The Dental Assisting program prepares students to provide patient care, conduct dental radiographs (x-ray photographs), prepare patients and equipment for dental procedures, and discharge office administrative functions under the supervision of dentists and dental hygienists. The Dental Assisting program includes instruction in medical recordkeeping, general office duties, reception and patient intake, scheduling, equipment maintenance and sterilization, basic radiography, pre- and post-operative patient care and instruction, chairside assisting, performing tooth and mouth impressions, and supervised practice. The Dental Assisting students develop leadership, social, civic, and career skills through participation in the career and Technical Student Organization HOSA (Future Health Professionals). The Dental Assisting instructional program prepares students for entry-level employment, further training, and/or post-secondary education for these and other occupations: Dental Assistant, Dental Specialty Assistant, and Dental Administrative Assistant.