Dental assistants perform different types of patient care, office duties, and laboratory duties. On a typical day, a dental assistant who delivers patient care will: make patients as comfortable as possible in the dental chair, prepare them for treatment, and obtain dental records; hand instruments and materials to dentists; sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment, prepare tray setups for dental procedures, and instruct patients on postoperative and general oral health care; and much more. With further education, students can become Registered Dental Hygienists who clean teeth and examine oral areas.
The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) La Plata campus, located on a picturesque 173-acre site in Charles County, Maryland, provides an inviting and comprehensive educational environment. This campus offers more than 120 academic programs, which encompass a wide array of study areas including Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, and multiple career-focused certificates. Notable areas of focus here include liberal arts, sciences, humanities, and nursing, all aimed at equipping students with the skills needed for future success.
The campus actively nurtures a vibrant student life with numerous clubs and organizations, as well as hosting 12 different sports events, creating a balanced and engaging atmosphere for personal growth. Its facilities, spanning 14 modern buildings, include a bookstore, a conference center, a fine arts center with a 400-seat auditorium, computer labs, and more. With a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, CSM ensures personalized attention and smaller class sizes, further complemented by strong support services like academic advising and career counseling. Additionally, the campus is environmentally conscious, incorporating green initiatives throughout its infrastructure. CSM La Plata's affordable tuition, open admissions policy, and emphasis on facilitating transfer to four-year institutions make it an attractive choice for a diverse student population.