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Dental assistant students learn the drill on weekends

By Dave Dewitte The Gazette

Monticello-A new type of school that began in Monticello is combating Iowa's dental assistant shortage.

Learning to be a dental assistant in eight weeks is tough, but it's faster and less expensive than learning through community college programs. Each Saturday session is eight full hours of hands-on instruction.

"I let them know upfront that it's going to be a long day, a full day, and they're going to be mentally exhausted by the end of the day," said Linda Aschtgen, education director. Dental assistants perform services such as infection control, sterilizing instruments and taking x-rays. They may write records, administer fluoride treatments and polish teeth above the gum line. Attractions to the field include the pay, which usually ranges from $11 to $16 an hour.

James operates Monticello Family Dentistry in Monticello and Stone Creek Dental in Dyersville. He began developing the program in 2004 after serving as an internship site for a community college dentist hygienist program. Students remarked that learning through directed experience went more quickly than in a classroom, James said.

"We don't teach the history or theory of dentistry," James said. "We focus on the nuts and bolts, the things you need to know to be a functioning clinical dental assistant." The program could not be offered until it was approved by the Iowa Board of Dental Examiners. Students who complete the program must pass state board examinations and complete at least six months of employment as a trainee in a dental office to become certified.

Tuition for the eight-week Mentoring Dentist Dental Assisting School is $3,149. James donates $50 from each student enrolled to the University Of Iowa College Of Dentistry.