Jonathan BensonChoosing the right dental school or dental program in Mississippi is critical for your career in dentistry. Whether your goal is to become a dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant, Mississippi offers a range of options to fit your needs.
This guide covers the top 10 dental schools and programs in Mississippi, along with their tuition, fees, and key benefits.
Top 10 Dental Schools In Mississippi And Fees
1. University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry – Jackson, MS
The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) School of Dentistry is the only accredited dental school in Mississippi offering a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. Part of the University of Mississippi Medical Center, it provides comprehensive clinical education, research opportunities, and community dental services.
Tuition & Fees: For the current, in-state tuition is approximately $40,020 per year, with total cost of attendance ranging from $76,769–$85,011 including living expenses.
Why It’s Great:
- Accredited program with national recognition
- Comprehensive clinical experience
- Graduates eligible for dental licensure nationwide
2. Mississippi Delta Community College – Dental Hygiene Program – Moorhead, MS
Mississippi Delta Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene, focusing on oral health education and preventive care. Students gain clinical experience and are prepared for licensure.
Tuition & Fees: Estimated $3,000–$8,000 annually for in-state students.
Why It’s Great:
- Affordable dental hygiene training
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Prepares students for national and state licensure
3. Northeast Mississippi Community College – Dental Hygiene Program – Booneville, MS
Northeast Mississippi Community College provides a comprehensive Dental Hygiene program emphasizing patient care and clinical skills. Graduates are ready for careers in dental hygiene and preventive dentistry.
Tuition & Fees: Approximately $3,000–$8,000 per year for in-state students.
Why It’s Great:
- Strong focus on practical clinical training
- Affordable pathway to professional dental hygiene
- National and state exam preparation included
4. Pearl River Community College – Dental Hygiene Technology – Poplarville, MS
Pearl River Community College’s Dental Hygiene Technology program prepares students for licensure in preventive dental care and oral health services.
Tuition & Fees: Low to moderate in-state tuition typical for community colleges.
Why It’s Great:
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Prepares students for licensure in dental hygiene
- Community-focused learning environment
5. Northwest Mississippi Community College – Dental Hygiene Program – Senatobia, MS
Northwest Mississippi Community College offers a dental hygiene program with the option to transfer to UMMC for advanced coursework. The program combines classroom instruction with clinical practice.
Tuition & Fees: Affordable community college tuition, usually $3,000–$8,000 per year.
Why It’s Great:
- Articulated path for transfer to a DMD program
- Blend of classroom and hands-on clinical training
- Lower initial cost than university-level programs
6. Meridian Community College – Dental Hygiene Associate – Meridian, MS
Meridian Community College offers a dental hygiene associate pathway, focusing on clinical practice and state exam preparation. This community college offers great foundational training for hygiene careers.
Tuition & Fees: Standard community college costs ($3,000–$8,000 per year).
Why It’s Great:
- Close-knit learning environment
- Strong foundational training for hygiene careers
- Affordable start to dental education
7. Hinds Community College – Dental Assisting Technology – Jackson/Pearl, MS
Hinds Community College provides a Dental Assisting Technology program emphasizing patient care, radiography, and office support skills.
Tuition & Fees: Estimated $3,825 per year for in-state students.
Why It’s Great:
- Prepares students for dental assistant certification
- Shorter program duration (9–12 months)
- Practical, hands-on training
8. Delta Technical College – Dental Assisting Program – Mississippi
Delta Technical College’s dental assisting program combines classroom education with clinical practice, preparing students for entry-level dental careers. This is a program that offers hands-on clinical training too.
Tuition & Fees: Moderate tuition, approximately $3,000–$8,000 per year.
Why It’s Great:
- Career-focused, short-duration program
- Hands-on clinical training
- Prepares students for certification
9. Blue Cliff College – Dental Assisting Diploma – Gulfport, MS
Blue Cliff College offers a comprehensive dental assisting certificate with both classroom instruction and practical clinical training.
Tuition & Fees: Private trade school tuition, moderately higher than community colleges.
Why It’s Great:
- Modern dental practice skills included
- Prepares students for national dental assisting exams
- Hands-on patient care experience
10. Southwest Mississippi Community College – Pre-Dental Hygiene Program – Summit, MS
Southwest Mississippi Community College offers a Pre-Dental Hygiene program, ideal for students planning to transfer into a dental hygiene program or pursue further dental education.
Tuition & Fees: Affordable community college tuition (~$3,000/year).
Why It’s Great:
- Provides foundational coursework in sciences and health
- Cost-effective start to dental education
- Prepares students for successful transfer to dental hygiene programs
Comparison Table – Mississippi Dental Schools & Programs
| Rank | School / Program | Type | Typical Tuition / Fees | Credential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UMMC School of Dentistry | Dental School | ~$40,000/year (DMD) | DMD |
| 2 | Mississippi Delta CC | Dental Hygiene | ~$3k–$8k | AAS |
| 3 | Northeast MS CC | Dental Hygiene | ~$3k–$8k | AAS |
| 4 | Pearl River CC | Dental Hygiene | ~$3k–$8k | AAS |
| 5 | Northwest MS CC | Dental Hygiene Transfer | ~$3k–$8k | AAS/transfer |
| 6 | Meridian CC | Dental Hygiene | ~$3k–$8k | AAS |
| 7 | Hinds CC | Dental Assisting | ~$3,800/year | Diploma |
| 8 | Delta Tech College | Dental Assisting | ~$3k–$8k | Certificate |
| 9 | Blue Cliff College | Dental Assisting | Moderate | Certificate |
| 10 | SW Mississippi CC | Pre-Dental Hygiene | ~$3k | Coursework |
Conclusion
Mississippi provides diverse dental education opportunities — from the accredited DMD program at UMMC to affordable dental hygiene and assisting programs at community and technical colleges. Students can choose based on career goals, budget, and program length.
For aspiring dentists, UMMC School of Dentistry is the state’s premier option, while aspiring dental hygienists and assistants can pursue cost-effective programs at community colleges to gain hands-on experience and prepare for licensure.