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EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — The dental field is preparing for anticipated growth. Now, a new dental program is starting soon at a school in Scranton.
Dental jobs are in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the field will add about 30,000 jobs by 2031.
Now a school in Scranton is offering a brand new program to encourage students to start a career as a dental assistant. All you need is a high school diploma or a GED.
“We’re very important in the dental field,” Jones said.
Melissa Jones has worked as a dental assistant for ten years, but starting next month she will be teaching students about the dental field here at the Fortis Institute in Scranton. The school is starting a new dental assisting program in November.
“There is nothing more inspiring than teaching the next generation,” added Jones.
The dental assistant program lasts less than a year and includes a combination of online and classroom learning, plus hands-on learning here in the lab.
“When they’re learning dental materials, they’ll be casting models, making impressions on each other, making whitening trays, mouth guards, all those kinds of things,” Jones explains.
Other courses include oral anatomy, dental office administration, dental pharmacology, dental radiography, plus CPR and first aid.
Within the dental clinic at the Fortis Institute, students learn a variety of job skills, everything from how to properly handle dental instruments to how to take a dental x-ray.
“We’re ready to prepare students to go directly into the field and do all the practical things they’ve learned,” says Anita Bendowski, director of dental programs at the Fortis Institute.
Upon completion of the program, students must be licensed by passing the certified dental assistant exam.
It tests knowledge of general chair procedures, radiation health and safety, and infection control. and for those considering the field of dentistry.
“All you need is knowledge and skill and you will be successful,” Jones continued.
Classes at Fortis Institute begin on November 13. For more information or to register for the program, go to the Fortis Institute website.
