Students in the Dental Assisting Program are training to become part of a dental team.  They acquire a wide range of clinical skills such as maintaining optimal infection control protocol, manipulation of dental materials, exposing and processing x-rays, polishing teeth, taking impressions, fabricating mouth guards and temporary crowns.

Students also learn administrative duties such as inventory control, record keeping and office procedures.  Clinical and administrative skills prepare students for many challenging professional employment opportunities in private and group practices.

Placement can also includes specialty dental practices, as sales representatives or service technicians for dental distributors.  Students are also prepared to continue their education to become dental laboratory technicians, dental hygienists, dental educators and dentists. The dental field is a fun, lucrative and rewarding career path.

Articulation Agreements between Nashoba Valley Technical High School’s Dental Assisting Program and post secondary institutions:

Northern Essex Community College

• Dental Science 3 credits
• Dental Radiology 1   3 credits

Middlesex Community College

• DAS 101 Dental Science 1*   3 credits
  *Students must pass a challenge exam to receive credit.

· DHY 152 Dental Radiology** 3 credits
**Students must successfully pass a Full Mouth Survey on a manikin at Middlesex Community College’s Dental Radiology clinic to receive credit.

Licenses, Certifications, and Affiliations

• Infection Control Exam (ICE)
• Dental Assisting National Board Exam (DANB)
• State of Massachusetts Certification in Radiation Health and Safety
• American Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification (CPR)
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) General Safety 10 Hour Certification