Dental Assisting - Lewis and Clark Community College

Dental Assisting from Lewis and Clark Community College is a Campus Certificate Dentistry degree that prepares you for a Healthcare career. Job opportunities continue to grow in dental assisting , and you can take advantage of the opportunities with a certificate from Lewis and Clark. According to the most recent edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the U.S. Department of Labors' Bureau Labor Statistics, employment is expected to grow 29 percent from 2006 to 2016, which is much faster than average for all occupations. Population growth, greater retention of natural teeth, and an increased focus on preventive dental care for younger generations, will fuel demand for dental services. Also, dentists are likely to employ more assistants , for several reasons. Older dentists, who are less likely to employ assistants, will leave and be replaced by recent graduates, who are more likely to use one, or even two. In addition, as dentists' workloads increase, they are expected to hire more assistant to perform routine tasks, so they may use their own time more profitably. Your certificate from L&C can help you find employment as a chairside assistant, or as a dental office administrator. Or you may choose to continue your education in a related career such as dental hygiene, dental technology or dentistry. The program at L&C is demanding and comprehensive. You'll study clinical practices, disease processes of the head and neck, infection control, diagnostic and therapeutic practices, radiographic and laboratory procedures, dental terminology, ethics. law, patient communications and office management. You'll receive an education that will equip you to handle the responsibilities of working in a dental practice, and that's why 100 percent of L&C graduates are placed in positions upon graduation. Classes are small and you'll receive personal attention. A strong system of peer support and tutoring helps to ensure an atmosphere of success. Program completion will involve supervised clinicals in a dental practice and specialty offices during the final semester, giving you added confidence and an edge in competition for jobs. The program can be completed in two semesters. Enrollment is limited, and you must show an acceptable rank on the pre-admission tests. Selection of qualified applicants will be based upon test scores and fulfillment of other stated requirements. Classes are available to recent high school graduates and to adults seeking new career opportunities. Nature of Work: The dental assistant works with the dentist during examinations and treatments. Responsibilities include preparing material for impressions and restorations; exposing, processing, and mounting dental radiographs; maintaining infection control according to OSHA and ADA standards; preparing tray set-ups for dental procedures and providing preventive patient education; and providing preventive treatment such as coronal polishing fluoride and sealant applications. The dental assistant is also trained to manage the office. This responsibility may include arranging and confirming appointments; greeting patients; maintaining treatment records; mailing statements and receiving payments and ordering supplies. (The work of the dental assistant should not be confused with that of the dental hygienist or dental laboratory technician.) Most dental assistants work in dental offices either for private or group practitioners. Job opportunities also exist in dental schools, hospitals, and public health departments, nursing homes, prisons, military installations and community clinics. Skills and Abilities: High school background in biology, computer concepts and office practices is helpful. The dental assistant should exhibit manual dexterity and be able to work with all types of people. View more details on Lewis and Clark Community College . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Dentistry courses.