Westwood College to Host Open House on August 27 to Showcase Dental Assisting Program and New Dental Lab

WHAT:

The public including local business leaders, community members, prospective students, guidance counselors and elected officials are invited to learn more Westwood's new Associate Degree program in Dental Assisting and explore its new dental lab. State Assemblyman David Hadley, R-Torrance, will provide the keynote address to attendees. Westwood College representatives and dental assisting program students will be on hand to talk about the program and give tours of the lab and campus.

WHEN:

Thursday, August 27

5:30-7:30 pm

WHY:

Increased awareness of the link between oral health and general health has led to significant growth in demand for qualified dental assistants. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are currently 48,000 dental assistants in California, including 11,300 in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area alone. However, BLS data shows that is not enough with employment of dental assistants projected to grow 25 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations.

To help meet this growing demand, Westwood College students will be trained not only in the specific skills needed to be an effective dental assistant but also learn the soft skills needed to contribute to operating a dental practice. Westwood's new lab simulates a modern, comprehensive dental office to give students real-world experience including complete dental office stations, a complete sterilization station, a fully-equipped casting lab for dental impressions, and a Panorex radiology station where students will learn to work with both digital and film X-ray technology. The program is a Registered Dental Assisting (RDA) Associate Degree program, with provisional approval from the Dental Board of California.

WHERE:

19700 Vermont Ave., Suite 100

Torrance, CA 90502

For information about the event or dental screenings, call 310-525-2377