About The Programs
Front Desk Admin/Customer Service Program
The primary objective of the Front Desk Administration/Customer Service Program is to provide the skills needed to successfully and professionally be the "face of the business." This program instructs front-of-house employees on effective communication in-person, via email and over the phone in a manner that most desirably represents the business and creates productive interactions with customers/clients/patients. Everything is covered from office conduct to filing and scheduling.
Program Duration
6 6-hour (36 hours) of instruction and practical training with a flexible operating schedule. Class size is minimum 4 students and maximum 12 students. Course price is $450 per student.
Class Structure
This program utilizes a combination of themed instructional sessions, active training and take-home assignments designed to give students a well-rounded experience.
Topics
Program topics include telephone etiquette, drafting/proofing emails, record-keeping and filing, handling money, scheduling appointments, appropriate conversation topics and more.
Dental Assisting Program
Our mission is to provide our students with a basic understanding of the field of dentistry and help them obtain the skills necessary to have a successful and rewarding career. The Dental Assisting Course consists of 12 weeks (96 hours) of instruction and practical training plus a 40-hour (one week) internship. The goal and objective is to prepare each student for a career in the field of dentistry. This course schedule is designed to meet that vocational goal and objectives.
Program Duration
12 weeks (96 hours) of instruction and practical training, plus 40-hour internship for required 136 total hours of instruction
Facility
State-of-the-art dental office with 1 operatory, sterilization area, business office and reception area – learn on real equipment in an actual dental office setting
Class Structure
4 hours of lecture and video instruction and approximately 4 hours of clinical or hands-on instruction per week
Equipment
Working chair, rheostat, overhead light, computer, water unit/supplies, X-ray head, X-ray sensors, imaging unit/intraoral equipment, lab equipment
Internship
Develop practical skills working directly under the supervision of a licensed dentist, get additional hands-on training
Student Services
Upon satisfying the program requirements, students will receive a certificate of completion, a transcript and a letter of recommendation.
Requirements by State
Wyoming
A dental assistant in Wyoming may perform basic supportive dental procedures specified by the state dental practice act under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
Dental assistants may be trained by their employer or by an accredited or WBDE-approved program for dental assistants.
In settings where nitrous oxide anxiolysis, sedation and/or anesthesia are administered, all dental personnel shall be certified in administering Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers. A dentist, operating dentist or sedation/anesthesia permit holder may delegate patient monitoring to qualified dental personnel.
Montana
A dental auxiliary in Montana may perform basic supportive dental procedures specified by the state dental practice act under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. To qualify, one must:
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Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program, OR
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Receive instruction and training by a licensed dentist, OR
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Receive instruction and training in a Montana Board-approved continuing education course.
South Dakota
A dental assistant in South Dakota may perform basic supportive dental procedures under the direct or indirect supervision of a licensed dentist or under the personal supervision of a licensed dental hygienist.
There are no training requirements for this level of dental assisting.
About Mark Thoreson D.D.S.
Program Director
Mark G Thoreson, DDS is a graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.
He owned and operated a solo general Dental practice for nearly a decade.
He has taught Dental Assisting privately in the past, training more than 100 people in Oregon to enter the Dental profession as Dental Assistants. He has also taught at Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon, in Human Anatomy and Physiology to students in Dental Hygiene, Registered Nursing, Emergency Medical Technician and Respiratory Therapy programs. He mentored and advised those and other students toward their career success. Dr Thoreson also provides Health Careers presentations to Middle and High Schools across the Country.
Dr Thoreson has had a long business career in the Dental industry, including sales of Dental lasers, practice growth coaching, Dental equipment and particularly instruments for Dental and Dental Hygiene schools across the Western US and into Western Canada. He has presented and spoken for company products at events ranging from small gatherings at Dental practices through the National and International levels for Endodontics, Oral Surgery, Lasers and Instrumentation as well as for magnifying loupes. He has been the corporate liaison for Fotona presenting their Dental Lasers to the prestigious Las Vegas Institute, which has an international client base, presenting to and training Dentists and their teams clinically with lasers. Also for Fotona, Dr Thoreson led the creation of a Laser Periodontal Surgery program, leading 4 International Key Opinion Leaders through a 3-day course presentation. This course was highly received and has been repeated.
Dr Thoreson has consulted with international companies regarding laser use in medical, dental, and podiatric fields. He holds 3 US patents for a dental restorative device currently in late-stage development and clinical evaluation.
His biggest joys are his family, creating new things, writing, singing Barbershop Baritone, and leading others into new successes. (The Minnesota Vikings fit into that list, but not always with joy.)