Dental Assisting & Hygiene

Certificate

A.A.S.

a dental hygiene student cleans the teeth of a patient

Certificate

A.A.S.

Start your career in this fast-growing healthcare field.

At Monroe Community College, you’ll find Dental Assisting and Hygiene programs developed to match your professional goals. Launch your career with a Dental Assisting certificate or take it to the next level with the Dental Hygiene A.A.S. degree program.

If you’re already working as a dental assistant, you can expand your skills through the online clinical Dental Assistant Rapid Track (D.A.R.T.) program.

AREAS OF INTEREST

Health Sciences & Physical Wellness

DEPARTMENT

Health Professions

Getting Started?

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585-292-2200

admissions@monroecc.edu

A.A.S.

Applied Associate of Science

CERT

Certificate

Prepare for a rewarding career in the dental field with the knowledge and technical skills employers look for. MCC’s programs build a strong foundation for dental assisting or dental hygiene certifications. You’ll learn to:

Apply principles of dental science and oral health
Assist chairside during patient procedures
Maintain strict infection control and sterilization standards
Take radiographs and chart patient information
Perform basic lab and administrative tasks
Develop clinical skills through supervised patient treatment
Apply critical thinking and professional judgment in clinical settings
Support orthodontic and restorative procedures
Communicate with diverse patients and healthcare teams
Engage in ethical practice, continuing education, and community service
Meet requirements for state certification exams and licensure

Build Key Skills

Clinical Skills

Communication

Dental Science Principles

Interested in something else? Explore by your interests

MCC offers resources to help you build your future.

Real Patients. Real Skills.

MCC Dental Hygiene Clinic

Get hands-on experience with real patients before you graduate. MCC Dental Assisting & Hygiene students train in our on-campus dental hygiene clinic and in partner clinics throughout the community.

Where MCC Graduates Work

Career Services

MCC program graduates consistently receive high pass rates on board certifications. They go on to rewarding careers at dental health facilities, including private practices, nonprofit and community clinics, and hospitals. MCC’s Career Services is here to help you explore all your options.

Earn Your Degree—For Free

Good news—MCC’s Dental Hygiene A.A.S. degree program is part of SUNY Reconnect, which covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, and supplies for eligible adults. See if you qualify today!

SUNY Reconnect Eligibility

Apply by July 31 for Fall Admission

Acceptance to dental programs is highly competitive; acceptance by Monroe Community College does not guarantee acceptance into the program. You may need to complete several required courses before starting dental courses. Review each program’s unique admissions requirements before applying. Please note that additional expenses specific to dental programs may apply.

Apply Now

Explore our dental programs to find one that matches your goals and level of experience.

A.A.S.

Dental Hygiene Associate of Applied Science

MCC’s Dental Hygiene A.A.S. degree program combines courses in liberal arts, dental science, and hands-on clinical training on campus and in the community.

This program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.

Upon completion, you’ll be eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) Dental Hygiene Examination, and apply for New York State Dental Hygiene Licensure.

Length

2 years / 70 credit hours

Students typically complete this program in 4 semesters of full time study.

Location

Brighton Campus

Program Requirements

A.A.S. Courses & Prerequisites

Admissions Requirements

Current, Transfer, Returning, and Adult Students High School Applicants

CERT

Dental Assisting Certificate

This certificate program blends classroom learning with lab work and clinical experience. You’ll learn to gather patient information, take X-rays and vital signs, pre-fit provisional crowns, and assist with orthodontics. When you finish, you can apply to MCC’s Dental Hygiene A.A.S. degree program or start your career.

For New York State Dental Assisting Licensure, you must pass the New York Professional Dental Assisting, Radiation Health and Safety, and Infection Control exams offered by the Dental Assisting National Board.

Length

1 year / 25 credit hours

Students must complete this program in 2 semesters of full time study.

Location

Brighton Campus

Program Requirements

Certificate Courses & Prerequisites

Admissions Requirements

Current, Transfer, Returning, and Adult Students High School Applicants

CERT

Dental Assisting Rapid Track (D.A.R.T.)

MCC’s D.A.R.T. certificate helps employed dental assistants meet licensure requirements while continuing to work. The program blends online coursework with supervised clinical experience. It covers advanced chairside, radiographic, laboratory, and infection control skills. You’ll also complete 500+ hours of on-the-job training with a sponsoring dentist.

For New York State Dental Assisting Licensure, you must pass the New York Professional Dental Assisting, Radiation Health and Safety, and Infection Control exams offered by the Dental Assisting National Board.

Length

4 Semesters / 17 Credit Hours

Students must complete this program in 4 semesters.

Location

Brighton Campus & Online

Program Requirements

D.A.R.T. Courses & Prerequisites

Admissions Requirements

D.A.R.T. Requirements for Currently Employed Dental Assistants

Quality Education That Fits Your Budget

SUNY Reconnect helps many adult students attend MCC for free. But if you’re not eligible, don’t worry—MCC’s low tuition, plus financial aid like grants and scholarships, make your education possible. Explore all your options.

SUNY Reconnect Financial Aid & Scholarships

Get More Information

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A.S.

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Common search terms

Dental Assisting & Hygiene

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