GRCTC Dental Assisting
Garland ISD
Course Overview
The GRCTC 2-year dental assisting program is designed to allow students from all home campuses the opportunity to begin learning fundamental knowledge and skills needed within the field of dentistry. The information obtained, while in the dental assisting practicum, can be directly applied towards future dental careers including dental assistant, dental hygienist, Doctor of Dental Surgery, dental laboratory technician and specialties within the dental field. Upon completion of this course, students will have an understanding and knowledge of dental history, dental professions, dental anatomy, infection control, dental conditions/diseases, dental hygiene, professional dental communication, chair side dental techniques, dental charting, dental practice management, and more!
Why Choose Dentistry?
- High earning potential
- Strong job growth
- Job stability
- Flexible work schedule
- Community impact
- Continuous learning
- Respected profession
- Career options within dentistry
Industry-Based Certification
Registered Dental Assistant X-Ray Certification with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners
Registered Dental Assistant X-Ray Certification Exam
- Jurisprudence
- Infection Control
- Radiology
Click HERE for more detailed information about RDA X-ray Certification Exam.
2-Year Dental Assisting Program Information
- Dental Anatomy and Physiology
- Class held at GRCTC
- Grade Level - 11th grade fall semester
- 1 credit
- Level 2 class with regular grade points
- No externship requirement
- Dental Equipment and Procedures
- Class held at GRCTC
- Grade Level - 11th grade spring semester
- 1 credit
- Level 3 class with weighted grade points
- No externship requirement
- Practicum in Health Science - Dental Assisting (8H950)
- Class held at GRCTC
- Grade Level - 12th grade full year
- 2 credits
- Level 4 class with weighted grade points
- Dual Credit - None
- Required 55-hour externship at local dental office
- Students must provide own transportation to/from office
Pathway Example
GRCTC Pathway Example:
- 9th grade: Freshman Biology
- 10th grade: Principles of Health Science OR Introduction to Dental Science (currently not offered in GISD)
- 11th grade: Dental Anatomy and Physiology & Dental Equipment & Procedures
- 12th grade: Practicum in Health Science - Dental Assisting
Class Times
- All dental assisting classes are double-blocked and are held at GRCTC.
- Students will either be an A-Day or B-day student:
- Juniors: 7:15 - 10:20 am
- Seniors: 11:35 am - 2:40 pm (PM students will have an "A Lunch" before traveling to the center)
Transportation To/From GRCTC
Students may travel to/from GRCTC by being dropped off, driving themselves, or riding a GRCTC shuttle bus. Click HERE to view the current shuttle bus schedule.
You do NOT need to contact GISD Transportation to request shuttle bus service to or from GRCTC.
AM students (juniors) will return to their home campus after class for the remainder of the school day by either driving themselves or riding the GRCTC shuttle bus.
Again, no call to GISD Transportation is required for AM students to ride the shuttle bus back to their home campus.
Click HERE to fill out the GRCTC Student Vehicle Registration Google Form.
Instructor - Toni Pelayo, RDH
Email: tpelayo@garlandisd.net
Phone: 972-487-4588
GRCTC Counselor
Course Topics
- Dental history
- Ethics, jurisprudence, & HIPAA
- Basic dental sciences
- Clinical dental procedure
- Dental radiography
- Dental specialties
- Restorative & laboratory materials and techniques
- Dental practice management
GRCTC HOSA
Spring Semester Off Campus Externship
- 12th grade students only
- Required off campus at a local dental office - students must provide their own transportation
- Students leave the second half of class to attend externship
- Minimum of 55 clinical hours
- Students must have health insurance coverage during spring externship
Future Dentist Club - Texas A&M School of Dentistry, Dallas
Benefits of the Future Dentist Club (FDC)
The Future Dentist Club is for 6th through 12th graders. Activities include:
- Dental activities
- Meeting and talking to dental students
- Cultural Competence seminar
Summer Pre-Dental Programs - Texas A&M School of Dentistry, Dallas
Pre-Dental Enrichment (SPEP)
Social Media
@GRCTCdental
- TikTok
Garland ISD, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in its programs or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, Mary Garcia at 501 S. Jupiter Road, Garland, TX 75042 (972) 494-8684 MAGarci2@garlandisd.net, and/or the Section 504 Coordinator, Dr. Wendy Brower, Coordinator, Special Education at 501 S. Jupiter Road, Garland, TX 75042 (972) 487-3364 wlbrower@garlandisd.net.
Garland ISD, no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, o discapacidad en sus programas o actividades y brinda igualdad de acceso a los Boy Scouts y otros grupos juveniles designados. La siguiente persona ha sido designada para manejar consultas sobre las políticas de no discriminación: Coordinadora del Titulo IX, Mary Garcia en 501 S. Jupiter Road, Garland, TX 75042 (972) 494-8684, MAGarci2@garlandisd.net , y / o la Coordinadora de la Sección 504, Dra. Wendy Brower, Coordinadora, Educación Especial en 501 S. Jupiter Road, Garland, TX 75042 (972) 487-3364 wlbrower@garlandisd.net.
GRCTC Dental Assisting
Email: tpelayo@garlandisd.net
Website: https://www.garlandisdschools.net/grctc/academics/health-science
Location: 4885 North President George Bush Highway, Garland, TX, USA
Phone: 972-487-4588
Facebook: facebook.com/grctcdental
Twitter: @grctcdental