“I think typically people get into dentistry at the entry level, which is the dental assistant,” said Bobbie Welty, lead instructor of the newly-opened trade school the OceanPointe Dental Assisting Academy in Austin. “I have been [a dental assistant] now for 25 years, and it’s been a great career and income for me.”
Welty is a longtime dental assistant at Goehring Dental in Southwest Austin, a highly-regarded practice that’s grappled, alongside its peers, with the ongoing, multi-year shortage of dental assistants throughout Austin. Practice owner Dr. Dennis Goehring and his team finally decided to solve the problem by opening the OceanPointe Dental Assisting Academy of Austin, a trade school for aspiring dental professionals, which establishes a local talent pipeline for an in-demand and rewarding career.
Dental assistant program highlights
The OceanPointe Dental Assisting Academy is a great fit for both the dental assistant profession and the community as a whole. It boasts a competitive program, offering students flexibility, affordability and a uniquely hands-on program that equips students with the skills to succeed.
The academy is an attractive option for anyone interested in the dental profession, from high school students and people rejoining the workforce to anyone considering a change of pace. In less than three months, a person can complete the program, begin a rewarding career in health care and enjoy accompanying perks like a convenient work schedule and benefits packages.
Program highlights include:
- $5000 tuition
- 10-week hybrid program
- Job placement assistance
- Coverage of all certification fees
- CPR training, scrubs and course materials
- Real-case scenarios and shadowing opportunities
The program’s integration with Dr. Goehring’s neighboring dental practice and onsite, privately-owned lab sets it apart, since the expanding dental campus is equipped with the specialized dental and technological expertise to offer a broad array of treatments and services. Students are afforded the opportunity to learn from a variety of real-case scenarios and home in on specific interest areas.
Students complete weekday coursework virtually on their own time. Shadowing requirements begin three weeks into the program and also allow for flexible scheduling. In-person learning takes place across the first eight Saturdays of the program, and in the final two weeks, students work on completing externships and preparing for their certification exams.
Building a talent pipeline
Dental assistants are in high demand throughout the Austin area, as evidenced by the sheer volume of vacant dental assistant jobs posted on popular hiring sites like Indeed. By creating a talent pipeline, Dr. Goehring’s trade school helps fill the gap.
“There is a huge need for dental assistants right now, which we know as well, because we have looked for several in the past five, six years and had a nightmarish time trying to find people,” said Nisha Cohen, OceanPointe Dental Assisting Academy Director and member of the Goehring Dental team.
The OceanPointe Dental Assisting Academy of Austin also helps its graduates find jobs. With over two decades of experience in the local dental industry, Welty plays the role of matchmaker, connecting newly-minted dental assistants with prospective employers.
“Several [local practices] contact us wanting someone to come work for them,” Welty said. “You know [the practice owners’] personalities and you get to know the personalities of students, so you can better match people that way.”
More about Goehring Dental
Dr. Goehring’s passion for dentistry, which led him to open the trade school, is difficult to put into words. Upon graduating dental school in 1992, Dr. Goehring completed a two-part, two-year hospital residency program and continues to refine his craft through continued education opportunities in advanced dentistry, paying particular attention to scientifically-based implant dentistry, sedation and the care of special needs patients.
Goehring Dental services include:
- Routine care, including dental services for special needs patients
- Restorative dental services, including dental implants and dentures
- Cosmetic dentistry, including invisalign and porcelain veneers
The Goehring Dental and OceanPoint Dental Assisting Academy of Austin team are proud and honored to help educate the next generation of dental professionals. To learn more about Goehring Dental’s new trade school and view its program catalog, visit the OceanPointe Dental Assisting Academy website today.
The above story was produced by Community Impact's Multi Platform Journalist Team with information solely provided by the local business as part of its "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
