The Dental Occupations Program at Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center offers high school students a foundational pathway into dental assisting. Designed for 10th to 12th graders, this program provides practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and a strong focus on safety and infection control—all critical for success in a dental office.
Program Highlights
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers essential topics like infection control, radiology, chairside assisting, and patient care.
- Real-World Skills: Hands-on experience in tasks such as preparing treatment rooms, taking dental impressions, and assisting dentists.
- Free for High School Students: Cost-free for eligible students, making it an accessible entry point into dental careers.
About Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center
Located in Limerick, PA, this program is ideal for high school students interested in pursuing dental assisting. The curriculum integrates lectures, lab work, and demonstrations to equip students with the knowledge needed to support dentists effectively. Graduates will be prepared to work in dental clinics, providing critical support to dental professionals in patient care and office management.
Program Structure
This program is structured around a multi-level syllabus that progresses over several quarters, providing a balance of lecture, lab, and practical applications. Each level builds on the previous, covering foundational skills in the first quarters and advancing to more specialized tasks in later quarters.
Coursework and Skills Training
The curriculum covers a range of topics essential for dental assisting, including:
- Infection Control: Training in OSHA-compliant sterilization, disinfection, and patient safety protocols.
- Chairside Assisting: Practical skills to assist dentists, including instrument handling, patient preparation, and operative dentistry tasks.
- Radiology Skills: Fundamentals of dental radiology, including patient positioning, x-ray safety, and film processing.
- Anatomy and Physiology: Basic knowledge of oral anatomy, including identification of teeth and landmarks in the mouth.
- Dental Lab Procedures: Techniques in dental lab work, such as creating study models, taking impressions, and fabricating mouth guards.
Prerequisites
- Enrollment for Grades 10-12
- Compliance with Uniform Requirements (specific attire and grooming standards)
Program Requirements
The program emphasizes uniformity, cleanliness, and adherence to safety protocols. Uniform requirements include specific scrubs, lab coats, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Additionally, strict hygiene and dress codes are enforced, preparing students for the professional expectations of dental workplaces.
Certification Preparation
Students in this program will be prepared for the Radiation, Safety, and Health certification, an asset for entry-level dental assistants. The hands-on experience gained through tasks such as taking x-rays and working with lab materials helps solidify these skills and increase employability after graduation.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the program have a strong foundation to pursue entry-level roles in dental assisting, with skills in patient care, office procedures, and radiography. The demand for dental assistants is steady, and students completing this program can seek immediate employment or continue to post-secondary education in dentistry or allied health fields.
Why Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center?
The Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center provides a unique, cost-free opportunity for high school students to gain dental assisting skills. With an emphasis on hands-on learning and safety, this program is well-suited for students ready to begin a career in dental care or pursue further education. While the program is highly practical, students must be prepared to meet uniform and conduct standards.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free |
| Program Duration | School year (offered for high school students in grades 10-12) |
| Class Schedules | Full-time, during school hours |
| Classes Offered | Dental Occupations (includes infection control, radiology, chairside assisting, patient care) |
| Admission Requirements | Enrollment in grades 10-12 |
| Online Classes? | No |
| Job Placement? | No |
| Financial Aid Options | Not applicable (program is free for eligible students) |
| Location | 77 Graterford Road, Limerick, PA 19468 |
| Phone | (610) 489-7272 |
| Website | https://www.westerncenter.org/domain/104 |
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