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Dental Assistant Program
Program Overview
The Dental Assisting program trains and educates students to be competent Dental Assistants. The skills of a Dental Assistant are varied and challenging with a wide range of tasks that require interpersonal and technical skills. The Dental Assisting Program offers students the opportunity to take the Dental Assisting National Board Exam in Infection Control and Radiation Health and Safety. Students receive intense hands-on training in the dental shop at Diman as well as clinical rotations at local dental offices. Clinical experience can also be obtained through the Co-Op program. The course requirements consist of average to above average grades in science and English. Students must posses a good degree of manual dexterity as well as good interpersonal skills. Career opportunities can include flexible hours with part time and full time employment. Skill Areas
CertificationCertifications are an important component of the dental profession. The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) is the certifying body for Dental Assistants. DANB offers three certifications to candidates that qualify to become a Certified Dental Assistant. Students have the opportunity to obtain two of the DANB certifications as well as a certificate from the American Red Cross in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Sophomore students qualify for the Infection Control Exam upon successful completions of the Microbiology/Infection Control/Hazardous Waste Management curriculum. Junior students qualify for the Radiation Health and Safety Exam upon successful completion of the Radiology Curriculum. Certification in Radiology is mandated by the State of Massachusetts. The General Chairside certification is available to students who complete 3500 hours of clinical assisting. Hours may be accrued from CO -OP and post graduation hours. Continuing EducationUpon completing full Certification in Dental Assisting (CDA), the student must earn 12 credits per year in related educational material in order to maintain their certification. Credits can be obtained by attending the Yankee Dental Conference in Boston, through local and national dental assistant associations as well as home study courses and the American Red Cross. Community ServiceThe students participate in community service projects involving teaching oral hygiene care to elementary schools, and volunteering in child identification programs. Skills USAStudents participate in leadership and technical skill competitions each year. The program has enjoyed success with winners in several events. Dental Assistant students have won gold, silver and bronze medallions at the state and national levels in Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Prepared Speech, Health Occupations Professional Portfolio and Technical Skills competitions. Career OptionsStudents graduating from Diman have a variety of job options open to them. Below is a partial list of jobs Diman grads from this program are qualified for, depending on their level of education.
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