Metropolitan Community College admits up to 12 full-time students into the Dental Assisting program in the fall and spring quarter of each year. Applicants who meet all the admission and application requirements by the given timelines will be offered an opportunity to enter the Dental Assisting program; however, entrance into the program will be contingent on space available.

How to get started

Application packet can be requested by contacting Joan Trimpey, 402-738-4675 or jtrimpey@mccneb.edu

The following is a guide and checklist for students desiring to apply for admission to the Dental Assisting Program at Metropolitan Community College.

1. Meet with a college counselor or advisor in the Student Services Center at the campus location of your choice to discuss requirements for taking general studies at Metro. For information, specific program requirements, and questions pertaining to the field of Dental Assisting, contact Joan Trimpey at 402-738-4675 or email her at jtrimpey@mccneb.edu.

2. Make arrangements with the college counselor or advisor to complete the required college Compass/Asset Basic Skills Assessment. Obtain assistance with initial course selection and registration from the counselor or advisor.  NOTE:  If developmental courses are indicated by the Assessment Test, you must enroll in these classes.   You are encouraged to complete the math and psychology general education courses prior to beginning your dental assisting coursework.

3. Complete the Program Admission form, at the end of the Dental Assisting Application Packet, and return it to:

Metropolitan Community College
Dental Assisting Program
P.O. Box 3777
Omaha, NE 68103

NOTE: To be considered for admission to the Spring class your Application must be received by February 17. Late applications may be considered for admission of qualified candidates if seats are available. To be considered for admission to the Fall class your Application must be received by June 1. Late applications may be considered for admission of qualified candidates if seats are available.

4. Submit a copy of High School Diploma or GED and official transcripts for all post-secondary schools you have previously attended.  Transcripts and diploma/GED should be sent to:

Metropolitan Community College
Dental Assisting Program
P.O. Box 3777
Omaha, NE  68103

NOTE:   To be official, transcripts must be mailed directly from the granting institution to Metropolitan Community College.  Metropolitan Community College cannot initiate the transfer of your credits.  You must contact the colleges or universities personally.

5. Give the two reference forms to two individuals you would like to have serve in verifying that you are of good moral character.  The reference forms should be submitted with the completed Application form.

6. Schedule yourself to complete the PSB-Health Occupations Exam.  Instructions for this process can be found under the heading of “Pre-Entrance Exam” in the Dental Assisting Application Packet. Do not take this exam if you have not taken the Compass Assessment and/or you are not ready to take College level courses.

NOTE: Upon completion of the above and before admittance into the Dental Assisting Program, students will be required to complete background check and drug screening.

APPLICATION DEADLINES:  JUNE 1 for Fall start and FEBRUARY 17 for Spring start.

How to Register for the PSB Test

About the PSB Test
All students applying for admission to the Dental Assisting Program must complete the Psychological Services Bureau (PSB) Health Occupations Aptitude Examination as a pre-entrance test. The student's score on this exam becomes part of his/her numeric admission score. This test is a 2-1/2 hour exam that measures how well you think and learn, how well you can spell, your ability to understand what you read, your knowledge of natural sciences, and your vocational adjustment score. Test information is available at the PSB web site.

Important Information

Individuals employed in the health professions use the senses of sight, hearing, touch, and smell in addition to the sense of equilibrium and sufficient motor function to carry out activities required in the clinical practice of caring for patients including doing moderate lifting. Applicants must meet the technical standards as listed in the Dental Assisting Information packet in order to be accepted into the Dental Assisting program.

All students admitted to a Health Career Program are required to submit a signed statement for criminal background check purposes, submit to routine drug screening, submit to a physical examination record, and provide documentation of required immunizations.

Individuals considering employment in the health professions msut be aware of strict qualifications. Factors that may disqualify candidates from licensure and/or employment in the health professions include a history of abuse, neglect, theft, and fraud; a criminal record; a history of drug abuse; significant psychological/personality disorders; physiologica disorders; neuro-muscular dysfunction; dishonesty; etc. The Nebraska Health and Human Services System carefully scrutinizes candidates in order to select those who will maintain the public's trust and confidence at all times.

Applicants with questions or concerns regarding this component should contact the program coordinator Joan Trimpey at (402) 738-4675 or jtrimpey@mccneb.edu.