DENTAL SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY

The Dental Services and Technologies program will prepare students for employment as a dental assistant and various other dental health care opportunities. Students in the program will learn and practice the knowledge and skills routinely utilized by dental assistants. These skills will aid them in postsecondary education in fields such as dental hygiene. Furthermore, the program will allow students to obtain advanced knowledge and skills used in other dentistry career fields. 

Dental assistants are important members of the professional team as they work directly with dentists to examine and treat patients. Dental assistants prepare patients for treatment, prepare and utilize dental instruments and materials, and provide chairside assistance for numerous dental procedures. They also are responsible for keeping accurate patient records and charting, implementing isolation techniques, taking digital radiographs, sterilizing and recognizing dental instruments, providing oral health care instruction, and performing infection control procedures.

Student training and learning experiences will occur in classroom and clinical settings, including an on-site dental facility with modern equipment and resources. Through agreements with professionals in the dental field, on-site dental services are provided for Sussex Tech student patients. Sussex Tech students will have opportunities to observe dentistry practices and participate as dental assistant trainees. During enrollment in the program, students will complete a national job-ready written assessment for dental assistant certification and an exam to earn Delaware Dental Radiological Technology Certification. Delaware Dental Radiological Technology Certification is required for dental assistants practicing in the State of Delaware.

Future Jobs & Career Paths