Introduction

The Dentis-Tree Institute in affiliation with Bellingham Technical College, Washington State, USA conducts the Dental Assistant Course. It prepares the students to assist the dentist chair-side during diagnostic, preventive and operative dental procedures. This course may offer students a career path in the United States of America and Canada.

The main aim is to

• Provide each passing dental assistant with certification from Bellingham Technical College
• Complete on-the-job training or a one-year training program;
• Have good interpersonal skills, and
• Be able to work as part of a team.

About The Institution

This institute has all modern and latest equipment required for dental care, hence making it one of its only kind in India. Dentis-Tree provides an excellent infrastructure comprising of full fledged clinical set up, Ultra modern laboratory, two Lecture theatres, pre clinical workshop, Auditorium equipped with latest cutting edge technology and a library with free online browsing of study material which is a treat for every student.

Dentis-Tree is running a certificate course for training Dental Assistants in collaboration with Bellingham Technical College, Washington State USA. The course curriculum provided by BTC is being strictly adhered to. BTC began in 1957 as vocational institute. It is accredited by the North West Commission recognized by Counsel of Higher Education and Employment. The collaboration of Dentis Tree with BTC ensures up gradation of Para dental courses in India to international standard.

The faculty conducting training programs of dental assistant are qualified dental surgeons, hence are well aware of the duties and responsibilities of a dental assistant.

The students have to attend the lectures and lab activities at the institute from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm six days a week.

The lecture halls are well equipped with the latest equipments and , the lectures are conducted on power point, and are efficiently prepared with latest information available in the books and on the inter net. Group discussions, live demonstrations, CDs on the concerned topics are included in the various techniques for teaching. Seminars are conducted at the end of each quarter, making the topics crystal clear to the students.

The practical and clinical activities ensure that each student has a clear idea and understanding of what is being taught in theory. Hence each student understands and watches the demonstrations and finally carries out the practicals on a patient independently.

Computer coaching is undertaken, to make the students computer savvy, so that they are able to use the computer as per their requirement.

To motivate and inculcate the knowledge and confidence among the students, assignments and tests are given every week. They are corrected, assessed and evaluated by the concerned staff members and the students are advised about their shortcomings in the tests.

A well organized library ensures that each student, carries out all the research work required in completing the assignments and also keeps updating his knowledge for the assistance required in the dental field.

The syllabus of Dental Assistant course is strictly laid down by the BTC (USA) and the same is meticulously followed by the institute. A team from BTC periodically visits the institute and personally conducts the lectures and practicals for the students for the upkeep of the standards.

Dental assistants work in a well lighted, clean environment. Their work area is usually near the dental chair so that they can arrange instruments, materials and medication and hand them to the dentist when needed

The institute in addition to imparting training to the students also involves them in extra curricular activities like cultural programs, personality development and public speaking with emphasis on written and spoken english for their smooth sailing as Dental Assistant at the international level.

The Oral Health Week(1-7th Oct as per WHO norms) is celebrated every year and a lot of competitions like poster making, slogan writing, fancy dress competitions, essay writing etc. are organized . The Dental Checkup camps, Oral Health talk, Vocational career guidance is an important part of celebration for school students. Dental check up camp, healthy smile contest, cookery contests etc. form part of awareness campaign for the senior citizens. Such activities give a lot of exposure and confidence to our students who manage the show independently such activity also provides the data base for various educational research activities at the institute. The topic of research during the seven day camp this year was "Adolescent Dental Health".

Job Prospects

Job prospects for dental assistants is excellent.
Employment in India and abroad is expected to grow at much faster rate for all the occupations and dental assistance is expected to be the FASTEST growing occupations through the year 2012

National market: In private dental colleges, Private Dental Clinics and Hospitals. International market: Students certified by BTC can work as dental assistant after clearing state licenciate exam in the USA/ Canada. Students interested in moving abroad will receive help and guidance from placement cell at Dentis-Tree