McLennan Community College Launches Accelerated Dental Assistant Program

February 24, 2026

McLennan Community College will launch an accelerated dental assistant program next month to help students quickly enter a high-demand healthcare field while meeting growing workforce needs in the region. MCC student in dental assistant program

The seven-week Dental Assistant Occupational Skills Award program begins March 23 and provides 200 hours of in-person instruction and hands-on training. Classes will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (days of the week) at the college’s Community Services Center.

“This program creates a fast and affordable pathway into a growing healthcare career,” said Allison Halbert, coordinator of community health. “We worked with industry partners to design training that prepares students to contribute immediately to dental offices.”

Limited scholarships are available, and applications for the March cohort are currently being accepted. Early application is strongly encouraged as funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Scholarships were made possible through the True Grant scholarship program, which helps reduce financial barriers to entering the healthcare workforce. TRUE Grant Program funding is awarded competitively through a request-for-applications process. The projects are required to be for education and training programs shorter than six months in duration, industry-aligned, and in high-demand fields.

The program is open to individuals with a high school diploma or GED and is geared toward recent high school graduates and adults seeking a career change. Enrollment is limited to 10 students per cohort to support individualized instruction and clinical experience. MCC plans to offer three cohorts each year, with the next ones coming in July and October.

The program was developed in response to a strong demand from area dentists and limited training options in the county. The curriculum prepares students to assist dentists in clinical settings and build a foundation for advancement into related healthcare careers.

The Dental Assistant credential is stackable, providing students with an entry-level certification that can lead directly to employment while also creating a pathway toward advanced programs such as Dental Hygiene and other healthcare careers.

For more information or to apply, visit https://www.mclennan.edu/human/dental-assistant.html or call 254-299-8150.