Dental Assistant

Program Description

This program is ideal for individuals who enjoy working with their hands and desire to make a positive contribution in the dental field. Dental assistants are key members of the dental health care team. Students in the Dental Assistant program will train in all aspects of a dental practice. Students will learn to sterilize and disinfect instruments, prepare trays for dental procedures, and prepare materials for making impressions and restorations. The program also teaches students how to expose and process dental radiographs for proper diagnostic use. They will also learn to perform basic office duties including scheduling, dental procedure codes and patient privacy laws.

Students in the dental assistant program may apply their knowledge and skills in industry work experiences. This may include laboratory-based, paid or unpaid work experience for students.

Course Content

  • Administrative Dental Skills
  • Oral & Dental Anatomy and Health
  • Dental Radiology
  • Infection Control
  • Instrument Identification & Use
  • Lecture & Lab Sessions
  • Dental Procedures
  • Effective Communication
  • Customer Service

Business and Industry Partners

Sea Smiles Dental and Orthodonties · Suace Dental · Excel Dental Care

Program of Study

INDUSTRY CERTIFICATIONS

  • CPR –American Heart Association – Basic Life Support
  • CareerSafe OSHA 10
  • CERT Team Life Support Training
  • Registered Dental Assistant

Possible Career Pathways

  • Dental Assistant
  • Dental Hygienist
  • Dentist
  • Health Informatics
  • Support Services

*Median Pay Per Year

$37,630 – $158,120
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Website: bls.gov/ooh

*The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median Pay Per Year range includes occupations listed on Bureau of Labor Statistics.

HS Endorsement: Public Service
9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade
Principles of Health Sciences Medical Terminology Health Science (Clinical) 1.0
Medical Microbiology
Practicum in Health Science
Pathophysiology