The Dental Assisting Certificate program provides the skills and knowledge necessary to assist at chairside in the dental environment. The program prepares students to perform clinical supportive procedures, some clinical procedures on patients (such as oral-health instruction), to perform laboratory procedures, and basic office procedures. Students also gain knowledge into the legal provisions and regulations pertinent to the Massachusetts Dental Practice Act and dental auxiliary utilization. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board exam which awards the credential of Certified Dental Assistant. The program emphasizes hands-on learning in small clinical and lab settings, as well as through the internship experience and Service-Learning activities. The part time option (2 years) is designed for matriculated students who are not able to carry the full course load of 15+ credits per semester.
Middlesex Community College (MCC) Lowell, located at 33 Kearney Square in Lowell, MA, provides a bustling urban campus atmosphere enriched by diverse facilities and academic offerings. The core of the campus is the extensive Cowan Center, a five-story building that includes academic support services, such as tutoring, a bookstore, and career services, along with various departmental offices and student engagement areas. Adjacent to the Cowan Center is the historic Federal Building, which features the Lowell Campus Library, additional classrooms, the Honors Center, and an art studio. The campus's facilities are expanded through the Academic Arts Center, focusing on performing arts, and the Health, Science & Technology Center, which includes the Talbot Building with its Dental Hygiene Clinic and Nursing Learning Center, as well as additional academic spaces in the Derby and Pollard Buildings 1.
The Lowell campus is not only rich in resources but is also committed to offering affordable and accessible education, promoting diversity and inclusion within its academic community. It provides a broad spectrum of associate degree and certificate programs, alongside non-credit courses tailored to student and community workforce needs 34). Students benefit from small class sizes and a supportive learning environment, with extensive student support services readily available. Community engagement is an integral part of the campus culture, with ample opportunities for service-learning 8. The scenic location on the riverfront at Kearney Square offers a dynamic setting that enhances the educational experience, positioning students to achieve their academic and career ambitions 1.