Meridian Community College

Meridian Community College Technical College offers a dental assisting program that prepares students to work as dental assistants in a variety of dental settings. The program provides students with the knowledge and skills required to assist dentists in performing various clinical and administrative duties, such as taking patient histories, preparing patients for treatments, taking X-rays, sterilizing equipment, and scheduling appointments.

Dental assisting programs typically take between 9 months to 2 years to complete, depending on the program’s length and the student’s schedule. Graduates of the program can take the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam, which is a national certification that demonstrates their knowledge and competence in the field.

Dental hygienists, on the other hand, are licensed oral health professionals who work closely with dentists to provide preventative and therapeutic care to patients. They typically work in private dental offices, clinics, or hospitals, and their duties include cleaning teeth, taking X-rays, examining patients for signs of oral diseases, and providing education on oral hygiene and preventative care.

To become a dental hygienist, individuals must complete an accredited dental hygiene program, which usually takes two to three years. They must also pass national and state licensing exams to practice as dental hygienists.

Overall, dental assisting and dental hygiene are two different but related fields that require specific education and training. Both professions play critical roles in ensuring the oral health and well-being of patients.