NEW BERLIN — Kayla Nevlin and Brenda Bingaman don masks, goggles, scrubs and gloves as they enter their high school class, then adjust the lights and lean in with handheld mirrors and a suction device to observe the mouth of Jessica Lulis .
The three senior girls practice the routine procedure during their regular Dental Health Technology classroom time at the SUN Area Career and Technology Center and are given the opportunity to observe and apply it to real-life scenarios in a fulltime dentist office.
Dorothy Randler, instructor of the class, said the current 24 students are predominantly seniors but includes several juniors of the five surrounding school districts — Lewisburg, Midd-West, Mifflinburg, Shikellamy and Selinsgrove.
There are three phases to the class, she said, which begins with theory, practicing the techniques and then directly helping in the doctor’s office.
“The students are working on skills to then assist a dentist,” Randler said. “In the beginning, they learn infection control, processing instruments, tray setups, X-rays.”
Her students also strive for certifica tions, including CPR, AED, First Aid, X-ray training, Dental Assistant National Board, which Randler said is helpful for when applying for jobs.
During the one-year program, students are required to wear scrubs every day like they would in a professional situation.
They use masks and goggles during practice runs at one of the three mock office stations in the classroom.
“The biggest asset is to come out with some type of direction,” Randler said. “Learning dental skills and have the opportunity to utilize hands on skills.”
Next to the general classroom is a lab room where students can develop and process X-rays, among other common office procedures.
Adjacent to the lab is the professional office of Dr. Steven Miller. Students are welcomed to the office to work alongside regular dental assistants to watch and practice the procedures on a regular basis.
“It’s nerve wracking,” Kayla laughed, “but it’s easier to start here and then go there. It’s easy to get along with them.”
Students begin assisting in the doctor’s office for skill building around the second or third week of class.
“We give students as many advantages as possible to move forward,” Randler said. “We show them how to proceed.”
Life
Health education: They learn by doing
SUN Tech class mirrors real world of a dental clinic
- Life
-
-
Creative ways to use Easter leftovers
MOUNT PLEASANT MILLS -- What to do with leftover ham and hardboiled eggs? Here are some recipes from cookbook collector Connie Burge’s collection, as well as her well-loved macaroni and cheese casserole dish.
-
Valley experts differ on ideas for job creation
SUNBURY — When President Barack Obama gives his jobs speech Thursday night before Congress and a nation facing a 9.1 unemployment rate, he should act to lower the minimum wage and taxes, target government investments wisely, spend on long-lasting projects, or cut spending, reduce regulations and trim the size of Washington, Valley experts suggested.
-
Carbs under control
Parents with a child who has Type 1 diabetes sometimes find it difficult to let go of the important responsibility to constantly check insulin levels. Just ask Doreen Giordani, of Sunbury.
-
After the pounds come off
Bariatric surgery offers those who are 100-plus-pounds overweight a viable option for reclaiming their lives, a physician at Geisinger Medical Center noted.
-
Accreditation awarded to hospital
Sunbury Community Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care and safety in hospitals.
-
16 years old and still growing
The more things change the more they stay the same. That's what Dr. Michael Ryan, director of pediatrics at Janet Weis Children's Hospital, in Danville, said, as he discussed the 16 year anniversary of the facility.
-
Americans turn to technology to control impulses
NEW YORK — Dan Nainan can't trust himself to work at his computer without clicking on distractions, so he uses an Internet-blocking program to shut down his Web access twice a day. "I'm sorry, but try as I might, I could never, ever do this on my own," said the New York City comedian who's struggling to finish a book. "I wish I could, but I just don't have the discipline."
-
Some babyproofing basics for the new year
Babies and toddlers are curious creatures. Something captures their attention — a stuffed animal, a shiny object or a noisy rattle — and they're going after it. Just make sure they aren't chasing a teddy bear on top of a dresser, the blade of a knife or a pill bottle.
-
Texts, Web really do allow Santa to be everywhere
PHILADELPHIA — He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake, and he knows how many followers you have on Twitter.
-
In tough economy, Santas are suffering
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Craig McTavish — a.k.a. Santa — has the beard. He has the belly. He even has a few tricks up his sleeve, like pulling up to parties on his Harley-Davidson in full Kris Kringle garb. But there's one thing he doesn't have: work.
- More Life Headlines
-
Creative ways to use Easter leftovers



