Dental Assistant Program
Students who enroll in the Dental Assistant program learn a variety of skills that enables them to become an important and qualified member of a dental team. Dental Assistant students learn to prepare patients for treatment, sterilize instruments, prepare materials and make study models from impressions, expose and process x-ray film/digital images and provide chair-side assistance for the dentist. The program also covers dental anatomy and physiology, dental radiology, oral pathology, pharmacology, medical/dental emergencies, dental office business procedures, legal/ethical management and communications. Career paths/opportunities include: Dental Assistant, Dental Laboratory Technician, Dental Receptionist, Dental Sales Representative, Dental X-Ray Technician, Dental Hygienist, Expanded Functions Dental Assistant, and Dentist.
Mindi L. Tobias
Mindi was raised in Howard, PA and attended the Bald Eagle Area High School. After graduation, she received her certificate of completion from the State College Continuing Education Dental Assisting program. She later went on to the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center in the Expanded Functions Dental Assisting program and received her Associates Degree from Penn State University in Workforce Education and Development.
Mrs. Tobias has been actively working in the Dental Assisting field for over 25 years. She continues to stay on top of new technology through temping over the summer months at various local dental offices and attending continuing education classes. Mrs. Tobias currently holds 3 certifications through the Dental Assisting National Board: Certified Dental Assistant (CDA), Preventative Functions (CPFDA), & Restorative Functions (CRFDA.) She has an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) license in the state of Pennsylvania. She is very dedicated to providing local dentists with highly qualified Dental Assistants. Mindi currently lives in Clarence with her husband Jack and daughter Autumn. She has two grown daughters and sons-in-law (Kaleigh/Tyler & Marissa/Bryce) that all live in Centre County. Along with two grandchildren, Cameron and Kinzlee.
Class time is allotted each day for the Dental Assisting planned class work and hands-on tasks. Occasionally, students may be required to finish reading, complete class work, or do research for assignments and projects at home. Students are required to do clinical work in the CPI Mobile Dental Unit, in the 2nd and 3rd year of the program, beyond regular school hours.
Dental Assisting National Board Radiology Certification.
DANB’s Radiation Health and Safety exam is recognized or required in 21 states. Passing DANB’s RHS exam earns the candidate a certificate of competency and meets state requirements to expose radiographs. 11th or 12th grade- required.
Student Cost: $270.00
Dental Assisting National Board Infection Control Certification
DANB’s Infection Control (ICE) exam is one component of the CDA exam. Passing DANB’s ICE exam earns the candidate a certificate of competency. 12th grade- optional.
Student Cost: $270.00
Healthcare Provider CPR/AED (American Heart Association)
Healthcare professionals learn to recognize several life-threatening emergencies, provide CPR to victims of all ages, use an AED, and relieve choking in a safe, timely and effective manner. 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade- required.
Student Cost: $5.00
OSHA 10-Hour General Industry (Healthcare) /Bloodborne Pathogens/ HIPAA
The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry (Healthcare) training course provides training for entry-level workers and employers on the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in workplaces in healthcare industry. The program also provides information regarding workers’ rights, employer responsibilities, and how to file a complaint. Through this training, OSHA helps to ensure that workers are more knowledgeable about workplace hazards and their rights. Students who successfully complete the CareerSafe® OSHA 10-Hour General Industry (Healthcare) course receive an OSHA 10-Hour General Industry wallet card from the OSHA Training Institute (OTI). 12th grade- required.
Student cost: $50.00