Dental Assisting (UC "g")

Preparation and internship for students who aspire to be dental assistants, dental hygienists, and dentists. Acquire chair-side assisting skills, laboratory, and x-ray capabilities. Qualified students may earn state certification in radiation safety and infection control. Dental Assisting is in demand and is one fast growing profession, there are many dental pathways. There is a demand for Dental Assistants, both at entry-level and as skills and experience advance. Assistants progress in the occupation becoming a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA), Registered Dental Assistant Extended Function (RDAEF), Orthodontic Assistant (OA), Dental Sedation Assistant (DSA), Hygienist, Lab Technician, a Dentist and even possibly a Teacher. The class focuses on academic, technical skills, and employability practices. Students will develop personal and professional skills in the classroom that will transfer to the workplace:

• How to take impressions
• How to take, process, and mount both standard and digital x-rays
• How to pour and trim study models
• How to seat patients and set up treatment trays
• How to sterilize instruments to OSHA standards
• How to interact with other students and work in teams
• How to work with a dentist, utilizing four-handed dentistry techniques
• How to assemble bleaching trays
• Employability skills and resume writing
• SkillsUSA membership and competition opportunities

Class Benefits

• 20-30 high school credits earned per year
• Develop skills leading to a highly paid, high demand job

Earned Outside of (Following) the Class

• CPR
• Dental Practice Act
• Coronal Polishing
• Pit & Fissure
• Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
• Registered Dental Assistant Expanded Function (RDAEF)
• Dental Hygienist (RDH)
• Orthodontic Assistant (OA)
• Dental Sedation Assistant (DSA)
• Dentist
• Dental Laboratory Technician

Certifications Earned Within the Class

• Class completion certificate
• California State Radiation Safety Certificate
• California State Infection Control Certificate

Job Opportunities Upon Completion

• Dental Assistant
• Front Office
• Billing
• Treatment Coordinator
• Dental Sales

About the Instructors

Michelle Sugden is a Registered Dental Assistant. She worked as a Chairside Dental Assistant from 1985 until 1996. In 1996 Mrs. Sugden began teaching for SVCTE. She enjoys her students and builds close bonds with them as she shares her vast knowledge and experience.

Gina Fleming is a Registered Dental Assistant Extended Function. She worked as an RDAEF for over 20 years. She has been teaching Dental Assisting at SVCTE since 2001 and is a SVCTE alumnus.