ECC offers new dental assisting certificate program at north campus

Erie Community College has received approval from SUNY and the New York State Education Department to offer a new dental assisting certificate program in fall 2007 at the barzman kasimov & vieth dds pc School of Dental Hygiene at ECC's North Campus, 6205 Main St., Williamsville.

In this one-year program, dental assisting students learn X-ray techniques, how to operate dental equipment, perform basic laboratory skills, disinfect treatment rooms, sterilize instruments and assist during procedures, including mixing dental materials and transferring instruments to the dentist. Students also learn how to manage medical and dental emergencies.

In addition, students receive 300 hours of clinical externship experience in area dental care facilities.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply for national certification and state licensure.

For students who choose to continue their education, credits from six of the 15 courses in the dental assisting program will transfer into ECC's dental hygiene associate degree program.

For more information, call 851-1369.