Dental Assisting Program in Aurora, CO

Programs >> Health >> Dental Assisting

Dental Assisting Program in Aurora, CO

Pickens Technical College Dental Assisting program provides an excellent education that prepares students to become a contributing member of the dental profession and meet the needs of diverse populations. The program focuses on effective communication, critical thinking, information and technology literacy, quantitative reasoning, and professionalism. It prepares students to succeed in a highly competitive, global economy. Students must master all of the tasks to complete the program successfully. This program prepares students to assist the dentist at the chairside in the dental operatory, perform reception and clerical functions and selected laboratory work. In addition, the student will gain the skills required for direct patient care such as taking x-rays and impressions, preventative education, and nutritional counseling.

Note: Students must be age 18 before enrolling in DEA 125 & DEA 131, as directed by the Colorado Board of Dental Examiners Rule & Regulations. Simulated clinical situations are practiced prior to actual clinical assignments. Clinical assignments will include work in a variety of private dental offices and clinics.

Accreditation

The Commission on Dental Accreditation has determined the Dental Assisting program’s accreditation status to be “approved without reporting requirements”. Upon successful completion, the student will qualify to enroll in the Expanded Duty Dental Assisting Program offered here at Pickens Technical College.

The following certificates may be earned:

Dental Assisting Certificate

Expanded Duties Dental Assistant (EDDA) class starting soon!
Thursday and Saturday evenings in April

DOWNLOAD DENTAL PROGRAM FLYER

DOWNLOAD THE DENTAL EDDA PROGRAM FLYER

DENTAL ASSISTING INFECTION CONTROL PROTOCOL

STEPS FOR ENROLLMENT

Instructor Dr. Charles Lee

Dr. Lee feels that Pickens Technical College Dental Assisting Program provides state of the art training with very knowledgeable instructors.

Years Teaching: Since 2012

Teaching Background: Dr. Lee came to Pickens after retiring from private practice. He has also taught at PIMA as a dental assisting instructor.

Years in Industry: Since 1982

Industry Background:
Dr. Lee graduated from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. He started his private practice in 1989. During that time he has been restoring smiles through cosmetic, restorative and implant dentistry. Dr. Lee and his staff make all sizes of smiles healthier by providing professional dental care for every member of the family. In 2009 Dr. Lee retired from his private practice, and turned to teaching.

Certifications and Degrees: To be updated

Instructor Heidi Heath CDA, EDDA

Heidi Heath is a Dental Assistant Instructor who works with the students training them to be great Dental Assistants. Instructor, Heidi Heath previously attended Pickens Dental Assisting Program in 2012 and returned to join our team as an instructor. Heidi has integrity and pride in her work. Her eye for detail in technique and in aesthetic dentistry produces beautiful master impressions and temporaries that allow for an optimal end result for patients. One of her biggest strengths within the dental field is her ability to anticipate and accomplish tasks that enable the practice to run smoothly and efficiently. She has integrity and pride in her work. Her eye for detail in technique and in aesthetic dentistry produces beautiful master impressions and temporaries that allow for an optimal end result for patients. Heidi is on the Advisory Board Committee here at Pickens. She feels that Pickens Technical College is an outstanding technical school where a student can receive hands-on learning because the classrooms accurately reflect the industries students are preparing to work in.

Years Teaching: Since 2012

Teaching Background: To be updated

Years in Industry: 3 years

Industry Background:
Heidi completed a 300-hour internship with a notable busy dental practice before being hired full time at that practice. After almost a year she returned to Pickens Technical College to get her EDDA certificate. She continues to temp as an EDDA to stay connected to the field.

Certifications and Degrees:

CPR certified
Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA)

Instructor, Cathy Mauricio BS, CDA, EDDA

Mrs. Mauricio is a Dental Assisting, EDDA and Clinical instructor that loves teaching students the skills they need to succeed. Originally from Peru, Mrs. Mauricio has a passion for dentistry and has been in the industry for more than twenty years. Mrs. Mauricio brings hands on experience to the students with a positive teaching environment. Her experience brings valuable training to our students. Mrs. Mauricio is on the advisory committee at Pickens and has participated in HOSA (Future Health Professional) as a judge. In addition she has been working as an EDDA for more than 20 years, and continues to do so, because it allows her to keep in touch with the latest technology.

Years Teaching: Since 2017

Teaching Background: Mrs. Mauricio believes every student has a great potential to become a successful dental assistant. She enjoys diversity in her class and enjoys seeing the transformation with her students. For three years in a row, I have witnessed first hand students landing a good job, providing for their family and empowering their community. She loves encouraging her students to continue their academic goals and become hygienists, office managers and dentists.

Years in Industry: 25 years

Industry Background: Mrs. Mauricio has attended dental school in Peru. After moving to Colorado she had to work full time while attending college, so she empathizes with her students with similar situations and relates to the hard work that is needed in order to achieve their dreams. She believes Pickens is a great place to obtain the skills needed to succeed in the dental industry. She loves diversity in her classroom and enjoys a positive classroom environment.

Certifications and Degrees: