A crucial component of the Northwest Suburban College dental assistant program is the externship experience. This hands-on training helps dental assistant students put their knowledge and skills into practice, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world dental environments. In this article, we will explore the valuable benefits of the Northwest Suburban College dental assistant externship program and how it contributes to the overall success and career readiness of its students.
Participating in an externship provides an authentic learning experience, allowing students to observe experienced professionals, apply their skills in real dental settings, and gain essential industry insights. To ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of Northwest Suburban College’s externship program, we will examine the structure of the externship, the skills students develop during their placement, and the potential impact on their future careers.
1. Structure of the Externship Program
The Northwest Suburban College dental assistant externship program is designed to provide students with a seamless transition from classroom learning to hands-on experience in real dental settings. Typically, externships occur during the final stages of the dental assistant program once students have completed their in-class training. The placement period varies in length but typically lasts for several weeks, providing students with ample time to develop and refine their skills.
To ensure students gain valuable experience during their externship, Northwest Suburban College carefully selects dental offices, clinics, and other dental care facilities for placements. These settings offer students the opportunity to work with experienced dental professionals, such as dentists, dental hygienists, and fellow dental assistants.
2. Skill Development and Practical Application
The primary objective of the Northwest Suburban College dental assistant externship program is to promote skill development and practical application in a real-world setting. During the course of the externship, students will have the opportunity to:
– Assist dental professionals in various procedures, such as dental cleanings, restorative treatments, and oral surgery.
– Hone their skills in dental X-ray technology, including taking and processing X-ray images.
– Develop expertise in infection control procedures and maintaining a sterile environment.
– Enhance their communication and patient care skills, including patient education and addressing dental anxieties.
– Gain experience in maintaining dental records and managing appointment schedules.
These hands-on experiences allow dental assistant students to not only apply the theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom but also gain valuable industry-specific skills that will continue to develop throughout their careers.
3. Networking Opportunities and Employment Prospects
Participating in an externship also offers significant networking opportunities for dental assistant students. By working alongside experienced dental professionals, students can build professional relationships that may lead to employment opportunities or valuable industry connections in the future.
In many cases, externship placements can lead to job offers, as dental offices and clinics often look to hire from their pool of externs who have already demonstrated their skills and knowledge. Furthermore, the relationships formed during an externship can result in professional references that can strengthen a student’s resume when seeking employment in the dental field.
4. Professional Adaptability and Confidence Building
Externships allow students to experience the day-to-day operations and challenges of a dental environment firsthand. This practical experience gives students the opportunity to become familiar with various work settings, such as private practices, community clinics, and specialty dental offices.
Through the externship program, dental assistant students learn to adapt to different professional environments and develop the confidence to handle various situations they may encounter in their careers. This adaptability and confidence can be invaluable when transitioning to the workforce, as graduates are better prepared to navigate the challenges and different work environments they may encounter as dental professionals.
5. Valuable Feedback and Personal Growth
Receiving feedback from experienced dental professionals during an externship is an essential aspect of personal and professional growth for dental assistant students. This feedback may include guidance on clinical techniques, patient care strategies, and communication skills. Taking the time to learn from these professionals will help students refine their skills and develop a deeper understanding of their chosen careers.
Constructive feedback from dental professionals also enables students to identify their strengths and areas for improvement, fostering continual growth and development in their skillset.
6. Certification Exam Preparation
Northwest Suburban College dental assistant students are required to complete an externship to fulfill the qualifications necessary to take the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) RHSPA/RDA (Radiation Health and Safety/ Registered Dental Assistant) certification exam. The hands-on experience gained during the externship helps prepare students for the practical aspects of the certification exam, thereby improving their chances of success.
Secure Your Success as a dental assistant with Northwest Suburban College Externships
Northwest Suburban College’s dental assistant externship program offers students numerous benefits, providing them with real-world experience, skill development, and networking opportunities, all of which contribute to their overall career success and readiness for professional dental environments. By actively participating in their externship and embracing feedback from experienced professionals, students set themselves up for a successful transition into the dental field, well-prepared to excel as dental assistants.
Don’t miss your chance to build a solid foundation for a successful dental assistant career with Northwest Suburban College’s externship program. Learn more about our dental assistant training and how our externships can enhance your career prospects. Visit our website or contact our admissions team to enroll today and take the first step toward becoming a confident, in-demand dental assistant with Northwest Suburban College.
