Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School Dental Assisting Students Attend Yankee Dental Congress

(South Easton) Eleven students in Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School’s new Dental Assisting Program complemented their studies and enjoyed exposure to the latest products and services at the Yankee Dental Congress at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center on Friday, January 31, 2014. The event was free for the students, who experienced a very professional conference among like-minded attendees. Transportation and lunch was provided by Southeastern Regional. “Students were given the opportunity to explore the exhibit hall floor, meet with dental vendors and viewed dental implants, instruments, toothbrushes, new equipment, x-ray machines - basically everything having to do with the dental professions,” said their instructor Mrs. Tracey Green. “The students left with bags of samples from the various vendors, including new polishing toothpaste, and other dental items.”

The high school freshmen enjoyed an opportunity to interact with nearly 28,000 attendees, consisting of dentists, dental students, hygienists, dental assistants, office personnel, technicians, exhibitors and representatives in the field of Endodontics, Forensics, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, General Practice, Periodontics, Oral Pathology, Prosthodontics, Oral Surgery and Restorative Dentistry. “Students attended presentations by peers from other high school Dental Assisting programs as well as industry professionals. They participated in an informational session with Colgate,” added Mrs. Green.

Students also appreciated the value of conference offerings. “I liked learning about tooth whiteners and the Colgate presentation about new toothbrushes that clean teeth deeper,” said Rachel Hartshorn who hopes to be an orthodontist.

Necolle Fernandes looks forward to working as a dental assistant after graduation. “I’m most excited about the new non-latex gloves that smell like strawberries. They gave us samples to take home.”

Talicia Smith liked learning about dental patient exam chairs and what dental assisting involves. “I learned more about the dental field. It was a nice experience.” Talicia wants to be an orthodontist. “I want to work with kids, hands on, so I picked Dental Assisting at Southeastern. I enjoyed talking to the Colgate representatives. They taught us about plaque and gingivitis and how to help diseases of the mouth.”

Mikayla Robinson was impressed by learning about cutting edge research in the field. “We got to see new equipment and learned about research on regrowing teeth using our own stem cells.”

The Dental Assisting Program at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School introduces students to every aspect of dental assisting and prepares them for the Dental Assisting National Board Exam. Careers include General Dental Practice, Certified Dental Assistant, General and Group Dental Practices, Dental Office Management, Dental Receptionist, and work with Public Health Agencies, Hospitals, Dental School Clinics and Insurance Companies.

Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School School is a public 9-12 vocational High School located in South Easton, Massachusetts, serving approximately 1,250 students from the city of Brockton and the towns of East Bridgewater, Easton, Foxborough, Mansfield, Norton, Sharon, Stoughton, and West Bridgewater.