Mayland Community College celebrated a major milestone in local workforce training this week with the opening of its new Dental Training Lab, a state-of-the-art facility designed to support the college’s recently launched Dental Assisting (DA I) program.
Located in the Phillips Building on Mayland’s main campus, the lab replicates the environment of a modern dental office and is outfitted with the latest equipment and technology. The space will give students real-world experience and a competitive edge as they prepare to enter the healthcare workforce.
“This lab isn’t just about technology—it’s about access,” said Dr. John Boyd, president of Mayland Community College. “We’re creating opportunities for local residents to step into respected healthcare careers without having to leave their community. That’s the kind of transformation Mayland is here to deliver—not just for students, but for the region as a whole.”
The ribbon cutting event brought together faculty, staff, and healthcare partners, including representatives from High Country Health and Mountain Community Health Partnership—two key providers serving Mayland’s three-county service area. Guests toured the new facility and enjoyed refreshments prepared by students in Mayland’s Culinary Program.
The Dental Assisting (DA I) program began earlier this year and is a 300-hour credential that prepares students for key responsibilities such as chairside support, patient education, radiographic procedures, and infection control. Graduates are eligible to sit for the DANB NELDA exam to become certified Dental Assistants (DA I).
“This program is about giving people real skills that lead to real jobs,” said Dr. Monica Carpenter, associate vice president of economic and workforce development at Mayland. “Our students don’t just leave with a certificate—they leave with confidence, hands-on experience, and the ability to step right into a dental office and make a difference. That’s what workforce training is all about—and this lab makes it possible.”
With demand for dental professionals growing across rural North Carolina, Mayland’s program arrives at a critical time. The college is also exploring future expansion through additional credentials and potential partnerships.
Enrollment is now open for upcoming Dental Assisting cohorts. Seats are limited.
To learn more or join the interest list, visit www.mayland.edu/ce.
New high-tech lab enhances Dental Assisting program, offering students hands-on experience
and a pathway to in-demand careers without leaving the region.
