Description of Occupation - The duties of a dental assistant  are varied. As a dental assistant, you will learn to perform a wide range of tasks requiring both interpersonal and technical skills. Dental assistants perform office and laboratory duties and provide different types of patient care. As one of the top 25 projected fastest growing occupations (1998-2008) according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a dental assistant performs radiographic techniques in all types of dental offices; assists a dental practitioner in all office procedures (taking an impression and making a model of the patient’s teeth for study casts); performs routine office management operations; and has excellent oral and written communication skills. Many procedures performed may expose dental assistants to bloodborne pathogens, potentially hazardous materials and ionizing radiation. As a dental assistant, you must be realiable, work well with others, and have good manual dexterity. 

Places of Employment and Outlook
Employment of dental assistants is expected to grow by 31 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. As dental practices grow, more dental assistants will be needed.

Salary Ranges for Geographical Area
$32,000 median salary in Pennsylvania 2011

 The Adult Dental Assistant Program is a 910 Hour Certificate Granting Program accreditated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. This comprehensive twelve month program trains highly skilled and qualified completers who are prepared to take the Dental Assistant National Board Exam.

With affordable, convenient and practical training, the LCCTC's Adult Dental Assistant will prepare you to serve as a competent and highly functional dental assistant in the community. 

Financial Aid is available to those that qualify. Visit www.studentloans.gov for more information.

Classes run Monday thru Thursday, 4-9PM. The course utilizes integrated lecture and lab work, with clinical externships available to eligible students.