Dental Sciences Program

    • Course Description

      Students are immersed into clinical experience in both the classroom and through internships available during the senior year. Our modern operatory includes real world tools and equipment which allow students to conduct mock exams and perform X-rays, preventative and restorative practices, and emergency care.

    • Prerequisites at the Time of Junior Year Enrollment

      Minimum of 7 core credits (1.5 must be English, 1 must be Science); on track to graduate

    • Credits & Certifications Offered

      High School Credit
      • 2 CTE, 1 Science Year One
      • 3 CTE Year Two
      College Credit
      • Missouri Baptist University, Dual Credit - 8 Credits
      • Additional Opportunities through State Techical College

      Certifications
      • The DANB's (Dental Assisting National Board) Missouri Test of Basic Dental Assisting Skills (MBDA)
      • Permit to Assist the Administration of and Monitor Nitrous Oxide Analgesia
      • CPR Certification
      • OSHA Healthcare Certification

      *College credit and certification are not guaranteed. Their attainment is dependent on student performance in both the course and on external       industry assessments. All certifications are through external agencies and the accommodations permitted will vary from assessment to assessment. Additionally, students must participate in the full two years of the program to be potentially eligible for all certifications listed.

    • How Will My Time Be Spent? 

       

      Program Year Classroom Time Lab Time
      CTE Year One 76% or more 25% or less
      CTE Year Two 51%-75% 26%-50%

    • Tech is Real World Learning

      Students in this program learn through the use of a variety of industry grade tools and equipment and texts. Their real world labs also require uniforms and personal protective equipment.

      Tools & Equipment

      • Medical records and technology
      • Sterilization equipment
      • Medical emergency and vital sign assessment equipment
      • Evacuation equipment
      • Lab equipment
      • Restorative/preventative dentistry equipment and instruments
      • Various handpieces, cotton pliers, intraoral mirror and other delicate tools

      Academic Materials

      • Modern Dental Assisting, 12th Ed. - a postsecondary text used in college level programs
      • OSHA training texts
      • Google Classroom and Google Slides

      Uniform Requirements

      • Scrubs of any pattern/color and a lab jacket
      • Closed-toe shoes

    • Essential Skills Needed for Success

      Students learn the entry-level skills necessary to prepare for post-secondary education and the highly competitive world of work. Traditionally, successful students have mastered the processing and/or physical skills listed below prior to enrollment.

      Core Essential Skills

      • Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems

      • Enjoy helping others; Service oriented; the desire to serve the community

      • Have a basic knowledge of biology and chemistry

      • Learn new vocabulary and Latin roots; spell correctly

      • Read and comprehend postsecondary text

      • Follow and complete multi-step directions

      • Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand

      • Communicate information effectively with peers and instructor

      • Make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects

      • Able to keep your hand and arm steady while moving or in a stationary position and able to quickly grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects

      For a complete list of essential skills please review the Course Overview Guide.

    Program Information

    • Kristin Vergano Kristin Vergano
      Dental Sciences
      314.989.7458
      Send an Email

      Ms. Kristin Vergano has been in the Dental industry for 10 years, and has began teaching at South Tech High School in 2015. Prior to joining the South Tech team, Ms. Vergano worked as a Dental Hygienist, Histotech and became the first tutor for the Dental Hygiene program at Forest Park.