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Career Cluster Health Services
The responsibilities of a Dental Assistant are diverse and challenging - requiring both technical and interpersonal skills. Working in classrooms and supervised clinical settings, students are introduced to a range of dental procedures and specialties, learning the basics of dental science, nutrition and prevention, and head and neck anatomy. Students learn techniques related to infection control, instrument identification and transfer, taking patient X-Rays, and communicating with patients. Training also covers administrative tasks such as inventory control, appointment scheduling, office management and patient charts. Safety, communication skills and professionalism are emphasized throughout the curriculum.
Standards are critical areas of competency aligned to industry identified needs and Industry Recognized Credentials (IRCs) that will support student success in the field. Standards provide the structure that empowers the teacher to choose the best curriculum and instructional approaches to guide skill and knowledge development for students.
Industry Recognized Credentials demonstrate standards and skills that strengthen student access to careers upon graduation. Each framework identifies at least one essential safety and essential industry credential, with supplemental and specialized credentials identified to help expand opportunities. This framework is designed for students to gain insight and skills and credentials necessary for success in this field, including the essential credentials: OSHA 10 for General Industry, CPR for Health Professions, and National Entry Level Dental Assistant.
The following resources are provided to support educators in developing curriculum and delivering instruction related to this framework. For CTE Chapter 74 programs, instructors can refer to these resources in developing the 900+ hours of required learning time.
Math Lessons:
The following Math Lesson and Teachers Guide provide an illustration of how a specific math concept is used in the context of career application.
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Qualified teacher will hold a Career Technical Teacher License in Dental Assisting.
Last Updated: January 6, 2026