Dental Assisting

Make an Impression on Your Future and Help Smiles Shine

Two dental assisting students work together. One is fully reclined in a dental chair and holding a mirror. The other is wearing gloves, a mask and uniform, and is examining the first student's teeth.
Shine in professional clinics and polish your skills on the way to becoming a registered dental assistant. Sink your teeth into diverse units of study like dental anatomy, infection control and clinical instruments. Get a taste for the essentials in patient care and emergency management. Brush up your skills in dental office settings during second-year internships as you explore dental specialties.

What You Can Learn

Units of Study

  • Professional and Legal Aspects
  • Preventative Dentistry
  • Nutrition
  • Dental Anatomy
  • Infection Control/Hazardous Waste
  • Clinical Dentistry and Moisture control
  • Instruments, Hand Pieces and Accessories
  • Dental examination
  • Patient Care and Emergency Management
  • Dental Office Management
  • Digital Radiography
  • Dental Materials
  • Dental Specialties
  • Internships in areas such as Endodontics, Orthodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Oral Pathology, Dental Implants, Pediatric Dentistry and Computerized Impressions

What You Can Earn

Available High School Academic Credits
At district request, students may earn:
  • English
  • Science
  • Health
Licensing/Industry-Based Certifications
Students have opportunities to earn:
  • 10-hour OSHA certification
  • Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED
  • HIPAA Certification
  • NYS Dental Assisting Exam Prep
  • Laser Safety Officer Certification

Work-Based Learning
Organizations that support this program:
  • Affordable Dentures
  • Cornerstone Dental
  • Crane Dental Laboratory
  • Weinstein Dental Group
  • Arieno Dental Lab
  • Daniel Shiavone, DDS
  • Robert Lan, DDS
  • Chen Family Dentistry

Where You Can Go

Career Opportunities
Minimal Requirement Beyond CTE
  • Dental Assistant

Additional Education and/or Experience
  • Dental Hygienist
  • Dental Office Manager
  • Lab Technician
  • Dentist
Postsecondary Pathways
Dual Enrollment
  • Monroe Community College
    • Foundations of Personal Health and Wellness (HED130)
Articulation Agreements
  • Broome Community College
  • SUNY Erie Community College
Intro Video
Presentation Hosted by CTE Students

Getting Started

Meet with your school counselor to discuss how Career & Technical Education at WEMOCO can benefit your career development. Your counselor can help you begin the enrollment process.