Freshman students are introduced to the Dental Assistant profession. They are exposed to clinical and administrative duties of the dental assistant. Dental career opportunities are explored. Skills include safety, clinical, clerical, and dental laboratory competencies. The freshman students study business math as it relates to operating a dental office. This daily class helps prepare the student for the MCAS exam. Students study the identification of teeth and nutrition as it relates to dental health.

Students begin their dental assisting curriculum during the 4th quarter. Competencies include roles and responsibilities of the dental assistant, introduction to dentistry, basic clerical and chair side procedures.

Sophomore year the dental assisting student will learn both clinical and clerical skills. The clinical aspect is an introduction to infection control procedures, patient exam preparation, and basic operatory management. The clerical focus is on appointment book scheduling, inventory control, and insurance forms. Sophomore students participate in community service by providing Dental Health Education programs to Northeast’s Preschoolers.  Students complete the OSHA Training program.

GRADE 10 RELATED- COURSE# DA2R    Sophomore students study dental charting, oral anatomy, tooth morphology, tooth histology, tooth embryology and microbiology.

Junior year the dental assisting student will focus on restorative materials, dental instruments used in general dentistry, as well as procedures and techniques used in today’s offices. Students are introduced to analog and digital radiology; competencies are developed in exposing, developing, and mounting x-rays. Three days a week students will experience an unpaid supervised externship at Tufts School of Dental Medicine. The students receive certification in American Heart Association CPR/AED and Red Cross First Aid.  Junior students participate in community service by providing Dental Education programs to local elementary school children.

Junior students study head and neck anatomy and the theory and safety practices of radiography.  Juniors also begin work on their Junior/Senior Project.

The senior year student concentrates on expanded functions, radiology health and safety and nutrition. Students are given lab practice and written assessments to prepare them for the national credential examinations. Senior year students continue their clinical experience three days per week at Tufts School of Dental Medicine. If eligible, students may participate in Cooperative Education. The administrative concentration is on writing, resume writing, and basic accounting procedures.

Senior students study all 9 dental specialties, medical/dental emergencies and pharmacology. Students complete and present their Senior Project.