As I was researching various dental programs, Lewis and Clark Community College quickly became my school of choice. With accreditation from the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation, a high graduation rate, and the affordable tuition, I was determined to become a successful graduate. Since establishment in 1972, the LCCC dental assisting program has progressed, simultaneously, with the standards of the dental field. The didactic coursework and hands-on training provides a cooperative balance of theory and rationale. The faculty leads by example, emphasizing the importance of ethics and professionalism. Beyond the classroom, the college offers many resources for success: the composition proficiency staff, computer labs with accommodating hours, and subscriptions to dental article databases.
The intensity
Lewis and Clark's Dental Assisting Program requires a 300 hour practicum to qualify for certification. The program incorporates two 5-week clinical rotations with a general dentist, and one 5-week rotation focused on dental specialties in the clinical experience. During the semester of clinical practice, the didactic course load was 13.5 credit hours. The practicum provided the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and enhance my knowledge of specialized areas of dentistry, including: endodontics, implant, periodontics, dental public health, and oral surgery. An expanded functions class was optional; I chose to become certified with expanded functions in: coronal polishing, sealants, and fluoride treatments. The fundamentals of my education involve learning about chairside assistance, specialty dentistry, infection control, laboratory use, radiography, and how to operate a dental business office.
Contributions to the community
Focusing on the public's need is of great importance to me. I desire to volunteer and help others; not only do I want to concentrate on dental needs of the community, but I also want to provide for the basic needs of the impoverished. During my practicum rotation in dental public health, I became cognizant of the prevalence of dental neglect in children.
Volunteering has also brought me greater knowledge of the career advancements available, and the function of each dental career. I enjoyed assisting and observing dental hygiene and general dentistry board examinations.
Ethical code of a dental community member
Having a strong regard for honesty, I believe it is essential to be truthful. Not only is it important to be professional and forthright in dental practice, but also in the community.
Currently, I am a student member of the American Dental Assisting Association (SADAA). Therefore, it is my duty to honor my association and its laws.
Ability of challenging the DANB examination
With the knowledge I gained and the depth of my experience, I successfully passed the DANB exam in May 2013.
The didactic coursework, the clinical practicum, and the laboratory experience enforced my knowledge of dental terminology, the use of dental materials, and the physical requirements needed to be a successful DANB certified employee.
The didactic coursework, the clinical practicum, and the laboratory experience enforced my knowledge of dental terminology, the use of dental materials, and the physical requirements needed to be a successful DANB certified employee.
Lifelong professional objectives
Maintaining a professional certification requires dedication and desire; the certification I attained requires that I annually validate 15 hours of further education. Beyond that, I seek to stay involved with the dental field through the ADAA -- building relationships with dental professionals and having an active role in the dental practice.
