Dental Careers I

Students are introduced to careers in dentistry, including those of dentist (general and specialist), dental hygienist, dental assistant (I and II), dental laboratory technician, dental therapist, and dental administrator. Students practice and learn many of the skills used in these professions while attaining the skills necessary to become entry-level dental assistants. Study includes infection control, Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards; anatomy and physiology; tooth morphology; oral histology; preventive dentistry; applied psychology; effective communication; office administration and management; use of dental software; operative dentistry techniques; and dental materials and laboratory skills. Contextual instruction and student participation in co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) activities will develop leadership, interpersonal, and career skills. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) will provide experiential learning opportunities related to students' career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.