The increasing need for Dental Assistants in the Fort Lauderdale area has accelerated growth in this very exciting career field.

The Fort Lauderdale Dental Assisant program is an 8-month day session or 12-month evening session. The Dental Assistant program consists of a 760-hour curriculum with a 250-hour clinical externship. Among the many skills taught in this program are dental X-ray, impressions, chairside assistance, basic computer skills, infection control and specialized dentistry.

"I will work hand-in-hand with the career services department," said Dr. Silvia Arroyo, Program Director for the Dental Assistant program. "The future of our program is dependent upon successful outcomes. My students will get the best education offered, and we will make every graduate marketable and employable."

The Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook shows a very bright future for Dental Assistants. Employment is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through the year 2010. In addition, numerous job opportunities will occur due to the need to replace those who transfer to other occupations, retire or leave the labor force for other reasons.

Dental assistants perform a variety of patient care, office, and laboratory duties. They work chairside as dentists examine and treat patients. They make patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair, prepare them for treatment, and obtain their dental records. Assistants hand instruments and materials to dentists and keep patients’ mouths dry and clear by using suction or other devices. Assistants also sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare trays of instruments for dental procedures, and instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care.

Some dental assistants prepare materials for impressions and restorations, take dental x rays, and process x-ray film as directed by a dentist. They also may remove sutures, apply topical anesthetics to gums or cavity-preventive agents to teeth, remove excess cement used in the filling process, and place rubber dams on the teeth to isolate them for individual treatment.

Those with laboratory duties make casts of the teeth and mouth from impressions, clean and polish removable appliances, and make temporary crowns. Dental assistants with office duties schedule and confirm appointments, receive patients, keep treatment records, send bills, receive payments, and order dental supplies and materials.

Dental assistants should not be confused with dental hygienists, who are licensed to perform different clinical tasks.

Dental assistants work in a well-lighted, clean environment. Their work area usually is near the dental chair so that they can arrange instruments, materials, and medication and hand them to the dentist when needed. Dental assistants must wear gloves, masks, eyewear, and protective clothing to protect themselves and their patients from infectious diseases. Assistants also follow safety procedures to minimize the risks associated with the use of x-ray machines.

About half of dental assistants have a 35- to 40-hour workweek, which may include work on Saturdays or evenings.

There are certain entrance requirements to gain acceptance into the Fort Lauderdale Dental Assistant program. If you have an interest in this exciting new curriculum, please contact our Admissions Department.