The Dental Assistant program is designed to provide the student with the knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to prepare for a successful career as a chairside Dental Assistant within the healthcare community. The program prepares the student to work in both the clinic and administrative areas of the dental office.
The Dental Assistant program provides the student with the knowledge and hands-on practice in working along with a dentist in delivering care to patients. The student is provided with the opportunity to prepare tray setups and work with dental instruments and materials. Students also learn the basics of x-ray filming, oral heath care, dental lab techniques, and other chairside assisting techniques. Students are also given the opportunity to obtain skills working in an administrative capacity within the dental office. The program concludes with an externship to a local dental facility to provide real-world working experience. The program is designed for the student with little or no prior experience in the field.
Hybrid Learning
This program offers a hybrid learning experience. Students complete coursework online and complete hands-on learning on-campus.
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The certification exam offered to the Dental Assistant students is the Radiation Health and Safety and Infection control exam through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Certification is not a graduation requirement; however, in order for a Dental Assistant to take x-rays in Pennsylvania, the graduate must pass this exam.
Infection Control (ICE) Exam
The certification exam offered to the Dental Assistant students is the Infection Control exam through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Certification is not a graduation requirement.
Below is a list of employers who recently hired graduates of the Dental Assistant Program
Affordable Smiles Inc., Meadville PA
Beautiful Smiles, Erie PA
Dr. Eric Van Damia, Erie PA
Dr. Edward Osborne DDS, Seneca PA
Summit Dental Associates, Erie PA
Northern Chautauqua Dental, Dunkirk NY
Armanini, Kolodychak and Basile, LLP, Erie PA
Valley View Dental, Allegany NY
Cole Orthodontic Associates, Ridgeway PA
Dr. Monika Kudla DMD, Jamestown NY
Fairview Family Dental, Fairview PA
Family Dentistry, Corry PA
Pine Orthodontics, State College PA
Virtual Tour Video
Testimonials
Dr. Nicole Johnson, D.M.D. - Owner, Dentist
Family Dental Care
As the new owner of Family Dental Care it is reassuring to know that the Dental Assistants that I have on staff come from Great Lakes Institute of Technology. The training and experience that they received shows in their confidence and the efficient work that they provide to the practice and my patients.
Dr. Bruce Johnson, D.M.D. - Owner, Dentist
Dr. Johnson | General Dentistry
Whenever we have a staffing need, the first thing we do is call Great Lakes. Because of the comprehensive training students receive, they are productive from day one! We have had great success with prior students and would absolutely continue hiring Great Lakes graduates.
Dr. Blaine Bell D.M.D. - Owner, Dentist
Dr. Blaine Bell D.M.D.
If you want to be a Dental Assistant, Great Lakes is a great place to start!
Corina Loomis - Dental Assistant
Dr. Johnson | General Dentistry
Great Lakes is a very good school. People are always friendly and they always make it fun to learn. Thank you Great Lakes for giving me guidance.
Mandi Knight - Dental Assistant
Kolodychak, & Basille LLC
Great Lakes prepared me for my career because when I attended school, the student to teacher ratio was kept low and you had a lot of one on one. I also appreciated the fact that everything was hands on.
Stacey Boyce - Oral Surgical Dental Assistant
Kolodychak, & Basille LLC
The day I graduated from the Dental Assistant program I was already employed in my new career. Great Lakes gave me the skills and the hands-on training I needed for success as an Oral Surgical Dental Assistant.
Brittany Carpenter - Dental Assistant
Resource Center Dental Clinic
As a recent graduate of the Dental Assistant program at Great Lakes, I now possess the skills necessary for success. I would recommend this program to anyone that’s interested in the dental field.”