Quality education in a program whose mission is supported by the dental community

Lewis and Clark Community College offers a Dental Assisting program that has been accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation since 1972. In this program I learned the most recent trends in current dental practices. A variety of classes provided me with opportunities in education in clinical practices, disease processes of the head and neck, infection control, diagnostic and therapeutic practices, radiographic and laboratory procedures, dental terminology, ethics law, patient communication and office management.  Supervised on-site clinicals during the final semester gave me experience in the dental field, as well as, hands-on experiences throughout the entire program. I have had a variety of hands-on experience in the dental specialties including, endodontics, implant, periodontics, oral surgery, radiology, and trips on the mobile health unit.
http://www.lc.edu/degrees/DentalAssist/dentalassisting.aspx

Capable of challenging the DANB examination

After graduating from the accredited dental assisting program at Lewis and Clark Community college, I am prepared to take the DANB examination.  I have gone through several classes including, radiology, dental materials, and infection control in operative procedures, which have taught me the information that I need to know to pass the DANB examination.  These classes are all sections on the DANB examination.  In addition to this, you can also see that I have made the Dean's List at Lewis and Clark Community College, you can find located in the link below under East Alton, which I believe proves that I am capable of challenging the DANB examination.

http://www.lc.edu/news/newsDetails.aspx?Channel=/Channels/Site%20Wide%20Content&WorkflowItemID=0a358ef1-fc90-460d-bd19-c5e2cbe26b42

Working skills in chairside, specialty, infection control, laboratory, radiography and business office

Since being in Lewis and Clark's Dental Assisting program, I have acquired 300 clinical hours working chairside in a general practice, as well as a variety of dental specialties.  I had a semester of radiology, where I spent weeks learning how to take proper radiographs and how they are created.  I have spent time in labs learning how to manipulate a variety of cements, as well as taking impressions, making diagnostic cast, bleaching trays, and temporary crowns.  In Operative Procedures class, I also learned the proper sterilization techniques and how to maintain asespis  in the dental office.  In my final semester in the program, I took an Office Management class and gained knowledge in filing systems, computer software, such as Dentrix, and inventory management.

Professional ethical conduct as a member of the dental community

In my Preclinical course, I learned about ethical conduct.  This course included laws and ethics.  I did a presentation on the Good Samaritan Act.  I have also been trained in HIPAA laws.  In addition to this, I have good morals and ethics when it comes to how I handle myself.  I am professional and treat others the way I expected to be treated.  Also, I believe in giving every one the best care.  Because of this, I have been trained in OSHA regulations, I know the proper PPE's that both the patient and I need to wear, as well as how to dispose of biohazardous waste.  I have a reasonable understanding of my roles as a dental assistant and what is expected of me and this is how I practice my professional ethics as a member of the dental community.

Contributions and service within the profession and the community

Currently, I am a member of the American Dental Assisting Association (ADAA). I keep up to date on the newest things in the dental profession.  In addition to this, I also volunteered to help at our local Children's Health Fair, educating the children and their parents on the importance of good oral health.

Lifelong professional growth and development through participation in professional organizations and continuing education

I have worked toward lifelong professional growth and development by doing several things.  First, I have been certified in CPR. Second, as I said before, I am a member of the American Dental Assisting Association (ADAA). Finally, I earned expanded functions in sealants, coronal polishing, and fluoride treatments.  In addition to this, I have been taught the importance of professional and clinical appearances as a dental assistant, and practice such standards.