Dental Assisting

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ASSISTANT AND A HYGIENIST?

A dental assistant and a dental hygienist are very different careers. A dental assistant acts as the "right arm" to the dentist during chairside procedures. A dental assistant can be trained on the job or attend a vocational or community college program. Licensure is required in most states. A few of the responsibilities of an assistant are taking necessary radiographs, passing and receiving instruments, mixing dental materials, patient charting, disinfection, sterilization of instruments and treatment rooms, administering fluoride treatments, applying sealants, and taking impressions. A dental hygienist is typically the person in the office who cleans teeth. A dental hygienist must have a two year college degree and must be state certified. A few of the responsibilities of a hygienist are performing deep cleaning, taking radiographs, applying sealants, administering fluoride, and giving oral hygiene instructions. Let the Dental Assisting Program at the Mercer County Technical Education Center provide you with the opportunity to experience the dental profession either as a dental assistant, hygienist, or even a dentist! You won't know if you like the profession until you try it out!

PHILOSOPHY OF THE PROGRAM

The instructors in the Dental Assisting Program feel that the educational philosophy of our program is consistent with the overall philosophy of the Mercer County Technical Education Center and Mercer County Schools. Our philosophy is based upon our beliefs regarding humanity, environment, education, health, and the role of the professional within the dental profession. We believe that each individual is unique and has an innate value. This innate value makes all persons, be it students, instructors, dental professionals, or patients, of equal importance. We acknowledge that each individual has his own talents, ideas, learning style, and career interests, along with environment short-comings and areas of weaknesses. We are social beings influenced by heredity, environment, and life experiences which contribute to our growth and development. Our program is designed to provide learning experiences structured to proceed from the simple to the complex in a variety of settings and situations. We believe education is a continuous process that, under the direct supervision of qualified instructors, will increase cognitive and psychomotor skills. The teaching-learning process is a method for the acquisition of knowledge and skills. The student assumes an active role as the learner under the guidance of the instructors, who facilitates the learning process in the classroom. An atmosphere conducive to learning is necessary for each student to achieve his full potential. We feel the primary role of the instructors is to foster and maintain a harmonious environment necessary to facilitate the learning process and guide students through the learning process. The primary role of the student is to utilize this learning environment to its fullest potential and to take responsibility for his/her own learning. A professional attitude is vital to succeed in the dental profession. This is fostered and reflected in our appearance, communication skills, in theoretical concepts and technical skill level, personal outlook, confidentiality, and our relationships with others. We believe by teaching dental assisting students in a problem-solving manner, we provide a high-quality learning environment that generates a degree of excellence and superiority in overall patient services and care while practicing within the legal score and accepted standards of the practice of dentistry. The student is taught to respect the rights of others, students, instructors, and patients of different cultures, values, nationalities, and lifestyles. The students will learn to uphold ethical standards that govern the practice of dentistry. Those who complete the program will be eligible to take the Certified Dental Assisting National Board. In order to maintain continuing competencies, students are encouraged to further their education after graduation and remain current in their field through continuing education, workshops, seminars, and self-study. We encourage students to become involved in community service before, during, and after graduation as a means of sharing with other the knowledge and skills they have gained through the Dental Assisting Program at the Mercer County Technical Education Center.

WHAT WILL I STUDY IN THE DENTAL ASSISTING CURRICULUM?

The Dental Assisting Program at the Mercer County Technical Education Center will prepare you to become an integral member of the dental health care team. The course of study will involve dental terminology, verbal and non-verbal communications, dental ethics and legal issues, office procedures and employment strategies. We will begin with a basic study of body functions and structures, tooth formation and shapes of the teeth, and oral pathology will also be explored. Instrument identification, passing and receiving is taught along with infection, disinfection, and sterilization methods. The dental materials course will range from mixing dental cements to taking impressions for study models. Proper oral hygiene and the importance of a good diet will be taught along with dental emergencies and waste management. Our dental radiology course begins with a study of safety and then progresses to dental radiographic techniques. Dental assistants serve as an enhancement to the dentist as he/she delivers oral health care to the patients. You will perform a wide range of tasks requiring both interpersonal and technical skills that you will learn as a student in the dental assisting program. Our curriculum offers a balance of academic, laboratory, and clinical courses to help prepare you to find employment in this rapidly changing profession.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM?

The Dental Assisting Program is open to adult students only. The program is ten (10) months in length, which is broken down into two (2) semesters. Each year the class begins in August and graduates in June. Students attend from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students attend six (6) hours per day for theory and laboratory classes. Upon graduation, the students receive a certificate from the Mercer County Technical Education Center. The class is comprised of 1080 hours.

HOW MUCH DOES THE PROGRAM COST?*

The program costs will vary from year-to-year. As of 2009, tuition for the program is $3,000. A few of the major expenses are listed as estimates; textbooks $375 (non-refundable), eight (8) uniforms $400 (non-refundable), safety glasses $10, CPR $20, Hepatitis B injections $200, Radiation Safety Seminar $40, WV Expanded Duties Seminar and Nitrous Oxide Monitoring $60, and CDA study manual $40. Once enrolled in the program, you will receive a budget which outlines the exact costs you can expect.
*SUBJECT TO CHANGE YEARLY.

IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE TO HELP DEFRAY THE COSTS OF THE PROGRAM?

Our school has Pell Grants available for students that meet the guidelines. We are also approved by the Veterans Association. A meeting with the financial aid director can be scheduled once you are accepted into the program to see if you qualify.

WHAT ARE THE SPECIFIC ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS?

This program is open to adult students that have a GED or a high school diploma. Applications for the program are available in the MCTEC office beginning the 1st of March. When the application is given to the secretary, the applicant must pay the required non-refundable entrance test fee ($30)*. Applicants must take the Psychological Services Health Occupations Entrance Examination and score in the median and above range in three of the five tested areas. After the test, all applicants are interviewed to assess their goals and expectations. Each applicant will be expected to have two (2) reference forms completed and returned to the school. Final selection is based on the test scores, interview, and evaluation of all forms submitted. A maximum of fifteen (15) students can be accepted. We expect our students to have entry-level computer and keyboarding skills, along with previous work experience. It is recommended that students complete basic computer skills coursework if deficient in this area before applying for the program.
*SUBJECT TO CHANGE YEARLY

WHAT CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURES ARE AVAILABLE TO ME?

During the course of the program, all students are required to attend the CPR class and pass the written test with an 80%.. Students will also receive instruction in the Virginia Radiation Safety Course which provides them the opportunity to become certified to expose radiographs in Virginia. Upon completion of the program, students receive a certificate from the Mercer County Technical Education Center as proof they have completed all of the requirements for graduation. All students are required to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board Examination before graduation. Passing this national certification will set you apart from the rest! Becoming a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) is a personal achievement that can boost self-esteem and increase your self confidence. This credential may open new doors and increased earning potential! For more information on the Certified Dental Assistant Examination visit the DANB site at http://www.danb.org

WHAT ARE THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ONCE I GRADUATE?

The Mercer County Technical Education Center does not guarantee employment, but will assist the graduate in finding employment in the dental field. Dental assistants can be employed in small and large private dental offices as chairside assistants, receptionists, office managers, dental sales, dental schools, dental insurance companies, public health, and government agencies.

WHAT SALARY CAN I EXPECT, ONCE I GRADUATE?

Each dental office is an independently owned business. According to the Dental Assisting National Board, "Show Me the Money" Salary Survey for 2008, the median salary per hour for a Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) certified assistant in West Virginia is $13.62, in Virginia $16.62, and North Carolina $19.00. These are potential salaries once a graduate has obtained experience in this chosen career path. If you would like more information regarding the DANB Certification Salary Survey log onto www.danb.org.

IS THIS AN ACCREDITED PROGRAM?

The Mercer County Technical Education Center (MCTEC) Dental Assisting Program is the only program in West Virginia that is accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. MCTEC is also fully accredited by the North Central Commission on accreditation and in compliance with the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Technical Education Act Amendments of 1996.

WHO IS THE FACULTY IN THE DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM?

Under the direction of Mrs. Bertha Robertson, the adult Dental Assisting Program began in April of 1987. Mrs. Robetson started her career as a chairside dental assistant with Dr. David Thomas St. Clair in Princeton WV in the early 1980's. She began her college education at West Virginia University of Technology, and completed an RBA degree at Bluefield State College. She is also a Certified and Registered Dental Assistant. Mrs. Robertson is West Virginia Certified in Expanded Functions, Monitoring Nitrous Oxide, and holds the Virginia Radiation Safety Certification. In 2001 she became a member of the Mercer County Schools 110% Club, member of the West Virginia Education Assocation and has been MCTEC's building representative for Mercer County Education Association for several years. In 2008, Mrs. Robertson completed her Masters of School Counseling degree from the University of West Alabama. Currently she is the director and lead instructor for the dental assisting program.
Mrs. Bertha Robertson, CDA, RDA
Program Director/Instructor
1397 Stafford Drive, Princeton, WV 24740
304-425-9551 school
304-425-0833 fax
bmrobert@access.k12.wv.us

Mrs. Angela Griffith is the newest member to the MCTEC Dental Assisting staff. She graduated from the program in 1998 and was employed immediately as a chairside dental assistant. During her assisting career, Mrs. Griffith was employed with Dr. Thomas Conklin, Dr. Matthew Glasgow, and Dr. Ron Householder. Currently Mrs.Griffith is working to complete her BA degree from West Virginia University Institute of Technology. She holds certification in West Virginia Expanded Functions, Monitoring Nitrous Oxide, and certification in Virginia Radiation Safety, Oral Sedation Dentestry, CEREC 2, and Provider Training in Smoking Sessation. WVEA welcomed her as a member in March of 2008. Mrs. Griffith is also a Certified Dental Assistant. She is currently employed part-time with Dr. David Najar.
Mrs. Angela Griffith, CDA
Instructor
1397 Stafford Drive, Princeton, WV 24740
304-425-9551 school
304-425-0833 fax
adgriffith@access.k12.wv.us

BLOOD BORNE PATHOGENS AND HAZARD COMMUNICATION POLICY

During the clinical phase of the program, students are assigned to various dental offices to provide direct patient care. Students are ethically obligated to provide patient care with compassion and respect. Students providing direct patient care are at increased risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens including; Human Immunodeficiency (HIV), Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV). The purpose of our blood borne policy is to minimize the risk of transmission of blood borne pathogens, as well as, minimize the risk to other environmental hazards. Our policies will be reviewed annually and up-dated as necessary. The Mercer County Technical Education Center does not discriminate against applicants or students who have a blood borne pathogen disease. Applicants who test positive for infectious disease or are carriers should seek counsel from their physician prior to application. Although there are no documented cases of occupational spread of HIV to Dental Health Care Providers (DHCP), students in the program are at a slight risk for exposure to blood and body fluids, and the potential does exist for transmission of blood borne and other infectious diseases during patient care. The risk of HIV disease transmission from dental patient to members of the dental team is extremely low; nevertheless there is some potential for this to occur. The risk of exposure to Hepatitis B (HBV) is higher for DHCP than the general public. We highly recommend that students start the vaccination process for HBV and Tuberculosis as soon as they receive acceptance into the program. The health information status given by the student to the instructors will be held confidential and protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1994 and the 1996 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Our Dental Assisting Program complies with all local, state, and federal infection control policies including the Standard Precautions mandated by the CDC Guidelines. (Standard precautions are defined as: Consideration of all patients as being infected with pathogens, therefore applying the infection control procedures to the care of all patients.) The students are taught infection control protocol to minimize the risk of disease transmission throughout the curriculum. This is an on-going course of instruction. However, if a student should be exposed to a patient’s body fluid that may transmit a blood borne or infectious disease, the patient will be asked to be tested for a disease as well as the student. Students in the program will be exposed to environmental hazards which are disorders associated with repetitive activities, exposure to hazardous chemicals or substances, accidental injury, exposure to radiation and allergic reactions to latex or other chemical agents.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Mercer County Technical Education Center"s Dental Assisting Program was opened in 1987. Currently, the placement rate for our graduates is 95%. The Dental Assisting Program curriculum is intense, and in order to pass, all students must maintain an 80% or above in eight (8) courses.

WHEN SHOULD I BEGIN THE HEPATITIS B IMMUNIZATIONS AND TUBERCULOSIS TEST?

Upon acceptance in the program, the series of three (3) HBV immunizations must be started. The TB test must be performed at least two weeks before class begins. Official documentation from the physician’s office must be submitted to the school.

DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED

As required by federal laws and regulations the Mercer County Board of Education and the Mercer County Technical Education Center does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, disability, or national origin in employment or in its educational programs or activities. Inquiries may be referred to Rick Ball, Section 504 Coordinator, Mercer County Schools, 1403 Honaker Avenue, Princeton, WV 24740, 304-487-1551.

COMPLAINT POLICY

Complaints may be made to the Dental Assisting Program Director at MCTEC and/or made to the American Dental Association at the following address: Commission on Dental Accreditation American Dental Association 211 East Chicago, Avenue, Chicago, Il 60611 312-440-4653. A file of complains is maintained in the office of the Dental Assisting Director.

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