12-Month Program

The dental assisting program is a 12-month, program that begins in August (fall semester 2025).  The program will be offered at the Family Care Health Center. This federally qualified health center (FQHC) is located at 4352 Manchester Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110. The dental assisting program, which is set to begin in the Fall of 2025, will offer hybrid/online courses andweekend clinics, making it accessible for working adults. Certification is in process for this program. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a Dental Assisting Certificate.

Our facility is fully equipped with dental and radiology treatment rooms, a laboratory area, and a state-of-the-art sterilization center. Students will have computer access for various lessons, testing, and simulations related to dental software programs. Preparing assistants for a successful career. 

The Instructional Staff/Program Director has many years of experience in the dental field. Instructors are certified by the Dental Assisting National Board and hold advanced degrees specializing in health science. The classroom/clinical/lab area is similar to that encountered in the dental office. Beginning preparatory instruction will be organized into class or

group participation. A major part of these classroom activities will consist of the theory involved in the dental health field. Collaborative learning will be stressed in the classroom/online and in the laboratory. Students will apply the theory taught to similar life-like situations as encountered

in the profession. Since students in this program are working toward becoming competent, professional dental assistants, it is necessary for you as a student to develop a highly professional attitude with an ethical approach toward your work, instructors, classmates, and patients.

 Our 7-week program includes 136 hours of lecture and hands-on clinical training that allows us to offer comprehensive training at a fraction of the cost of other schools.

Our instructors have over 30 years of combined experience in the dental field and are constantly updating our course curriculum as the dental profession and techniques evolve. All supplies, materials, teaching aids, handouts, etc. are included in the cost of tuition. 

 Our 25-Week Medical Apprenticeship Program offers a unique, hands-on learning experience designed for individuals looking to launch a career in the healthcare field. This intensive program combines classroom instruction with real-world clinical experience, providing apprentices with the skills, knowledge, and practical exposure necessary to succeed in various medical roles.

Throughout the program, participants will work closely with experienced healthcare professionals in diverse clinical settings, gaining valuable insights and honing their skills in patient care, medical procedures, and office administration. Our curriculum is designed to ensure that apprentices not only learn the theory behind medical practices but also apply that knowledge in real-life situations, preparing them for immediate employment opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

Key features of the 25-Week Medical Apprenticeship Program include:

• Comprehensive Training in medical terminology, patient care, medical office procedures, and clinical skills
• Hands-on Experience with direct mentorship from experienced medical professionals
• Job Placement Assistance upon successful completion of the program, helping apprentices transition into the workforce
• Certification upon completion, enhancing your employability in the medical field

This program is perfect for those seeking a career in healthcare but who may not have the time or resources to pursue traditional degree programs. Whether you're starting your career or seeking a career change, our Medical Apprenticeship Program provides the tools and support to help you succeed.

Join us and take the first step toward a rewarding and impactful career in the medical field!

Our program is to research to address the lack of minority dentists and physicians primarily focusing on strategies to increase the pipeline of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), students entering medical and dental schools through early exposure to culturally competent curriculum, healthcare careers, targeted mentorship programs, financial aid initiatives, and addressing system barriers with the admissions

process, including implicit bias, while also advocating for culturally competent healthcare practices within medical institutions.

Pipeline Development

* Early exposure programs:

Implementing programs in K-12 education to introduce underrepresented minority students to healthcare careers through career days, shadowing opportunities, and culturally relevant science curricula. 

* Cultural competency curricula:

Incorporating cultural competency education into dental and medical school curriculums to better service a diverse patient population.

* Mentorship programs:       

Establishing robust mentorship networks connecting pre-med/pre-dental underrepresented minority students with practicing minority physicians and dentists to provide guidance on the application process and career pathways.

* Summer research programs:

Offering research opportunities in dental and medical schools to expose underrepresented minority students to the field and provide valuable research experience. 

Admissions process reform:

* Holistic review: 

Evaluating applicants based on a comprehensive picture beyond just test scores, considering factors like community involvement and life experiences. 

* Unconscious bias training:

Educating admissions committees on identifying and mitigating unconscious biases in the selection process.

* Scholarships and grants:

Providing targeted financial aid to underrepresented students pursuing healthcare careers.