Clara Barton High School

The Clara Barton High School Dental Assistant Program offers a unique opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to prepare for a career as a dental assistant while still completing their secondary education. The program integrates hands-on training with academic coursework, preparing students to pursue entry-level positions or further their studies in dental hygiene or related fields.

• Rigorous Hands-On Training: Students gain practical experience in sterilization, infection control, four-handed dentistry, and patient care. Real-world training takes place both in the school’s on-site dental clinic and during rotations at Woodhull Hospital.
• Pathway to Certification: Graduates are eligible to take the National Certified Dental Assistant Exam in Radiology, Health, and Safety, opening doors to various dental career opportunities.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Topics include dental anatomy, oral hygiene education, radiology, chairside assisting, and business administration for dental offices.

To participate in the program, students must:

• Be enrolled in the 11th or 12th grade.
• Maintain a 75% or higher in all courses.
• Show professionalism and openness to constructive feedback.
• Be committed to full participation in the program, including hospital rotations.

Students practice in one of the only high school dental clinics in New York State, which adheres to the standards of adult dental assisting programs. Through this, they learn essential professional skills, including patient communication and dental equipment maintenance, setting them apart from peers in traditional high school programs.