Dental Pathway
Get on the pathway to your future in Dentistry now! The pathway begins as a sophomore or junior by completing the two-year-long health science courses.
Then you will be qualified to apply to take the year-long Dental Careers class during your senior year. In addition to classwork, you will learn hands-on skills in our classroom dental clinic. In your first semester of training, you will work toward passing all necessary tests to obtain Radiation safety, HIPAA, and OSHA certifications before winter break. You will also have the opportunity to begin working in a dental office and learn how the dental office works and how each employee contributes to making the day run smoothly. Obtaining these certifications will allow you to work as a dental assistant intern in dental offices beginning your second semester. You may be placed in several types of dental offices. You could go to an orthodontist’s, a pediatric dentist’s, a general dentist's, or even an oral surgeon’s office. These jobs will help you build experiences for your resume and will sharpen the dental skills you learn in class. What will your favorite type of dental office be? Come start your exciting career in dentistry with us at ATC!
Principles of Health Science & Emergency Procedures
Principles of Health Science is an orientation and foundation for occupations and functions in any health care profession. The course includes broad health care core sta ndards that specify the knowledge and skills needed by the vast majority of health care workers. The course focuses on exploring health career options, history of health care, ethical and legal responsibilities, leadership development, safety concepts, hea lth care systems and processes, and basic health care industry skills. This introductory course may be a prerequisite for additional courses in the Health Science program.
This course is usually taken during the sophomore year but can also be taken as a junior.
Medical Terminology
Medical Terminology is designed to develop a working knowledge of langu age in all health science major areas. Students acquire word - building skills by learning prefixes, suffixes, roots and abbreviations. Students will learn correct pronunciation, spelling, and application rules. By relating terms to body systems, students id entify proper use of words in a medical environment. Knowledge of medical terminology enhances the student’s ability to successfully secure employment or pursue advanced education in health care.
This course is taken during junior year.
Body Structures and Functions/
Body Structures and Functions is designed to provide knowledge of the structure and function of the human body with an emphasis on normalcy. The interactions of all body systems in maintaining homeostasis will promote an understanding of the basic human needs necessary for health maintenance. Academic knowledge from life science core content as it relates to the human body will be included. Laboratory activities should be a part of the course when appropriate.
These concepts are learned during the same year long class as Medical terminology.
Dental Careers
During your senior year, you will have dental class 3 periods a day. Each week, this time will be divided between working in our classroom/clinic and working in local dental offices. In our class, you will receive all the knowledge, skills, and certifications necessary to work as a dental assistant. You will get to go to elementary schools and teach students about the importance of dental health and get to help with a charity dental clinic. Throughout the year you'll get to do lots of other fun and exciting things. You will also learn about many of the other career opportunities available in the dental field.
HOSA
All allied health students are encouraged to join HOSA, the international student organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Education (HSE) Division of ACTE. HOSA's two-fold mission is to promote career opportunities in the health care industry and to enhance the delivery of quality healthcare to all people. HOSA is here to empower HOSA-Future Health Professionals to become leaders in the global health community through education, collaboration, and experience.
​
Through HOSA, students have the opportunity to travel to State and International Leadership conferences. These experiences give students a chance to meet other health sciences students from all over the state and all over the world. They develop leadership and communication skills while participating in competitive events and educational symposiums.
Internships
A big part of your dental careers pathway is the internships you are able to experience during your senior year. After receiving your HIPAA and OSHA certificates in the first 2-3 months of school you will be placed in a shadowing experience in a local dental office where you will observe and help in any way the office asks you to. This internship will be during our class period 1-2 days a week. By the end of December, you will have acquired your "Radiation Safety" certifications. From this point on, you will be taking x-rays on patients in your dental offices. You will gain experience as a dental assistant. You may have the opportunity to work in Orthodontic, Oral Surgery, Pediatric dental , or General Dental offices.