Those who have not sat in a classroom or cracked open a book in awhile might feel intimidated at the thought of going back to school to start a new career. The Dental Assisting program at Carrington College Las Vegas relieves much of that pressure with an effective balance of textbook and hands-on learning. Practical experience in the classroom’s lab brings the written word to life – and boosts student confidence.
This Dental Assisting program is especially convenient for those currently employed or with other time constraints. It is a streamlined program, as few as nine months, a small commitment of time toward a lifetime reward. Angel Caterine shares her Dental Assisting instructor’s viewpoint of her program and practical guide to student success.
How is this Dental Assisting program easier for those who might struggle academically?
Many are discouraged by the traditional learning process. If you’ve struggled with book-based education, Dental Assisting is a more practical fit. The hands-on emphasis of this Dental Assisting program bridges the gap with the academic learning process, relieves some of that pressure and bolsters student confidence.
What is the key to a successful learning process?
Our hands-on learning process brings textbooks to life and relieves much of that book-study pressure.
I will get them through the bookwork, so that when we do the practical (hands-on) work, it all comes together.
What kind of background do many of your Dental Assisting students share?
People come into this program who want a career – not just a job. But they often don’t have the free time to invest in that change. We have a blended program ideal for working students that combines online learning with campus-based hands-on practice that can be completed in about 9 months. Fridays are optional when we have an open lab for students to bring ‘patients’ and practice what they’re learning.
Why is Dental Assisting such a popular career choice?
It is a broad field with a lot of levels you can grow into. And, if you like what you do, it never feels like a job.
Patient interaction is important – and satisfying. Just seeing patients going from a lack of confidence aesthetically because of broken, missing or bad teeth; fixing their teeth and seeing them smiling and gaining confidence again. Contributing to that in any way makes me happy.
How would you describe your teaching style?
My thumb is always on the pulse of my students. Everybody learns differently. I try to touch base on all those aspects and find the right tools to help them realize they can be successful here. We may play word games that make learning fun. If something is enjoyable, information is more easily retained.
I don’t want my students to worry about the bookwork, because I’ll get them through that. When they do these things practically (lab participation), they will come to better understand what they studied.
Most of all, I want my students to be successful and find their passion for the dental field.
What is your Dental Assisting program’s primary focus?
We want those who want to be in the dental field to know that with very little time and investment, they can have a professional career as a dental assistant. We want their investment to satisfy them financially, physically and emotionally. And we want to support the dental field with our skilled dental graduates.
What are some fun things your students get to do in class?
We get to play with a lot of fun things like impression materials where we make things like temporary crowns and teeth models. We fabricate appliances like whitening trays and retainers. There’s definitely a little bit of art to it.
What do you watch for to identify student struggles?
I have constant checks for student learning success because this is a practical field. They have to demonstrate and perform tasks that prove they’re listening and learning. Not everybody learns in the same way.
I make myself available to students for whatever it takes for them to be successful. And Carrington College has a support network that gives students all the help they might need to be successful.
Do you get the support you need from the college?
Carrington is good about giving me what I need to give the students what they need. Class size is smaller, which gives the students more individual attention. That benefits them.
What do you most hope to give your Dental Assisting program students?
I want to help them gain confidence in their skills so that when they go out into this field, they continue to grow and learn. This program gives you important basics, but there’s a lot to grow into in this broad field. They can move into upper levels, such as a hygienist assistant, second assistant, then lead assistant. They can also be a utility player: front and back office. You can specialize as a lead assistant: oral surgery; orthodontic or endodontics assistant.
What inspires you to give your best to your students?
The eagerness in my students’ eyes. Watching the light bulbs going off! Their excitement, fascination with what they are learning. Seeing them having fun, feeling good about themselves as they become successful at what they’re learning. It is very satisfying to me.
Do you hear from Dental Assisting graduates?
They come back all the time. They love to come and share their stories with students. They have good insights about their career choice, and the students are grateful to hear them. They say they learned a lot in this program…and having me as a teacher that helped them succeed in this field.
I am just excited to have transferred my work’s passion to others.
