Dental Assistant
Start Your Path in Healthcare—Right Here at Clara Barton
Welcome to the Dental Assistant Certificate Program at Clara Barton High School for Health Professions, accredited by the New York State Education Department and designed to prepare students for a successful, rewarding career in dental healthcare.
Why Choose Dental Assisting?
Dental assistants are essential members of the healthcare team. If you enjoy working with people, are detail-oriented, and want a hands-on career in a professional environment, this is the program for you.
As a dental assistant, your day may include:
- Greeting and seating patients
- Preparing treatment rooms and sterilizing instruments
- Taking and processing dental X-rays
- Assisting the dentist during procedures
- Providing patients with post-treatment care instructions
- Understanding dental terminology, anatomy, infection control, and more
Dental assistants help create a positive and supportive experience for every patient, whether in a general or specialty dental practice.
What You’ll Learn
Our two-year program (11th and 12th grades) blends classroom instruction with hands-on training in areas such as:
- Dental Anatomy & Terminology
- Cavity Classification & Clinical Procedures
- Radiography & Infection Control
- Nutrition & Patient Education
- Sterilization Techniques
- Professional Office Procedures
This program prepares students to succeed in both clinical and administrative roles in the dental field.
Certifications & Career Readiness
By the end of the program, students are eligible to take:
- The YouScience Dental Assistant Exam
- The DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Exam
Upon passing, you’ll earn a Clara Barton High School dental assistant certificate, preparing you to work immediately in a healthcare facility after successfully passing the New York State Exam.
Note: Certification is awarded by Clara Barton High School, not New York State.
Beyond High School
Many graduates use this program as a launchpad into higher education and healthcare careers, such as dental hygiene or dentistry. Whether you begin working immediately or pursue more schooling, this program gives you a solid foundation and real-world experience.