Dental Assisting and Beyond

The Dental Assisting CTE Program at MUSD provides students with the essential skills, knowledge, and certifications needed to embark on a rewarding career in the dental field. The program equips students for immediate employment while also providing them with a foundation for further advancement in the dental profession.

For the past 13 years, the Marana Unified School District Dental Assisting program has thrived in the Marana Health Center, preparing students for future careers as dental assistants and beyond, where 260+ students have successfully passed the Radiation Health and Safety national exam for certification.

Typically a program offered through post-secondary schools, the dental assisting program provides an affordable and early entryway for students to begin professional careers shortly after high school, or continue their education for additional opportunities in the dental field.

Starting this fall, the program moves to Marana Vista Academy, MUSD’s personalized learning high school program, on a centralized campus on Silverbell Rd. The relocation brings the dental program alongside other MUSD Career and Tech Ed programs, while continuing to maintain partnerships with MHC dental clinics and other dental sites.

Matt Nguyen is a high school senior from Mountain View High School. Throughout his personal experiences, the idea of going into dentistry versus another career field such as aviation, engineering, or automotive, excited him most. “I kept dentistry as a possible career in the back of my head ... as soon as I discovered the possibility of entering the dental field as an assistant in high school, I knew I wanted to truly commit to dentistry. At first, my love for dentistry was built on my admiration for the art and science behind the procedures dentists do. However, through the program, I met many instructors, peers, and dentists who helped me realize that this field is the field for me. I found my passion: bonding with patients in the dental chair and helping them overcome their dental issues,” he said.

Pam Kercheval, Instructor, has taught in the Dental Assisting program for two years. “The Vista location will provide more interaction between dental assistant students, administrative staff, and the broader high school student community. This move also opens the door for other high school students to explore the world of Dental Assisting firsthand, sparking curiosity and potential interest in the field.”

First-Year Experience:

Laying the Foundation in the Dental Field

Students build a strong foundation in dental assisting through a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on application. By the end of the first year, students will have a solid understanding of skull anatomy, which serves as a strong foundation for more advanced learning in the second year. Areas of focus include:

• Tooth Morphology: Understanding the structure and function of different teeth
• Dental Charting: Learning to record dental conditions accurately
• Dental Instrument Identification: Familiarizing the tools of the trade and learning to use them correctly
• Spatulation Techniques: Mastering the mixing of dental materials including cements and impression materials
• Communication Skills: Developing the ability to interact professionally with patients and the dental team
• Anatomy of the Skull: Studying the bones critical to dental landmarks, especially when taking X-rays

Second-Year Experience:

Clinical and Professional Mastery

Students focus on clinical and professional readiness, ensuring they are fully prepared for the real-world demands of dental assisting. Key components include:

• Dental X-rays: Students learn the principles of radiography, including radiation safety, positioning techniques, and digital and traditional film processing
• Radiation Health and Safety: Preparing students for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Certification in Radiation Health and Safety
• Coronal Polishing: As part of their clinical practice, students gain hands-on experience polishing teeth
• Externship: A 6-week, on-the-job training program where students apply their skills in a real dental practice, working alongside experienced professionals. 

In the third semester, students begin working with actual X-ray machines. They practice on Dexter, a dental manikin, before advancing to real patients under the supervision of licensed dentists. The program ensures mastery of radiation safety and techniques before students are allowed to take full-mouth X-rays on actual patients.

By the fourth semester, students who are certified in Radiation Health and Safety qualify for the Externship Program, where they gain invaluable experience in local dental practices. This real-world exposure is where students truly begin to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom and clinical settings!

What Students Gain:

Certifications, Skills, and Confidence

Upon successful completion of the program, students receive:

• Technical Skills Certificate: Issued by Career and Technical Education (CTE) through the State of Arizona, awarded after passing the Technical Skills Assessment.
• Radiation Health and Safety Certification: This certification, awarded after passing the DANB exam, demonstrates the student’s proficiency in radiation safety, which is a critical skill for all dental assistants.

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Dental Assisting FAQs

STUDENT COUNT:

The Dental Assisting CTE Program accepts a maximum of 30 students per class. With 30 spots available for first-year students and another 30 for second-year students, the program ensures that each student receives the attention and resources necessary for success.

CAREER-READY:

Upon completion of the program, students can begin their careers as dental assistants. Dental assistants are employed in a wide range of settings, including private practices, hospitals, and corporate dental offices. As of February 2025, the average annual salary for a dental assistant in Arizona is approximately $39,273, though salaries can vary depending on experience and the setting in which they work.

ELIGIBILITY:

The program is open to juniors and seniors in high school.

COST:

High school students pay approximately $400 for course fees, scrubs, and the National Certification exam. This is a fraction of what similar programs at community colleges or trade schools typically cost, which range from $4,200 to $15,000.

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