Dental Assistant programs in Meridian, Mississippi can help you prepare for a skilled career path. Many programs include classroom instruction and supervised hands-on learning to help you build practical skills before entering the workforce.
Dental assistant Schools Near Meridian, Mississippi
#1
Meridian Community College
📍
Meridian, MS
•2.7 miles away
Meridian Community College is a Public, 2-year in Meridian, MS serving about 2,025 students and accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MS.
Hinds Community College is a Public, 2-year in Raymond, MS serving about 6,533 students and accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MS.
Pearl River Community College is a Public, 2-year in Poplarville, MS serving about 4,725 students and accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MS.
Mississippi Delta Community College is a Public, 2-year in Moorhead, MS serving about 1,490 students and accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MS.
Fortis Institute-Birmingham is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Birmingham, AL. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across AL.
Entry-level dental assistants in Mississippi earn around
$28,170 per year.
The median salary is $37,130, which is 21.5% below the national median of $47,300.
Top earners make up to $55,480 per year.
Mississippi vs. National Dental Assistant Wages
Metric
Mississippi
National
Median salary
$37,130
$47,300
Average salary
$40,160
$48,860
25th percentile
$35,000
$39,520
75th percentile
$46,160
$56,910
90th percentile
$55,480
$61,780
Mississippi employs approximately 2,690 dental assistants (2.3 per 1,000 workers, location quotient: 0.95).
Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow
6.4% from 2024 to 2034,
faster than the average for all occupations.
This represents a change from 381,900 to
406,300 jobs nationwide.
About 52,900 openings are projected each year
on average over the decade, driven by workers transferring to other occupations, retiring,
or leaving the labor force.
In Mississippi, the concentration of dental assistants is near the national average (location quotient: 0.95), which suggests typical demand for this trade in the state.
How much do dental assistants make in Mississippi?
The median annual salary for dental assistants in Mississippi is $37,130. Wages range from $28,170 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $55,480 for top earners (90th percentile). This is based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
How many dental assistant schools are near Meridian?
There are 45 Dental Assistant schools within commuting distance of Meridian. The closest is Meridian Community College, approximately 2.7 miles away. Programs typically combine classroom instruction with hands-on lab work to prepare graduates for entry-level positions.
What is the job outlook for dental assistants?
Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 6.4% from 2024 to 2034. About 52,900 job openings are projected each year on average, including positions from growth and replacement needs.
What does dental assistant training cost near Meridian?
Annual tuition for dental assistant programs near Meridian ranges from $2,348 to $9,412. Costs vary based on program length, institution type, and whether the school is public or private. Financial aid and scholarships may be available to help offset costs.
Is a dental assistant in demand in Mississippi?
Demand for dental assistants in Mississippi is typical compared to the rest of the country, with a location quotient of 0.95. The state employs 2.3 dental assistants per 1,000 workers.
