- Berks Career and Technology Center
- HEALTHCARE CLUSTER
Dental Occupations
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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 AssistantCAREER 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.

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