By Jennifer Nguyen, Staff Writer
Because hands-on training typically isn’t offered in high school classes, students are encouraged to take Regional Occupational Program (ROP) courses through Coastline Community College.
ROP is a state-funded public education that provides career technical education to meet educational standards and industry needs. It is a course of study which combines classroom instruction and hands-on learning.
One of the many ROP courses provided by Coastline is called Dental Assistant Back Office. The course helps students who are interested in a dentistry major to learn about the dental industry and the basics of laboratory skills. In addition, the class also prepares students on how to set up and clean instrument trays and materials.
Dental Assistant Back Office is separated into two semesters. Students with a grade of 85% of higher will have the opportunity to advance to Dental Assistant Back Office Internship in which students will be able to witness advanced dental assisting training. Using the skills and knowledge that students learn in the first semester, students will experience hands-on training and intern in a professional dentist’s office. Upon completion of the course, students will be given a radiology certificate set forth by the California Board of Dental Examiners.
Currently, nine students from FVHS are enrolled in the course, including senior Linh Doan. Doan enrolled in the course because she was interested in a career in the dental field.
“I thought it was a great opportunity to try a class that I wouldn’t get to try free anywhere else and also I liked the idea of interning in a real dental office,” said Doan.
For more information about the different ROP courses that FVHS has to offer, be sure to talk to a guidance counselor or Marvene Sanders in the College and Career Center.
