|
Dental Office Management
A dental office manager is responsible for the efficient and effective management of a dental practice. In this field you will be the motivation and the heart of the communication between the staff and doctor. This diploma will prepare you to supervise employees, manage patients, and manage and prepare office reports. It will also provide you with knowledge of insurance filing, insurance coding, maintenance of dental records, collections, billing, and handling legal and ethical matters to mention a few. With this diploma you will be prepared you to work in a small private practice, a large group or clinic setting.
Dental Hygiene (COMING SOON - Not yet available for enrollment - pending authorization from THEC and the Council on Dental Accreditation):
A registered dental hygienist is a licensed dental professional who specializes in preventive oral health, specifically focusing on techniques in oral hygiene. In most states dental hygienists are employed by dentists. Common procedures performed by a dental hygienist include cleaning teeth, known as a prophylaxis. Dental hygienists review patient health histories and perform a variety of oral exams in order to create a dental hygiene care plan for the patient. The dental hygienist works directly with the dentist to provide the quality care and treatment to establish and maintain optimum oral health. Dental hygienists expose and process radiographs (x-rays), place dental sealants, administer fluoride and give instruction on the proper oral hygiene and care of teeth and gums. Dental hygienists may become certified to administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide for aiding in pain management for patient comfort during treatment.
|
Dental Assisting:
Dental assistants work under the supervision of dentists and are responsible for a wide range of tasks in the dental office. These tasks range from patient care, administrative duties, to laboratory functions. The dental assistant position is a flexible and varied position in the dental office and requires a diverse set of skills: clinical, clerical, interpersonal, technological, and more. Dental assistants work in a well-lighted setting that, due to its medical nature, must be extremely clean. Dental assistants must be knowledgeable about the safety procedures to minimize risks associated with equipment such as x-ray machines.
Dental Laboratory Technology:
Dental laboratory technology refers to an area in dentistry that involves the fabrication or repair of dental appliances and prosthesis. These are professionals are called dental laboratory technicians or technologists. Dentists write laboratory prescriptions to dental technicians specifying the appliance or prosthesisthey need along with impressions (molds) for that particular patients teeth. The laboratory
technician uses this information to make a model of the teeth used to repair or create an appliance specifically for the patient. Fabrication of these appliances include: crowns, bridges, dentures, and partials. Some dental laboratory technicians specialize in certain areas, while others work as generalists.
|
