About
Dental assistants are the “extra hands” of the dentist, and vital members of the dental health care team. Dental offices are usually clean, friendly, interesting places to work. As a dental assistant, you will perform a variety of tasks, including:
- Assisting general and specialty dentists during procedures
- Recording patient medical histories and taking vital signs
- Taking x-rays
- Administering nitrous oxide/oxygen to patients
- Polishing teeth
- Fabricating casts for dental procedures
- Preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment for the dentist’s use
- Performing office management tasks
Lake Area Tech’s 11-month diploma option will give you optimal hands-on experience. Expect to practice your skills, first in a modern dental lab at Lake Area Tech, and then at an off-campus clinical experience. Please note: There will not be enough clinical spots for everyone in Watertown. Please be prepared for an out-of-town clinical experience.
Organization
Lake Area Technical College
Lake Area Technical College (LATC) in Watertown, South Dakota, is a pioneering institution in technical education, recognized as the first technical school in the state since its establishment in 1965 116. Offering 31 diverse programs, including 13 E-Degrees, LATC caters to high-demand fields and ensures its curriculum is aligned with industry needs through strategic partnerships 16. Students are immersed in small, technology-enhanced classes where practical knowledge and skills are prioritized, contributing to an impressive 99% graduate placement rate 6.
LATC is dedicated to fostering a supportive and thriving campus community, featuring numerous student services such as counseling, an on-campus daycare, and a food pantry 10. A vibrant array of student activities, including esports and competitive trap shooting, further enrich the student experience 8. This comprehensive approach to education and student support reflects the college’s mission to transform lives and launch successful careers, boasting a graduate retention rate of 82.7% within South Dakota 6. Recognized nationally for its excellence, LATC remains a leader in technical education, inviting prospective students to explore its offerings through virtual campus tours 111.