Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM 18 UCW December 13-19, 2023 FTCC expands Dental Assisting Program for 2024-25 academic year by CHRISTOPHER THRASHER In response to unprecedented job growth and urgent requests from employers, Fayetteville Technical Community College recently an- nounced plans to expand its Dental Assisting program from 30 to 36 students for the 2024-25 school year. Dental assistants play a vital role in helping dentists improve the health and well-being of patients. Some dental assistants focus on con- ducting in-depth examinations of new patients. Others work with orthodontists to give patients million-dollar smiles. Increasing numbers of dental assistants work in cosmetic dentistry, helping with dental restorations and bleaching. Dental assistants also have the option to contin- ue their education, complete a bachelor's degree, and teach dental techniques to the next genera- tion of dental assistants. e dental assisting program at FTCC is a one- year, three-semester program that begins in the fall and concludes at the end of the summer each school year. Coursework includes classes in top- ics such as clinical procedures, dental materials, dealing with infections, preventative dentistry, and radiography. e program is fully accredited by the Com- mission on Dental Accreditation, which is the accrediting body for dental assistant programs across the country. Since CODA accreditation is respected across the United States and in many foreign nations, the FTCC Dental Assisting pro- gram is a great career choice for anyone, even individuals who plan to eventually leave North Carolina. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental assistant jobs are expected to grow by 7% annually from 2022 to 2032, mak- ing it one of the nation's fastest-growing fields. New dental assistants can expect to earn $18 to $23 per hour with excellent opportunities for advancement and increasing wages as they gain experience. Starting in the fall of 2024, a limited number of students who complete their prerequisite course- work at Robeson Community College will enjoy the opportunity to complete their dental assistant training at FTCC. Are you worried that you can't afford college? If so, we have great news. FTCC is one of the most affordable colleges in the region. Most students receive generous financial aid packages, and many students can complete their education at no cost to them. Applications for entry into the FTCC dental assistant program for the 2024 - 2025 school year will be accepted from Nov. 1, 2023, to Jan. 30, 2024. e program is highly competitive. Anyone interested in the program should apply today. For more information, contact FTCC today! Dental Assisting Department Chair: Sandra Walker walkers@faytechcc.edu 910-678-8574 Health Technologies Center Room 101-H, 2201 Hull Rd. (Photo courtesy of FTCC) EDUCATION CHRISTOPHER THRASHER, FTCC Social Sci- ence Instructor. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcom- ingweekly.com. 910-484-6200 C u st o m C a teri n g by T w o B r o t h ers eVineNC.com or TwoBrothersCateringNC.com 806 Katie Street Fayetteville NC (O Owen Drive behind O-Reilly's) Make your special day one that everyone will remember! Call 910-584-9892 Serving You Since 2004 Lakeside WEDDING, BANQUET & EVENT VENUE Fayetteville's Newest Venue