Dental Occupations

  • Instructor Theresa Sherman | East Campus | CIP Code 51.0601

    The Dental Occupations program integrates lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences to teach students a variety of dental related subjects. The program provides leading-edge training for a career as a dental assistant and also prepares students interested in attending a post-secondary institution to become a dental hygienist, expanded-function dental assistant or a dentist.

    The curriculum covers an introduction to healthcare, infection control, safety and emergency procedures, ethical/legal responsibilities, anatomy and physiology related to dentistry, patient care and procedures, office procedures, dental pain and anxiety control, radiology, operative dentistry, dental materials, dental laboratory procedures, basics of oral surgery, periodontics, and prosthodontics.

    By completing this program, students are well-prepared for their chosen careers. As dental assistants, they assist dentists during examination and treatment of patients. Students learn to prepare patients for treatment, sterilize instruments, prepare materials and make study models from impressions, expose and process x-ray film, use digital imaging, and provide chairside assistance for the dentist.

    Career Pathways:

    Dental Assistant
    Sterilization Assistant
    Dental Laboratory Technician Assistant

    CAREER PATHWAYS CAN LEAD TO:*

    Dental Hygienist
    Dental Assistant Instructor
    Dentist
    Certified Laboratory Technician
    Expanded Function Dental Assistant
    Certified Dental Practice Management Administrator

    *Requires post-secondary training.
Dental Occupations

  • Industry Certifications:

    NELDA - National Entry Level Dental Assistant
    BLS Healthcare Provider
    Radiation Health & Safety (RHS)
    OSHA/CareerSafe 10-Hour Certification

    College Advanced Credits:

    Berks Technical Institute - Up to 51 quarter credits

    Northampton County Community College - Up to 3 credits

    Program Requirements/Costs

    There are specific costs for textbooks, tools, supplies, uniforms, certifications; and for some programs, medical and criminal clearances that students are obligated to pay upon acceptance. These costs change annually.

    Program Entrance Recommendations:

    ο Reading at grade level
    o Algebra I or Geometry
    o Problem-solving/ troubleshooting skills
    o Ability to work independently and in a team
    o Hand-eye coordination
    o Emotionally mature