A partnership between WKU Dental Hygiene and WKU Continuing Education will offer a training course in August for students interested in dental assisting. “Dental Assisting for Today” introduces students to the field of dentistry and prepares students for the clinical aspects of dental assisting.
Through lectures and hands-on laboratory experiences, as well as online assignments, students receive a thorough analysis of pre-clinical dental assisting skills. Studies include dental terminology, medical/dental histories, dental specialties, dental anatomy, dental instruments, infection control, medical emergencies, sterilization, charting, dental radiology, dental materials, preventive care, dental sealants, pain control isolation techniques and restorative procedures.
Dental assistants work closely with the dentists who supervise them, performing a variety of patient care, office and laboratory duties. They are a second pair of hands, so dentists look for people who are reliable, work well with others and have good manual dexterity. According to “Occupational Outlook Handbook” published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook in this field is expected to grow 31 percent over the next eight years, which is 17 percent higher than the national average for all occupations.
“Dental Assisting for Today” takes place August 2012 to February 2013 on alternating Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The course will be taught by Wendi Hulsey, RDH, MDH, and the fee is $2,495.
For information about this class and how to register, visit www.wku.edu/ce/dental.
WKU Continuing Education is a unit of Extended Learning & Outreach.
Contact: Susan Esters, (270) 745-8922.
