We’ve all heard of CTE classes and JTED programs, but what if you could take them at a different school? Santa Rita offers an after-school, 2-year, dental-assisting program available to all TUSD students, and it’s still considered a CTE course. This option is great for students who still want to attend their current high school, but may not have the educational opportunities they desire. The program meets from 4-5 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays, and from 4-6 PM on Thursdays. Thursdays are longer since they’re mostly lab days where students will get to practice procedures.
Santa Rita’s dental-assisting program is designed for upcoming 10th to 12th-grade students. While enrolled in this program, students will learn about managing patient records, translating on-screen information into real-life treatment, various dental diseases and prevention, sterilization, drug identification, and how to perform procedures such as temporary crowns, bridges, and custom trays. Luckily for students enrolled, they are provided with a fake dental office equipped with all the necessary equipment for laboratory projects. 51% of the program is spent in this lab setting.
The 1st year is 11 units long, covering topics such as HIPAA, Head and Neck Anatomy, Oral Anatomy, Tooth Morphology, Tooth Numbering, Oral Health, Infection Control and Lab Safety, Computer Applications, Patient Care, Clinical Charting, and lastly, Anesthesia and Sedation. The 2nd year is a bit longer, having 15 units. These units include a year 1 review, Clinical Dental Procedures, Introduction to Dental Specialties, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Preventive Dentistry, Perio/Coronal Polish, CPR & First Aid, OSHA, Dental Materials, Removable Prosthodontics, Fixed Prosthodontics, Dental Radiography, Dental Office Management, and lastly Professionalism (Mock resumes and interviews).
As students progress through the program, family members will eventually be invited in. Students will be able to perform whitening treatments and coronal polishes as a free treat to thank their family members for their support.
Upon completion of the program, students who pass will earn their Basic Life Support (An extension of CPR) certification and their OSHA 10 certification. For those who pass a lengthy board-certified exam they will also earn their Radiation Health & Safety certification. Students who start their sophomore year also have the opportunity to take a 3rd year to earn their Coronal Polishing certification.
BLS – “…generally refers to the type of care that first-responders, healthcare providers, and public safety professionals provide to anyone who is experiencing cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, or an obstructed airway.”
OSHA 10 – “This training program provides employees with basic knowledge about workplace safety and health standards.”
RHS – “…the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Exam as a way for candidates to demonstrate their expertise in the proper safety procedures for taking X-rays.”
CP – “The exam will cover, among other things, types of stains and deposits, anatomy of a clinical crown, types of dental materials and restorations, polishing agents, armamentarium, anatomy and dentition, and state laws pertaining to prophylaxis.”
Students interested in applying should contact either their counselor or Santa Rita for more information. Santa Rita High School | Dental Assisting
Do students earn any high school credit for attending this program? Make sure you categorize your article and is that featured image approved by Ms. Lange? Other than that, this is a great article!
