Injury Guides Local Woman to New Career

6 Local Women Embark on New Healthcare Careers.

File photo of Salem Dental Assisting School

(SALEM, Ore.,) - After experiencing a debilitating, repetitive-motion, on-the-job-injury, Sweet Home resident, Monique de Jonge decided a new, family-friendly career with fewer risks and greater rewards while helping others was in order.

After reviewing her options with a job coach, Monique decided a career as a dental assistant was right up her alley.

Monique and her rehabilitation counselor did extensive research both online and interviewing prospective educational facilities, ultimately deciding on the 14-week, fast-paced and intensive program at Salem’s Willamette Valley Dental Assisting School (WVDAS).

Fast-forward a little over 3 months.

Monique is a proud graduate along with 5 other local women, with jobs-in-hand, and a part of WVDAS’s 26th graduating class from its time-compressed program in Salem.

Salem-News.com Business Report by Bonnie King

The low student:instructor ratio (it averages 5 students to 1 instructor) at WVDAS, and the strategy of applied learning, where almost 70% of the class is focused on hands-on techniques after reviewing video, audio and classroom materials with experienced, state-licensed instructors, then allowed Monique to really master skills needed to compete with graduates from other programs.

What’s more, Monique will be testing soon for her Radiologic Proficiency Certificate, through the Dental Assisting National Board (danb.org).

If history holds for Ms. de Jonge, she will join the many other students from WVDAS who have also successfully passed the exams.

Reaching this milestone will allow her to take x-rays on dental patients state-wide, and in other states that recognize Oregon’s leadership in patient-protection.

de Jonge said of her accomplishments recently, “It’s nice to know all my hard work paid off.”

Ms. de Jonge is currently working with several different dental offices in the mid-Willamette Valley area.

For more information about the 14-week program at WVDAS, contact an admissions representative at 503-551-7217.

You can visit them online: SalemDentalAssistingSchool.com or WVDAS.com

Related:

Feb-05-2008: Salem's Only Private Dental Assisting School to Offer Radiologic Proficiency Course - Salem-News.com Business Report

Feb-05-2008: Salem's Dental Assisting School Steers Students Toward Open Career Field