Dental Assistants assist dentists with the examination and treatment of patients. They prepare patients for treatment, practice four-handed dentistry with proper instruments and dental materials, and keep the mouth clear by high-speed evacuation or other devices. They expose and process radiographs, sterilize instruments, prepare dental materials, provide oral health instruction, and perform other expanded functions. Basic laboratory work is required such as model pouring and trimming and laboratory assisting. Duties may also include scheduling and confirming appointments, maintaining treatment records, billing, and ordering dental supplies. This course addresses specific skill requirements in the areas of chair-side assisting, office management, and laboratory duties as well as including an overview of dental sciences, interpersonal relations, and employment preparation. A unique aspect of this program is the dental clinic, operating in each school. This clinical setting provides students with the opportunity for "hands-on" experiences and enhances the students' marketable skills prior to cooperative education placement or employment. Students may test for certification through NOCTI and for the State Radiation Use Certificate; certification in CPR is also offered.

Employment opportunities available after high school graduation:
Dental Assistant, Dental Insurance Claims Processor, Dental Laboratory Assistant, Dental Receptionist, Dental Secretary, Dental Office Manager.

Employment opportunities requiring 2-years of specialized training after high school:
Dental Hygienist.

PROGRAM BROCHURE:  

Last updated 10/2011