December 8
Not only does the dental assisting program at North Shore Community College (NSCC) launch new careers, but it also helps fill a gap in our community and improves access to dental care. As of fall 2025, more than a third of private dental practices nationwide are actively hiring dental assistants, and on the North Shore, more than 100 positions are currently open.
The dental assistant program is part of the Division of Corporate and Professional Education (CPE) at NSCC that provides short-term noncredit courses and workshops. Dental assistants have a wide range of responsibilities—including taking x-rays, sterilizing instruments, and assisting the dentist during procedures. In only twelve weeks, this program gives students the hands-on skills and knowledge they need to apply for their license and enter the workforce.
Dental assistants have the opportunity to work in general practices and in orthodontic, endodontic, oral surgery, and pediatric dentistry offices. For many, this career provides a path to become a dental hygienist or to follow other related healthcare career paths.
Making the North Shore Smile More
Dental practices across the United States are experiencing a shortage of dental assistants, increasing the workload and impacting patients. This shortage means that dental practices can't see as many patients and people seeking care have increased wait times, while some practices are forced to stop taking on new patients altogether.
NSCC’s students are helping to fill that need in our community. Dental Assistant Instructor Linda Agersea reports that for the most recent graduating class, almost a third of students had jobs lined up before they even finished the program.
“We've had a great response from the dentists, too—they've been very happy with the
students we've sent them,” said Agersea.
Starting a New Career
NSCC’s dental assisting program puts students on the track to a new career, one with the potential to change their lives: Massachusetts has been identified as one of the top states for pay and career growth opportunities for dental assistants.
“The field is wide open. The pay is there, the benefit packages are there. If you want advancement, that's there,” said Agersea. Many students use the dental assistant program as a stepping stone to other careers in the dentistry field.
In 2025, the commonwealth of Massachusetts awarded more than $215,000 total to North Shore Community College to support its dental assisting and central sterilization training programs. With these workforce development funds, NSCC’s dental assistant program has improved access, giving even more adult workers the skills they need to enter a new, in-demand career.
To learn more about the dental assistant program at NSCC, click here.