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 Opportunities or Field Positions:
Dental Assistant • Administrative Medical/ Dental Assistant • Patient Support Associate • Dental Hygienist • Medical Occupations • EFDA Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
What Certifications can I earn?
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).
What College Credits can I earn?
Click here for information on how you can earn college credits while in your Career Tech program.
Program Requirements and Expectations:
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
Uniform Requirements:
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
Student Organizations?
Students may join the HOSA (Health Occupations of America) student organization. HOSA provides a unique program of leadership development, motivation, and recognition to students enrolled in health science education and biomedical science programs or have interests in pursuing careers in health professions. Visit http://www.hosa.org/ for more information.
What else should I 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, M.ED., RDH
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.
