People who are interested in becoming a dental assistant need information to help determine if this career is right for their needs.
Dental assistant needs a certain level of training and experience before they can practice.
Find out what steps are necessary to complete the outlined training and certification and the responsibilities and outlook D’s for this in-demand profession.
Keep reading to find out more details and get a better perspective on what is involved in becoming a dental assistant.
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5 Dental Assistant Schools In Mississippi
Anyone interested in getting a start towards becoming a dental assistant in Mississippi should check out these five options for attending school.
They offer both hands-on and online education opportunities that help prepare individuals to have a rewarding career.
Blue Cliff College
Blue Cliff College in MS offers 11-15 month courses for their regular dental assisting studies.
This course is hands-on and in person at the Gulfport campus, which is located at 1225 Bernard Pkwy Gulfport, MS 39503.
The two-year course for dental assisting at Blue Cliff College is approximately $16,995 before any financial aid.
The phone number for the campus is (228)896-9727.
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University offers a shorter 12-month course with 300-course hours required to complete the course.
The average 12-month program costs approximately $2,995.
The campus is located at190 Bost Dr. Mississippi State, MS 39763.
The phone number for the school is (662)325-5002.
This course is available on campus for those who prefer to complete classes hands-on.
Mississippi Dental Assistant School Biloxi
The Mississippi Dental Assistant School is a hands-on-in-person 9-week course.
There are also elements to be completed online for a well-rounded education.
This campus is located at 209 Lameuse St. Biloxi, MS 39530.
The phone number for the campus is (601)336-3083.
The cost of the school is approximately $4,000 without financial aid.
Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy
This school offers a 10-12 week dental assisting program.
This hands-on program offers various locations to complete the program throughout the state.
The cost to attend this program is $3359 and allows enrollment for each season.
There are payment plans available to enroll in for the school.
The phone number for the campus is (844)727-3755.
The main campus location is 125 W Harper St. Richland, MS 39218.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
The Harrison county campus of MGCCC offers a dental assistant course beginning at $950 per class.
Classes can be customized to fit the students’ needs.
The average duration is nine weeks in length and can stretch over several semesters.
The campus location is 2226 Switzer Rd, Gulfport, MS 39507.
The phone number for the campus is (228)896-2536.
This program is in-person and hands-on.
Dental Assistant Schools in Mississippi – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Mississippi
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Blue Cliff College | 12251 Bernard Pkwy, Gulfport, MS 39503 |
| Mississippi State University | 75 B. S. Hood Rd, Mississippi State, MS 39762 |
| Mississippi Dental Assistant School Biloxi | 209 Lameuse St, Biloxi, MS 39530 |
| Accelerated Dental Assisting Academy | 125 W Harper St, Richland, MS 39218 |
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College | 51 Main St, Perkinston, MS 39573 |
Salary for a Dental Assistant in Mississippi
The average salary for a dental assistant in MS is approximately $40,809.
This figure is an average, and the actual salary can vary upwards of $50,000 on average.
The amount is determined by location, population, experience, and other factors.
To find out more about the average salary in your area, check with online sites providing salary details for the area you practice within.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Dental Assistants in Mississippi
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Jackson | $36,527 |
| Gulfport | $35,883 |
| Biloxi | $36,169 |
| Hattiesburg | $35,659 |
| Greenville | $36,279 |
| Meridian | $36,173 |
| Tupelo | $34,427 |
| Southaven | $37,761 |
| Vicksburg | $36,159 |
| Pascagoula | $35,879 |
Regional Salary in Mississippi
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS | 290 | $35,790 | $17.21 | $46,950 | $28,400 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | 230 | $32,150 | $15.46 | $43,570 | $21,320 |
| Jackson, MS | 680 | $42,510 | $20.44 | $64,180 | $29,570 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be certified to work as a dental assistant in the state of MS?
To become a registered dental assistant in the state of MS, you need to be certified in CPR, which must be completed within 80 days of graduation from the school or program of your choice.
Those who graduate from an accredited course and apply for a permit one year in advance must have all of their information and documentation submitted to the proper channels for accreditation.
You must also have five years of assistance with X-rays and other procedures and a sworn statement from your trainer or employer.
Once these requirements are fulfilled, you can begin practicing as a registered dental assistant.
Do I need to carry specific insurance to be an RDA?
There is no requirement in terms of insurance coverage to be an RDA.
However, the dentist’s practice will usually provide blanket insurance covering any professionals working out of their clinic.
Be sure to ask employers in advance what their insurance covers and where you may need additional coverage.
Keep in mind that it might be a good idea to carry extra liability coverage in the event your clinic or place of employment does not have a policy that covers you or that does not adequately cover you while you work.
Do I need to have a license or renew any certifications to remain an RDA?
There are no licensing or certification requirements for an RDA in MS after they pass the required courses and fulfill the training requirements.
However, keep in mind that the requirements can vary from state to state.
So, if you plan to move away, you might need to fulfill new requirements to practice in another area or state.
Always check with the state before making plans to begin a new job in a new state.
You need to submit your details and qualification to be registered in each state to continue practicing your profession as a resisted dental assistant.
