By Dr. Toby Imler, DDS
On June 12, 2024, the Dental Division at the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center celebrated the successful completion of seven graduates from the Dental Assistant Trainee program. Begun in early 2022, this training program has proven instrumental in helping TCC meet the staffing needs of the Dental Clinic and to provide excellent care. Additionally, the program supports the company’s goal to hire and “train our own.” The training gives staff an entry point into a rewarding health profession and provides a career with multiple opportunities for growth and advancement.
This six-month training program consists of two parts. In part one, participants learn important information about dental theory and practice through textbooks and observation. In part two, participants engage in three months of chairside patient training. The success of this program is a joint effort amongst the entire Dental Staff, as all take part and help the trainees in their journey. This team approach gives the trainees a broad perspective and prepares them to work in the clinic with multiple general dentists and specialists.
After the trainees successfully complete the first six months and meet their patient experience requirements, they receive their certificate of graduation from the program. Graduates are then eligible for hire into the TCC Dental Assistant career ladder. This career track provides for continued growth, opportunities for specialization, and advancement both in the Dental Clinic and throughout TCC.
The graduates of this program are helping the Dental Clinic resume service levels that were negatively affected by the pandemic. The role of the dental assistant is essential to clinic operations and without them, the care provided to TCC patients would be greatly reduced. One excellent example of this is evident in how TCC Dental has been able to maintain its extensive travel schedule to the villages, traveling over 130 weeks in the last year to villages throughout the Interior.
We are grateful for each one of the students and the hard work and dedication they have displayed to complete this program. We applaud their desire to learn, grow, and provide exceptional care to our patients. We want to congratulate them on their accomplishments and wish them the best as they enter this exciting profession.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about a career as a Dental Assistant or the training available, please reach out to the Dental Clinic by calling 907-451-6682 ext. 3200. Opportunities exist both at Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center and at several rural sites.
