Dental Careers I
Students are introduced to careers in dentistry, including dentist (general and specialist), dental hygienist, dental assistant (I and II), dental laboratory technician, and dental receptionist. Students practice and learn many of the skills utilized in these professions while attaining the skills necessary to become entry-level dental assistants. Study includes infection control, Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards; anatomy and physiology; tooth morphology; oral histology; preventive dentistry; applied psychology; effective communication; office administration and management; use of dental software; operative dentistry techniques; and dental materials/laboratory skills. Contextual instruction and student participation in co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) activities will develop leadership, interpersonal, and career skills. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) will provide experiential learning opportunities related to students' career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.
Suggested Prerequisites: Biology (4310), Chemistry (4410), and Introduction to Health and Medical Sciences (8302)
Notes
This course has specific state laws and regulations from a governing medical board or agency. Please contact the Virginia Department of Education, Office of Career and Technical Education prior to implementing this course. All inquiries may be sent to cte@doe.virginia.gov.
Class Size Regulation
The Virginia Administrative Code regulates the class size for this course. For additional information, see 8VAC20-120-150, "Maximum class size," or contact the Virginia Department of Education Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education at cte@doe.virginia.gov.
Use this to download a zipped Common Cartridge file containing your course and resources. If your PC asks you to select an app to open the file, simply click away from the app selection window. You do not need to unzip or open the file.
You will import the file into your learning management system. For further instructions on importing your course, see the FAQ section of our website for step-by-step instructions.
Course Sequences
A combination of this course and those below, equivalent to two 36-week courses, is a concentration sequence. Students wishing to complete a specialization may take additional courses based on their career pathways. A program completer is a student who has met the requirements for a CTE concentration sequence and all other requirements for high school graduation or an approved alternative education program.
Industry Credentials (Only apply to 36-week courses)
Virginia’s High Demand Occupations and Apprenticeable Occupations
Section § 2.2-2472 of the Code of Virginia requires the Virginia Board of Workforce Development (VBWD) to publish a list of jobs, trades, and professions for which a high demand for qualified workers exists or is projected. The Virginia Office of Education Economics (VOEE) collaborated with the VBWD and related stakeholders to develop the high demand occupations list. VOEE’s mission is to leverage data to inform educational programming, policy, and workforce partnerships across the Commonwealth. See also the Virginia 2024 High Demand Occupations Dashboard.
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code, Occupation Description, and Active Apprenticeable Occupation status (Yes/No per the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry).
| SOC Code | Occupation Description | Apprenticeable Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| 292034 | Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | Yes |
| 319091 | Dental Assistants | No |
| 319092 | Medical Assistants | No |
| 292055 | Surgical Technologists | No |
| 319096 | Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | No |
Career Clusters
| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Services |
|
| Support Services |
|
| Therapeutic Services |
|
