One or two year program, three hours per day

Prerequisite:  none

Related College or Technical School Majors:  Dental Assisting, Dental Laboratory Technician, Pre-Dental Hygiene, Pre-Dental Program

Job Opportunities:  Dental assistant, Office assistant, Dental Lab Assistant

Expanded Dental Assistant, Dental Sales

Students are taught the entry-level skills necessary to gain employment as a Dental Chairside and/or Dental Laboratory Assistant.  Above average dexterity and artistic capabilities are important for jobs in this area.  Organizational skills and working well with people are valuable assets in this profession.

The JEL Dental Clinic is a part of the education and experience of the students as they assist local dentists and hygienists in providing dental care for students in the school districts.  A rotation in local dental offices/dental commercial laboratories is also an integral part of the program; students must provide their own transportation to rotation sites.

A sample of first year topics/activities:

• Basic skills of chair-side and laboratory assisting
• Study dental theory in anatomy and terminology
• Review of current job opportunities
• Hands-on experience
• Assignment to local dentist offices
• Development of a career portfolio

A sample of second year topics/activities for Dental Assisting Career Path:

• Raise overall skills
• Explore specialty areas in dentistry
• Learn “expanded skills” in the JEL clinic and job setting
• Office Management

A sample of second year topics/activities for Dental Laboratory Career Path:

• Explore specialty areas in dental laboratory
• Fabrication of full cast crown for impressions
• Shadowing experience in commercial labs in a variety of areas
• Develop skill in inventory systems using computer programs 

Supply cost to student:  Approximately $75 for uniforms and other supplies.  Students must also get a hepatitis vaccination

 It is also possible to earn college credits from Ivy Tech State College for this course.