Delta College - Lafayette
The Dental Assistant program at Delta College – Lafayette is designed to prepare students for a career as a dental assistant. The program is comprehensive and provides hands-on training in various aspects of dental assisting, including chairside assisting, radiology, infection control, and dental office management.
The program is offered at the Lafayette campus of Delta College and takes approximately 9 months to complete. The curriculum is divided into two parts: classroom instruction and clinical experience. In the classroom, students learn the theoretical aspects of dental assisting, including dental anatomy, dental materials, and dental procedures. In the clinical setting, students get practical experience working with patients and performing dental procedures under the supervision of licensed dentists.
The program also includes training in dental radiology, which is a critical component of dental assisting. Students learn how to take and process dental x-rays, as well as how to maintain and operate dental radiology equipment safely.
In addition to the technical aspects of dental assisting, the program also includes training in communication and patient interaction. Dental assistants play an important role in helping patients feel comfortable and at ease during dental procedures, and the program teaches students the skills they need to communicate effectively with patients and work as part of a dental team.
Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam to become a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA). Graduates of the program may find employment in a variety of settings, including dental offices, clinics, hospitals, and public health facilities.
Overall, the Dental Assistant program at Delta College – Lafayette provides a solid foundation for a career in dental assisting and prepares students to work effectively as part of a dental team.