DENTAL assistant
INSTRUCTOR
SUSAN MARCHANT
I started working at Tongue Point this year in September 2022.
I grew up in in a small town just outside Albany, Oregon called Crabtree, Oregon. A very small country town.
I raised my three sons, my foster daughter and two stepsons in Crabtree.
I attended Linn-Benton Community College from 1993-94 in the Dental Assistant program in Albany, Oregon.
The Dental Assisting Program was a wonderful experience for me and I would do it all again.
My sons were very young at that time which made the experience challenging yet rewarding at the same time.
I have worn several other “hats” during my lifetime, but I always went back to what I enjoy most, which is Dental Assisting.
As an instructor, I hope to encourage my students to enjoy the dental field as much as I have through the years.
I have a passion for helping others and being a team player, as well as multitasking and anticipating the dentist or hygienists needs while working chairside.
I am looking forward to teaching the students all about dental assisting and I am especially excited to cheer them on as the graduate from the Dental Program at Job Corps and move up to their new career path.
DENTAL ASSISTANTS PERFORM A VARIETY OF SERVICES FROM OFFICE AND LABORATORY DUTIES TO WORKING CHAIRSIDE ASSISTING DENTISTS AS THEY EXAMINE AND TREAT PATIENTS.
OVERVIEW
Students participating in this trade learn to take dental radiographs, maintain dental equipment, performing coronal polishing and assisting the dentist in patient treatment. Other duties include, keeping accurate dental records, organizing the lab and taking care of patients.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping and handling of materials. Listening and understanding information and ideas presented through spoken words.
SKILLS
Students in Dental Assistant are trained in the following subject areas:
Setting up equipment and preparing patients for treatment
Sterilizing instruments, disinfecting treatment rooms and setting up instrument trays, preparing materials, and assisting the dentist during dental procedures
Exposing dental diagnostic X-rays
Collecting and recording treatment information and clinical data in patient records
Educating patients on how to maintain their dental health
CAREER OPTIONS
Most program graduates work directly with dentists in their dental offices. Dental assistants typically work full time and help with patient care and management of the dental office. Some graduates may go on to work in dental laboratories as well.
REQUIREMENTS
Before entering the program, students must have:
Strong listening, communication, and organizational skills
Complete all required activity in the Career Preparation Period, including Career Exploration and Career Success/Workplace Skills.
Meet basic academic requirements in math and reading.
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
The ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and correctly.
To complete a student must:
Have completed High School Diploma or GED.
Attained a Driver License.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification
For trade completion and employment purposes, student must pass a criminal background check.
LENGTH OF PROGRAM
Students attend classes Monday through Friday. On average students can complete the Dental Assisting program within 9 to 14 months depending on the student's academic levels (math & reading and High School Diploma/GED status).
CREDENTIALS
As a Job Corps student, you will have the opportunity to earn credentials in your training area that may lead to greater employment opportunities, higher wages, and promotions.
EXPECTATIONS
While on the job, you will be expected to display the following traits at all times:
Attention to detail
Concern for others
Cooperation
Dependability
Integrity
DENTAL ASSISTANT NUMBERS TO KNOW
$41K NATIONAL AVERAGE EARNING POTENTIAL FOR THIS CAREER
Average Entry Wage: $18.00 to $20.00 per hour.
Credentials - These are the credentials students have the opportunity to earn.
Certificate of competency for successful completion of the Radiation Health and Safety Exam (RHS) issued by the Dental Assisting National Board
Infection Control Exam (ICE) issued by the Dental Assisting National Board
Anatomy, Morphology & Physiology (AMP) Certificate of Competency issued by the Dental Assisting National Board
Oregon Radiological Proficiency Certificate upon successful completion of the clinical radiology exam, issued by the Oregon Board of Dentistry
Bloodborne Pathogens
BLS Health Care Provider
First Aid, CPR-AED
Additional competency exams include:
The Oregon Basic Dental assisting exam; and,
The Oregon Expanded Functions dental assisting exam.
Passing these two exams along with Expanded Function Clinicals signed off by a dentist will grant you your EFDA certificate in the State of Oregon.
Other states vary in their requirements.
There are additional certifications that are available through the Dental Assisting National Board that could be available to students who excel and move through the program quickly.
Work Force Council Assessment Form
The assessment form that you fill out will greatly aid us in keeping our training programs relevant for your industries. Please take a few more minutes of your time at the end of today's meeting to complete this form.
Hover over the image to the left and then click the upper left corner in the box with the arrow in it, the form will open in a new tab. When you are done with the form just click the submit button.
Dental Training Achievement Record (TAR)
Job Corps does not assign grades. Instead, it allows students to demonstrate their skill (competency) in a given subject area or training area. Instructors will mark the completion of training on a student's Training and Achievement Record (TAR). The proficiency levels on the TAR are 1, 2, and 3. Level 1 being that the student has been introduced to the tool/task, but is not yet proficient enough to do it on their own. Level 2 brings the student to the point where they are comfortable with the tool/task and can accomplish it on their own. Level 3 proficiency is when the student is highly proficient with the tool/task and to the point of being able to teach others. Students must attain at least a 2 proficiency level on all items to complete the trade.
Dental Skill Sections Credit Hours
A. Basic Medical and Dental Terminology 30
B. Basic Anatomy and Physiology 30
C. Safety 30
D. Vital Signs 20
E. Communication, Observation Skills / Psychology in the Office 20
F. Administration Dental Assisting 20
G. Infection Control 60
H. Ethics/Confidentiality 20
I. Introduction to the Dental Profession 20
J. Head and Neck anatomy 20
K. Oral Anatomy 20
L. Microbiology 20
M. Oral Pathology 20
N. Oral health and Nutrition 20
O. Applied Drugs and Pained control 20
P. Radiology 180
Q. Operating Equipment 20
R. Chair side Assisting Basics 40
S. Restorative Materials and Cements 30
T. Impression Material and Lab Procedures 60
U. Preventive Dentistry 30
V. Operative Dentistry 30
W. Dental Specialties 180
X. Expanded Functions for Dental Assistants (Optional) 30
Y. Industry Vocabulary 30
Z. Employability Skills Concurrent with training
Total Credit Hours 1000
Instructor Wish List
1. (2) Radiology X-ray training dental manikin. Dental Chair mount with Torso
2. (1) AZDENT Dental Mobile Cart Metal Built-In Socket with Auto-Water Bottle Supply System.
3. (1) Hand Trimmer
Typical Tools & Equipment
AIRCOMPRESSOR
AMALGAMATOR
AUTOCLAVE
BENCH-TOP FUME HOOD
CURING LIGHT
DENTAL HANDPIECES
DENTAL X-RAY MANNEQUIN
DENTRIX DENTAL SOFTWARE
DEXIS SENSORS AND INTRAORAL CAMERA
LATHE
MODEL TRIMMER
PATIENT CHAIR
RHEOSTAT
TRAY VAC
ULTRASONIC CLEANER
VACUUM/SUCTION EQUIPMENT
X-RAY IMAGING EQUIPMENT
WEBSITES:
https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/dental-assistant/