Seasoned Healthcare Pros Lead PLCC’s Dental Assistant Classes
In the field of dentistry, there’s a hidden hero behind every visit. Skilled dental assistants ensure efficient practice flow, seamless appointments, and well-coordinated care. They calm the anxious. They support dentists in performing safe procedures. Most importantly, they play a crucial role in maintaining oral health for countless adults and children.
With years of hands-on experience, high school instructor Jaime Bowser, CDA, EFDA, CDIPC, and adult program instructor Teaira Shabaya, CDA, EFDA, are on a mission to train the next generation of these vital healthcare workers at Portage Lakes Career Center (PLCC) in Uniontown, Ohio. With a passion for making a difference, these experienced professionals lead PLCC’s dental assistant classes, striving to transform their students into confident, capable professionals ready to make their mark in dental offices across the state.
PLCC’s qualified instructors guide students on how to become a dental assistant and so much more
Jaime’s path in dental assisting started at Akron Institute in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. With an impressive 25 years of experience in the field before joining PLCC, Jaime brings extensive practical knowledge to the classroom.
“Honestly, I like teeth,” Jaime explains. “It’s one of the first things I notice when meeting people. Plus, I like helping people feel confident in themselves, and a lot of that comes from a nice, healthy smile.”
Teaira’s journey into dental assisting began in career tech education (CTE) at Central Hower High School in Akron. After completing the school’s two-year program in 2003, she dove headfirst into the field, working at Akron Family Dental for eight years. Driven by a desire to expand her skills, Teaira pursued further education through an expanded functions dental assistant (EFDA) program.
“I absolutely love dentistry,” says Teaira, “and it’s the only field I want to be in.”
Over the years, both instructors observed and helped many dental assisting students during their externships. However, while these students often came armed with book knowledge, they frequently appeared overwhelmed—like “a deer in the headlights,” as Teaira puts it—when faced with the realities of working in a dental office.
This observation sparked a new ambition: to help shape the next generation of dental professionals by bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice.
“Yes, you must understand the technical concepts of dental assisting and be able to use all the tools and equipment, but there’s so much more to the job in an actual office or clinic,” says Teaira. “My goal is to prepare students for how to become a dental assistant who knows practical, insider knowledge from day one.”
Dental assistant duties and responsibilities
Dental assistants play a crucial role in dental practices and support not only dentists, but also dental hygienists in caring for patients. While there are similarities between dental assistants and dental hygienists, their roles and responsibilities differ.
What does a dental assistant do?
Dental assistants perform a wide range of tasks that are essential to the smooth operation of a dental office. Their primary dental assistant duties include:
- Patient care
- Preparing patients for dental procedures
- Ensuring patient comfort throughout treatments
- Educating patients on proper oral hygiene techniques
- Chairside assistance
- Handing instruments to dentists during procedures
- Suctioning patients’ mouths during treatments
- Preparing dental materials such as cement or impression materials
- Administrative tasks
- Scheduling appointments
- Maintaining patient records
- Processing dental materials such as cement or impression materials
- Sterilization and infection control
- Cleaning and sterilizing dental instruments
- Preparing and disinfecting treatment rooms
- Disposing of contaminated supplies
- X-ray assistance
- Taking and developing dental x-rays
- Assisting with x-ray interpretation
- Laboratory tasks
- Creating temporary crowns
- Taking impressions for study models
- Pouring and trimming study models
Dental assistant vs. dental hygienist
While both dental assistants and dental hygienists work closely with patients, there are key differences in their roles:
- Education: Dental assistants complete a certificate or diploma program like the one at PLCC, while dental hygienists need to earn an associate’s degree that takes around 2-3 years to complete.
- Scope of practice: Dental hygienists have a more independent role, focusing on preventive care and can perform certain procedures without direct supervision. Dental assistants work under the direct supervision of a dentist.
- Patient interaction: Hygienists spend more time directly cleaning patients’ teeth and performing deeper cleanings. Assistants primarily support the dentist during procedures and help with patient preparation.
- Specialized tasks: Dental hygienists can perform more advanced procedures in some states and deep cleaning below the gum line. Dental assistants focus more on supportive tasks and basic patient care.
- Salary: While dental hygienists earn higher salaries due to their advanced education and more specialized role, most dental assistants in Ohio earn a living wage or better.
How long does it take to become a dental assistant at PLCC?
At PLCC, we offer dental assistant programs for both high school students and adults. Both programs offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Students enrolled in the high school program take classes Monday through Friday during their junior and senior years. Our full-time dental assistant course for adults—which takes less than ten months (or a total of 600 hours, including an 80-hour externship) to complete—allows for flexible scheduling with classes running Monday through Thursday from 5 pm to 9 pm, making it accessible for adults looking to change careers or advance their skills while maintaining other commitments.
Students at PLCC will learn:
- Foundational dentistry knowledge
- Infection control and safety protocols
- Patient care techniques
- Head and neck anatomy
- Dental charting
- Radiology
- Advanced chairside assistance techniques
- Practice management and dental office technology
Teaira’s vision for dental assistant classes goes even further. She emphasizes the importance of professionalism, patient rapport, and the ability to handle various situations with grace and empathy.
“I don’t think many programs stress professional decorum enough,” Teaira says. “As a dental assistant, you’re going to come in contact with lots of different people and many different personalities, so you have to be prepared to mentally handle each situation well and with courtesy.”
This focus on soft skills and real-world scenarios is what Teaira believes will set PLCC’s program apart and truly prepare students for success in their careers.
Career prospects for dental assistants
The field of dental assisting offers promising opportunities for those looking to enter the healthcare sector. With PLCC’s comprehensive program and expert guidance from experienced instructors, graduates are well-positioned to embark on rewarding careers in this growing field.
Job market outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental assistants will likely see faster than average employment growth between 2022 and 2032—with an estimated 25,700 new jobs. This is due to a number of factors, including the aging baby-boom population, which is expected to have more dental issues, and an increasing demand for preventive dental care.
Potential work environments and specializations
Dental assistants have diverse career paths available to them. Graduates of PLCC’s program can find employment in various settings, including:
- Private dental practices
- Orthodontic offices
- Pediatric dental clinics
- Public health facilities
- Dental schools and research institutions
As they gain experience, dental assistants can specialize in areas such as:
- Oral surgery
- Periodontics
- Endodontics
- Dental radiology
- Practice management
These specializations can lead to advanced roles, increased responsibilities, and higher earning potential within the dental field.
Insights on successful dental assistants
Drawing from their extensive experience, both Teaira and Jaime believe the most effective dental assistants combine technical proficiency with strong interpersonal skills.
“They need to be detail-oriented, adaptable, and able to work well under pressure. But equally important is their ability to connect with patients, putting them at ease and ensuring a positive dental experience,” says Jaime.
Teaira adds, “A successful dental assistant is always eager to learn and grow. The field of dentistry is constantly evolving, so staying current with new techniques and technologies is crucial.”
As the dental field continues to grow, the opportunities for well-trained dental assistants are boundless. With a solid foundation from PLCC and the insights gained from experienced professionals like Teaira and Jaime, graduates are poised to embark on fulfilling careers, contributing to the health and well-being of their communities through their expertise in dental care.
Learn more about PLCC’s dental assisting classes for adults.