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Provide Patient Care, Take X-Rays, Keep Records, Schedule Appointments, & Assist Dentists in Treatments

Pickens Technical College Dental Assisting program provides an excellent education that prepares students to become a contributing member of the dental profession and meet the needs of diverse populations. The program focuses on effective communication, critical thinking, information and technology literacy, quantitative reasoning, and professionalism. It prepares students to succeed in a highly competitive, global economy. Students must master all of the tasks to complete the program successfully. This program prepares students to assist the dentist at the chairside in the dental operatory, perform reception and clerical functions, and selected laboratory work. In addition, the student will gain the skills required for direct patient care such as taking x-rays and impressions, preventative education, and nutritional counseling.

Note: Students must be age 18 before enrolling in DEA 1024 & DEA 1034, as directed by the Colorado Board of Dental Examiners Rule & Regulations. Simulated clinical situations are practiced prior to actual clinical assignments. Clinical assignments will include work in a variety of private dental offices and clinics.

Accreditation: The program in Dental Assisting is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of Approval Without Reporting Requirements. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678. Visit the Commission’s website.

Industry Skills

  • Assist dentists in chairside dental procedures
  • Clean and prepare dental instruments and equipment for use
  • Perform procedures such as taking x-rays and impressions
  • Maintain dental records
  • Provide patients with preventive education and nutritional counseling
dental student with patient

Accredited Courses

46 college credits

  • DEA 1011 Introduction to Dental Practices
  • DEA 1012 Dental Science I
  • DEA 1013 Dental Science II
  • DEA 1014 Dental Science III
  • DEA 1015 Infection Control
  • DEA 1016 Medical Emergencies in Dental Office
  • DEA 1021 Principles of Clinical Practice
  • DEA 1022 Specialties in Dentistry
  • DEA 1023 Dental Materials I
  • DEA 1024 Dental Radiography
  • DEA 1031 Prevention and Nutrition in Dentistry
  • DEA 1033 Dental Materials II
  • DEA 1034 Advanced Dental Radiography
  • DEA 1035 Dental Office Management
  • DEA 1080 Clinical Internship
  • DEA 1081 Clinical Internship I
  • DEA 1082 Clinical Internship II
dental professionals with patient

Program Experience

  • Students spend 50% of their time learning concepts in a classroom, and 50% of their time with hands-on practical work
  • Students gain experience in a simulated dental environment with industry-grade equipment
  • Enrollment options are available for both high school students and post-secondary students
  • Off-site clinicals are built in to the curriculum
  • Curriculum includes experience in an on-site clinic
  • The program is 1 year in length if the student chooses the full-day option
  • This program is 1.5 years in length if the student chooses the half-day option

Carlos Rojas Adler

Instructor, Dental Assisting
303-344-4910 ext 27818
crojasadler@aurorak12.org

Certifications & Degrees:

  • Secondary and Postsecondary Teaching license
  • CTE Certification

Heidi Heath

Program Director, Dental Assisting
303-344-4910 ext 27787
hlheath@aurorak12.org

Certifications & Degrees:

  • CPR Certified- Instructor
  • Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration and Management
  • Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
  • Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA)

Vanessa Gonzalez Acosta

Instructor, Dental Assistant
303-344-4910 ext 27818
vgonzalezacosta@aurorak12.org

Certifications & Degrees:

  • Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
  • Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA)
  • CPR Certified- Instructor

Siobhan Pitcher

Instructor, Dental Assistant

303-344-4910 ext 67429
spitcher@aurorak12.org

Certifications & Degrees:

  • Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
  • Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA)
  • Healthcare Administration (HCA)
  • Bachelor’s of Science
  • CPR Certified

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