McLennan Community College Launches Accelerated Dental Assistant Program

The seven-week program aims to address local workforce demand for dental assistants in the Waco area.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:33pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of dental tools like a mirror, drill, and tray repeated in a grid pattern, conceptually representing the hands-on training and fast-paced nature of the new accelerated dental assistant program.The accelerated dental assistant program at McLennan Community College aims to quickly train students for in-demand healthcare jobs at local dental offices.Waco Today

McLennan Community College is launching an accelerated seven-week Dental Assistant Occupational Skills Award program to help students quickly enter the high-demand healthcare field of dental assisting. The program includes 200 hours of in-person instruction, hands-on training, and clinical rotations at local dental offices.

Why it matters

The new program was developed in response to data showing a need for more local training options for dental assistants in the McLennan County area, where dental offices are looking to fill open positions.

The details

The accelerated program includes classroom instruction, online work, observation, and clinical training at the college's Community Services Center. After building foundational skills on campus, students will rotate through partner dental offices for 24 hours of observation and clinical hours, completing testing under the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. Instructor Myste Robinette emphasizes the importance of hands-on training to prepare students for real-world dental settings.

  • The seven-week Dental Assistant Occupational Skills Award program began on March 23, 2026.
  • MCC plans to offer three courses per year, with 10 students per course.

The players

Allison Halbert

MCC's coordinator of community health, who said the college worked with industry partners to design training that prepares students to contribute quickly in dental offices.

Myste Robinette

The program instructor, who said hands-on training is key in preparing students for work in real dental settings.

Angel Van De Plas

A dental assistant student in the program, who said the fast pace is a good fit and that she feels confident she'll be ready to enter the workforce when the program ends.

McLennan Community College

The college launching the accelerated dental assistant program to address local workforce demand.

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What they’re saying

“This program creates a fast and affordable pathway into a growing healthcare career.”

— Allison Halbert, MCC's coordinator of community health

“Hands-on training is going to really prepare them when they get out into the real world.”

— Myste Robinette, Program instructor

“It's fun. I like the fast-paced.”

— Angel Van De Plas, Dental assistant student

What’s next

The program is open to students with a high school diploma or GED, including recent graduates and adults seeking a career change. Applicants must also complete a background check, a 10-panel drug screening, and provide immunization records. Limited scholarships are available through the True Grant scholarship program.

The takeaway

This accelerated dental assistant program provides a fast and affordable path into a growing healthcare field, addressing a local workforce need in the Waco area by preparing students with hands-on training to quickly enter the job market.