Apply to Dental Assisting
To join this program, you must apply for admission. This moderately competitive program accepts up to 45 students each academic year with a fall term start date. Admission is based on a first come, first served basis.
Questions? Attend an information session or contact us.
How to apply
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Apply to PCC
Applying to PCC is free and only takes a few minutes. Complete this step as soon as possible so you can start using PCC resources.
Apply to PCC Application timeline
Term you want to start Apply to Dental Assisting Fall 2023 Application closed Fall 2024 May 1, 2024 – July 1, 2024 Check basic qualifications
If you are accepted into this program, you’ll be required to pass a criminal background check and a drug screen. See details below.
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Prerequisites
The following prerequisites need to be completed by the end of spring term 2024:
- WR 115: Intro to College Composition, or placement into WR 121Z: College Composition
- Any college course with at least 2 credits (besides MP 111)
- MP 111: Medical Terminology (or the PCC equivalent if taken at another institution)
- Show proof of one of the following:
- High school diploma with a GPA of 2.0 or higher
- College transcript with a GPA of 2.0 or higher
- GED Credential
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Job experience
Complete 12 hours of job experience in a dentist office or dental clinic and submit the Dental Assisting experience verification form. A combination of the following can make up the 12 hours of experience:
- Shadowing a Dental Assisting student at the PCC Dental Clinic – a maximum of 8 hours
- Shadowing at a private practice or public health dental clinic – a minimum of 4 hours
- A complete screening appointment at the PCC Dental Clinic. This appointment includes necessary x-rays and a dental examination – approximately 4 hours
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Submit application
Prior to beginning your application, ensure you have all necessary documentation readily available in electronic format to attach to your dental assisting application.
- Applicants must upload the following:
- Unofficial transcripts reflecting a GPA of 2.0 or above. Additionally, transcripts should demonstrate completion of a 2-credit college course (excluding MP 111).
- Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, jpe, png, gif, pdf, Max. file size: 20 MB.
- Applicants will also need to provide evidence demonstrating shadowing or treatment in Dental Clinic or Dental Offices as detailed above in step 4.
For more information about the PCC Dental Assisting admissions process, please review the Dental Assisting Admissions Guide.
- Unofficial transcripts reflecting a GPA of 2.0 or above. Additionally, transcripts should demonstrate completion of a 2-credit college course (excluding MP 111).
After you apply
You’ll be notified about your admissions status in late-July/early-August 2024 for the full-time program. Check your MyPCC email: all communication is done through your PCC email account.
After being accepted, students will be required submit proof of their healthcare provider CPR certification, criminal background check, ten-panel drug screening and required immunizations (including the COVID-19 vaccination) prior to the start of the Fall 2024 term. Acceptance into the program is contingent upon successfully passing/clearing all of these requirements.
How are applicants selected?
The dental assisting program admits up to 45 students each year on a first come, first serve basis. The first 45 students who submit their applications with all the required prerequisite courses complete by the end of Spring Term 2024 and who meet the listed admissions requirements will be guaranteed a seat in the program. Any applications submitted following the first 45 complete applications will be added to a waitlist. Waitlist positions will be determined by the order in which applications are received. See page 2 of the admissions guide for more details.