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Dental Assisting

Dental Assisting

Dental Assisting students will learn how to aid the dentist and dental hygienists in patient care. This program provides the techniques needed for every aspect of assisting in a dental office to include taking x-rays and scheduling appointments. Instruction provided will articulate toward training required to obtain a Certified Dental Assisting (CDA) certification. Students also receive the same general instruction as other Health Academy Programs including: Office Procedures, Health Care Communications, Ethics and Professional Responsibilities, Infection Control, Health Care Law, Human Wellness and Disease, First Aide, CPR, Safety and Medical Emergency.

 

  • TECHNICAL SKILLS

    • Introduction to dental assisting
    • Infection control 
    • Safety and emergency procedures 
    • Ethics
    • Anatomy and physiology 
    • Office procedures
    • Pharmacology 
    • Radiology
    • Chair-side dentistry
    • Dental materials 
    •  Dental laboratory procedures 
    • Specialties: Oral surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics, endodontics, orthodontics

     

    PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

    • Professionalism
    • Communication 
    • Leadership 
    • Teamwork 
    • Time Management

  • CAREER PATHWAYS

    • Dental Assistant 
    • Administrative Medical/ Dental Assistant 
    • Patient Support Associate 
    • Dental Hygienist 
    • Medical Occupations 
    • EFDA Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

  • CERTIFICATIONS

    • OSHA Healthcare 10 hour
    • CPR/AED Certification 
    • HIPAA Certification 
    • BBP Certification 
    • Training towards CDA (must have high school diploma, 3,500 hours of work experience, and CPR certification to sit for exam) 
    • Training towards PA State Dental Radiology Certification (can be earned after completing radiology unit).

     

    COLLEGE CREDITS

    Earning college credits while completing a Career Tech program.

  • PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

    The following proficiencies are recommended:

    • Effective oral and written communication 
    • Critical thinking and problem solving 
    • Self-motivation 
    • Ability to access and analyze information
    • Basic computer skills using Microsoft and PowerPoint 
    • Detail-oriented
    • Effective listening 
    • Strong work ethic

     

    UNIFORMS

    Professional Attire:

    • Gray scrubs (shirt and pants), gray lab/work coat, and leather skid-resistant shoes. (Not available from the school store).

    Teacher Directed Semi-Professional Attire (For select Fridays and Special Activities):

    • CareerTech blue or gray t-shirt, sweatshirt, zip fleece, or charcoal embroidered ¼ zip sweatshirt (special order). These uniforms may be ordered online or purchased at the school store.
    • Jeans without holes and program approved shoes.

     

    OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS

    • School Uniform
    • Lab Kit – Approximately $80 – $100

     

    WHAT ELSE TO KNOW

    The Dental Assisting program not only teaches the many skills required to become a dental assistant, but also helps students become well-rounded individuals.

Chelsea Miller

Ms. Miller is a graduate of Pennsylvania College of Technology with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Administration and Policy, with a concentration in Dental Hygiene.  She started her journey in the dental field through a co-op program in high school and working as a dental assistant throughout college. Ms. Miller still practices dental hygiene in the summer months to stay current in the dentistry field.  She has completed her Vocational II Certification, Cooperative Education Certification, and master’s degree in education through Penn State University.

A woman in a blue shirt poses for a photograph