DENTAL ASSISTING Career Options (as a Certified Dental Assistant) General Chairside Assistant Endodontic Assistant Orthodontic Assistant Pedodontic Assistant Periodontic Assistant Oral Surgery Assistant Prosthodontic Assistant Hygiene Assistant Hospital Dental Clinic Assistant Dental Lab Technician Circulatory Assistant Sterilization Assistant Insurance Manager Business Office Manager/Receptionist
Future Opportunities with Further Education Dental Hygienist (RDH) Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) Dental Sales Representative Doctor of Dental Surgery – Dentist Dental Equipment Repair Technician
High School Credit Junior Year Dental Assisting: 2.5 Technology: .5 Anatomy & Physiology: 1.0
High School Credit Senior Year Dental Assisting: 3.0
Potential College Credit
*See your Polaris counselor for more information on college credit opportunities for this program.
Certifications Certified Ohio Dental Assistant First Aid/CPR Dental Radiology Certification
No trip to the dentist office would be the same without a highly trained dental assisting staff. As a Dental Assisting student, you will learn to work chairside with the dentist in the care and treatment of patients. Along with the basic dental laboratory procedures, you will learn dental terminology, the use of instruments and equipment, x-ray procedures, preparation of dental materials and dental office management skills. The dental assistant performs many tasks requiring both interpersonal and technical skills. If you have strong communication skills, enjoy working with your hands as well as your mind and want a career with responsibility, you will find the Dental Assisting program to be a rewarding experience.
Upon completion of this program, you are eligible to take the Certified Ohio Dental Assisting Exam to hold the title of CODA (Certified Ohio Dental Assistant), to become Dental Radiology Certified and receive your CPR certification.
“The Dental program is a great opportunity and hands-on learning experience where you meet great people along the way. It is preparing me for the future and keeps me on the right path.” —Nimeh Salti, North Olmsted High School
Visit www.polaris.edu for additional program information 13
