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Hello and welcome to the Dental Pathway at Highland School of Technology! Students begin learning basic dental content beginning their freshmen year. Terminology, head & neck anatomy, tooth morphology, dental charting, and infection control measures are just a few of the topics covered during the first semester!
The dental pathway begins freshmen year where students take the Dental I course. Students take Dental II & III courses during their sophomore year, and then Dental IV & V their junior year. During the senior year students take the Dental VI course which includes a 10 week work-based learning experience in a local dentist office. Students are taught utilizing diadactic instruction, hands-on learning activities, computer simulations, and work-based learning experiences. Active participation from the local dental society and area dental professionals continued support ensures the program's quality and distinction.
Upon graduation many of our students continue their post-secondary education pursing dental assisting, dental hygiene, and/or dentistry. UNC-Chapel Hill, East Carolina University, Dental College of Georgia, CPCC, and CVCC are just a few of the schools our students have attended to pursue their dental careers.
Dental Pathway Courses
Dental Pathway Courses
Dental Science I - Freshmen Year
This course serves as an introduction to the dental field. Content includes dental terminology, head & neck anatomy, landmarks of the face and oral cavity, dentition, morphology, charting, bloodborne pathogen training, infection control measures, etc.
Dental Science II - Sophomore Year
Dental II is designed to introduce dental materials that are commonly used in the dental field. Direct and indirect dental materials are taught. Students learn to properly mix alginate impression material and pour up study models.
This course also includes content in oral pathology, the study, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in the teeth, gums, bones, joints, glands, skin, and muscles around your mouth .
Dental Science III Honors - Sophomore Year
This course explores the history of dentistry, ethics & jurisprudence, dental law, dental office design, instrument transfer, dental specialties, basic dental instruments, dental waterline safety, matrix systems, anesthetia & pain control, rubber dam systems, and dental handpiece care.
Dental Science IV Honors - Junior Year
Dental IV provides instruction into many of the most commonly seen medical emergencies that can occur in a dental office setting. Syncope, Myocardial Infarction, Angina, Cerebrovascular Accidents, Diabetes, Seizures, Hypertension and Hypotension are a few of the topics discussed.
Students learn to take vital signs; pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and respirations.
Students can become certified in infant/child/adult CPR and First Aid.
Students learn basic pharmacology abbreviations, parts of a prescription, prophylaxis antibiotic recommendations, coronal polishing, nutrition, and patient education.
Dental Science V Honors - Junior Year
Dental V is designed to equip dental assistants with the knowledge and skills to safely and effectively take and process both analog and digital dental radiographs. According to the North Carolina Dental Board, in order to take dental radiographs, one must either be a certified dental assistant (have taken the DANB or CDA exam), completed a CODA-accredited dental assisting program, or successfully complete a dental radiology course and passed the course's final examination (which must include at least 7 hours of didactic instruction and 14 hours of lab instruction). Topics such as the history of x-rays, parts of the x-ray tubehead, basic radiation physics, paralleling and bisecting angle techniques, infection control measures, and x-ray safety are discussed in this course.
Dental Science VI Honors - Senior Year
This course provides hours of instruction, work-based learning experience, and labs withing the classroom setting and local dental offices. Weekly journals, College prep instruction, Completion of 10-Hour Healthcare OSHA Certification, SPICE (Statewide Program for Infection Control and Epidemiology) instruction, Senior Portfolio, and Senior Presentations are included in the pathway's final course.
Dental Seniors Receive OSHA 10-Hour Healthcare Certifications
Dental Seniors Receive OSHA 10-Hour Healthcare Certifications
From Highland.....
.......to Hygienists!
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Mrs. Angela Garner, RDH
Mrs. Angela Garner, RDH
Hello, I am Mrs. Angela Garner, the Dental Instructor at Highland School of Technology. I have been a Registered Dental Hygienist for over thirty years, and began teaching ten years ago. I truly have the best job in the world! I get to work with the most AMAZING students and also get to share my love of all things dentistry! I could have never imagined all those years ago where this profession would take me, but I'm forever grateful the path led me straight to Highland! Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have about our one-of-a-kind program!
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