Instructors:      

Sue Taylor

Angie Thompson

Program Description:

This program is designed for juniors and seniors with an interest in dental healthcare. The program offers students the opportunity to explore the dental health profession by providing hands on experience and classroom instruction. Students will learn skills in chair side assisting, infection control, front office procedures, instrument identification, radiology safety, and laboratory procedures.   In addition, students will be enrolled in the Advanced Health Science course which covers basic anatomy/physiology, healthy behaviors, healthcare delivery, ethics/communication in healthcare settings, and employability.   Students will become CPR certified.  Students will also have the opportunity to receive a nationally recognized certificate issued by the National Consortium for Health Science Education (NHSCE).

Program Objectives:

Students will acquire basic dental assisting skills such as; chair side greeting and seating, suctioning, fluoride treatment, coronal polishing, sterilization techniques, dental charting, and terminology.

Program Expectations:

Students practice skills on each other. Students must have the Hepatitis B vaccination series and a TB test. A 90 hour clinical experience in a working dental office must be completed with a satisfactory evaluation from the dentist and their staff. The student is responsible for finding a dental office to complete a 90 hour clinical experience. Students must receive a classroom grade of 75% in order to receive credit for participation in the clinical experience.

High School Credit:

Four (4) high school CTE credits

Concurrent Credit:

Most students earn HTHS 1101 Medical Terminology (Weber State University – 2 credits).

Educational Opportunities:

Students seeking further education in dental healthcare may continue their education at community colleges, universities or private dental hygiene schools.

Possible Careers:

Students will be able to work as a dental assistant after completing this program. Students may continue their education to become a dental hygienist, dentist, dental laboratory technician, or other dental healthcare specialist.

Misconceptions:

Students receive a Dental Assistant Skill Certificate from the Utah State Office of Education for this course if they past the state skills certification test with at least 80%. This is not the same as the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) given by some other agencies. A CDA is not required for employment in the state of Utah.

Classes Required for Entrance: 

None

Recommended Classes:

Medical Anatomy and Physiology

Program Length:

Full year

Eligibility:

Junior and Seniors based on entrance exams, GPA, attendance, and strength of schedule.

Seniors will be given priority.

Costs/Fees:

Weber State University concurrent enrollment fee: $30 (optional)

Workbooks: $30

Medical Terminology textbook: $98

HOSA membership: $30 (optional)

Students must purchase their own scrubs.