By Gina Morton
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.”
