DENTAL CAREERS
Course Code:
8328/8329
Course Description:
Students are introduced to careers in dentistry, including dentist (general and specialist), dental hygienist, dental assistant (I & II), dental laboratory technician, and dental receptionist. Students practice and learn many of the skills utilized in these professions while attaining the skills necessary to become entry-level dental assistants. Study includes infection control, Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards; anatomy and physiology; tooth morphology; oral histology; preventive dentistry; applied psychology; effective communication; office administration and management; use of dental software; operative dentistry techniques; and dental materials/laboratory skills.
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Dental Careers I History of dentistry Role of the Dental Assistant and the Healthcare Team Ethics & Law Dental Anatomy & Physiology Delivering Dental Care Principles of Pharmacology Dental Instruments & Handpieces Moisture Control Anesthesia & Pain Control Disease Transmission/Infection Control
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Dental Careers II Foundations of Radiology Dental Film & Processing Legal Issues/Quality Assurance Radiography Matrix Systems Prosthodontics Dental Implants Endodontics & Periodontics Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Pediatric Dentistry Communication in the Dental Office Business Operating Systems Financial Management Internship
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Campus Location: Butler Farm, Hampton Sessions: AM – Dental I PM – Dental II Class Size: 20 students Credentials: Dental Assisting NOCTI Radiation Health & Safety Examination |
Career & Technical Student Organization: Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Work-Based Learning Opportunities: Paid Internship Course Prerequisites: Completed 10th grade English with a grade of “C” or better Completed Biology with a grade of “C” or better and passed the Biology SOL Mandatory clinical internship experience for all Dental II students Clinical experience may require drug testing and Covid19 vaccination and/or testing |
Instructor Bio:
Cynthia White
757-766-1100 ext. 3333
Certified Dental Association (CDA) Nationally Registered Dental Association (NRDA)
Associate’s Degree with Thomas Nelson in Education
20+ years of Dental teaching experience at New Horizons Regional Education Center
Postsecondary Instructor, Education in Dentistry with Tidewater Tech in Newport News
Projected Employment:
Employment of dental assistants is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. “Dental Assistants.” Occupational Outlook Handbook, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 10 October, 2023.
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm#tab-6
Career Pathways:
Dental Lab Technician
Dental Hygienist
Dentist
Orthodontic Assistant
