FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 22, 2015 Contact: Melonie McCoy, 512-556-8226 or melonie.mccoy@LCHEC DR. DON BULLOCH DENTAL ASSISTANT SCHOLARSHIP Lampasas, TX – The Lampasas County Higher Education Center (LCHEC) is delighted to announce a new scholarship for students in the dental assistant training program at LCHEC. Bennie Bulloch will help sponsor a dental assistant student at LCHEC: “I want it to be in memory of Don,” Mrs. Bulloch stated, referring to long-time Lampasas dentist Dr. Don Bulloch, who died in February 2014. The scholarship is open to all students registering for the dental assistant training program at LCHEC; preference will be given to a student with a strong interest in the field and the aspiration to go on to dental school. The amount of the scholarship is $500. Applications for the Dr. Don Bulloch Dental Assistant Scholarship are available in the LCHEC office. “We are so grateful for this generous gift in memory of Dr. Bulloch,” LCHEC COO Amy McDaniel said. “Scholarships make such a difference to students in need and help them to achieve their educational and professional goals.” Dr. and Mrs. Bulloch also donated dental equipment and supplies to LCHEC for the dental assistant program when it started in 2014. Rita Wittenburg, RDH, RDA is the instructor for the program. The next dental assistant training program is scheduled for May 4 through August 13, Mondays and Thursdays, 5:15-9:15 pm. Course cost is $2,500. Current high school juniors and seniors may take the course at a reduced rate. Additional expenses include scrubs (cost varies), Registered Dental Assistant Certification Exam ($65 through UTSA), DA registration fee ($36), annual renewal of registration ($32). The LCHEC Dental Assistant program trains students in the skills necessary for employment in a dental office as a member of the dental care team. Students will become proficient in increasing the efficiency of the dentist in the delivery of quality oral health care. The Dental Assistant has strong communication skills and enjoys working with his or her hands. The duties of the dental assistant are among the most comprehensive and varied in the dental office. The dental assistant performs many tasks requiring both interpersonal and technical skills. Career Opportunities Because many dentists employ two or more dental assistants, employment opportunities in this field are excellent. The types of practice settings available to dental assistants include: • Solo dental practices (practices with only one dentist) • Group practices (practices with two or more dentists) • Specialty practices, such as oral and maxillofacial surgery (removal of teeth and correction of facial deformities), orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics (straightening teeth with braces or other appliances), endodontics (root canal treatment), periodontics (treatment of gum problems), prosthodontics (replacement of lost teeth), and pediatric dentistry (treatment of children) • Public health dentistry, including settings such as schools and clinics which focus on the prevention of dental problems within entire communities • Hospital dental clinics, assisting dentists in the treatment of bedridden patients • Dental school clinics, assisting dental students as they learn to perform dental procedures. Other career opportunities include: • Insurance companies, processing dental insurance claims • Vocational schools, technical institutes, community colleges, dental schools and universities, teaching others to be dental assistants • Dental product sales representatives. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a Dental Assistant is $32,700 in Texas and $34,300 in Killeen, TX. Classroom Procedures This 160-hour course (comprised of 120 hours classroom and 40 hours externship) is a complete course designed to provide instruction in the duties and skills of a Dental Assistant. Class meets twice a week at night for 15 weeks, from 5:15 – 9:15 pm, with 5 to 10-minute breaks every hour. Externship hours will be scheduled with a worksite and information will be provided to the coordinator. The coordinator will follow up at least one time per week with the student. Externship hours will be scheduled according to worksite and student availability to fulfill the 40-hour requirement. The student will provide externship worksite information to the instructor and the instructor will follow up weekly with worksite for update on students’ progress. Externship hours and procedures observed will be documented, signed by worksite supervisor, and turned in to LCHEC. To register for a program, please call LCHEC for information. Payment plans and scholarships may be available for those who qualify. If you are a high school junior or senior, please call LCHEC at 512-556-8226 for special course cost rates. The Lampasas County Higher Education Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and welcomes donations. For more information about LCHEC, please call Melonie McCoy at 512-556-8226, email melonie.mccoy@LCHEC, or visit us on Facebook and our website LCHEC. [End]
Posted on: Thu, 22 Jan 2015 20:24:24 +0000
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