professionals.
Dental Assisting Diploma Curriculum
The dental assistant diploma program courses cover topics including:
- Taking patient histories and vital signs (blood pressure, etc.)
- Sterilizing dental instruments and equipment
- passing instruments to the dentist during procedures
- Using suction to remove fluids from patients mouths during procedures
- Educate patients about proper oral hygiene
- Maintain patient records and appointment schedules
- Generate patient bills and process payments
The diploma program can be completed in as few as 8-months.
Dental Assisting Associate of Applied Science Degree Curriculum
The Dental Assisting program prepares students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for success in an entry-level position. The program aims to guide students in developing proficiency, professionalism, empathy, and accurate technique while learning to interact professionally with dentist, coworkers, and patients.
The program includes general education courses covering mathematics, written, verbal, and nonverbal communications; interpersonal skills; critical thinking; the sciences; and the humanities. Learning objectives include achievement of sufficient theoretical knowledge and practical skills in which students are required to successfully complete radiological written and skills assessments.
The associate of science degree program can be completed in as few as 16-months
Career Outlook
Dental assistants provide chairside support to dentists during procedures and ensure that the dental office's operations run smoothly. They're often the first people patients meet when they arrive at the practice and the last people they see on their way out.
Dental assistants work with patient and dentists to ensure that procedures are safe and that office procedures such as appointment scheduling, referrals and payments operate efficiently.
The primary duties of a dental assistant include:
- Taking patient histories & vital signs
- Sterilizing dental instruments & equipment
- Supporting dentists & hygienists during procedures
- Using suction to remove fluids from patients' mouths during procedures
- Educating patients about proper oral hygiene
- Maintaining patient records and appointment schedules
- Generating patient bills & processing payments
Address and Hours
Southaven Campus
7900 Airways Blvd., Suite 103
Southaven, Mississippi 38671
FX: (662) 253-0344
Campus Hours of Operation
| Monday | 8 am - 7 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am - 7 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am - 7 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am - 7 pm |
| Friday | 8 am - 7 pm |
| Saturday | By Appointment |
| Sunday | Closed |
Note: The Southaven campus is a branch of the Memphis, TN campus.
Financial Aid
As part of our commitment to your success, Concorde ensures that you have access to comprehensive information and guidance in navigating the financial aid process. Concorde offers financial aid and scholarship programs to those who qualify.
The Pacific Dental Services Foundation is proud to offer the "Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship," named after Dr. Carolyn Ghazal’s dedication to improving the lives of those in need, and created to provide tuition assistance to individuals with a desire to serve and provide excellent patient care.
The scholarship is awarded based on applicant excellence, as well as financial need.
To apply for consideration please ask your admissions representative for more information.
Award Amount: $5,000
Scholarship Deadlines:
- May 1st
- August 1st
- November 1st
Scholarship Eligibility Requirements:
- Currently Enrolled in a Concorde Assistant Diploma Program.
- Answer two short-essay questions (500 words or less).
- For additional consideration, create a short video answering the essay questions, upload to Instagram™ with #pdsfscholarship and tag @pdsfoundation. State full name and school in video.
- Complete Scholarship Application.
***Scholarship selection is through a third-party, Concorde does not guarantee award or eligibility. Application for scholarship does not guarantee enrollment or graduation into Concorde, nor employment and subsequent salary by any party including Pacific Dental.
Accreditation
Accreditation and licensure are an important part of an academic institution’s operation. Visit our Accreditations and Licensure page for more details about our accreditations and licensure.
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