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This program helps students obtain a career within 11 months. The program has very low student-teacher ratio, which allows for more one-on-one time with the students.

It is designed to help students learn how to work in a professional environment. The program curriculum is extremely detailed and fosters higher learning and allows students to start as a cohort, which creates a positive learning environment.

Dental assisting teaches students about preventive and restorative procedures and combines technical and theoretical knowledge with oral dental anatomy and physiology.

To help the students know what to expect in a dental office, students do role-play situations with mannequins called dexters. Group exercises are practiced to learn team building.

In addition, charting, infection control, radiology, emergency procedures, nutrition, business office procedures and general dentistry are taught.

“I like working with people and always wanted to get into dental assisting,” said Gabriela Ramos, 28.

To better know how to dress and present themselves in this profession, students do not wear jewelry, hats, skirts or other accessories.

What differs from other Dental Assisting Programs is that SJCC has a state-of-the-art facility, low student-teacher ratio, experienced faculty and in-depth curriculum, and the program is watched over by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation.

“I chose this profession because I want to help people feel more confident,” said Vanessa Singh 21, Dental Assisting student.

“Our teeth are like our personality,” Singh said.

“I am in this profession to feel comfortable laughing and to help people feel comfortable,” said Sherissa Klimas, 19.

Meeting new and interesting people is what makes this career interesting, Klimas said.

Compared to private schools that charge as much as $23,000, SJCC D.A.P. costs less, Sanchez said.

For the first two weeks of school, $400 is needed for textbooks, uniforms, gloves, safety glasses, gowns and other materials.

“I am happy with this program and all that it has offered the students, but for it to be even better and up to date, I would like to have more up-to-date equipment, more faculty to help the students and more advertising to bring in new faces (students) and get more people involved,” said Sanchez.