Dallas ISD students are gaining real-world dental experience through hands-on training at Career Institute North’s dental assistant program.
The program draws students from multiple Dallas ISD campuses who practice patient care, polish teeth, and take X-rays in the dental lab. The pathway offers students early career exposure and certification opportunities while still in high school. It represents a crucial bridge between classroom learning and professional healthcare careers.
“At first, I was more interested in doing patient care, but I wanted to try dentistry because it’s a career pathway I plan to take in the future,” said Milagros T. “I get to learn how to locate the quadrants of all the teeth, their purpose, and how to use each tool.”
Milagros’s interest was sparked at home through her sister-in-law, who studies dentistry. Now she is transforming her curiosity into practical skills through CI North’s health science cluster.
The program attracts students seeking professional development and healthcare experience. Gael H. from Hillcrest High School discovered internship and field trip opportunities he had not encountered before.
“I really enjoy what we do here,” he said. “It looks more professional and feels like somewhere where you really need to focus. It’s something I can see myself doing in the future.”
Harmonie P. from North Dallas High School joined because her mother works in medicine. She also wants to help an autistic family member with oral care.
“It gives me a lot of character development,” she said. “I’ve learned to be more professional, and it gave me a critical idea of what I want to do in my community. I’m serious about this, and I’m going through with it.”
First-year teacher Rosa Cuellar leads the program with over a decade of experience as a registered dental assistant. She guides students through medical terminology, health science introduction, and hands-on procedures.
“They’re learning skills they can actually use, whether they go straight to work or continue in health care,” Cuellar said. “It’s been very fun to see how they come in shy and then grow into students who are confident with patient care and hands-on procedures.”
Students master chair-side assisting, polishing techniques, x-ray procedures, and vital sign monitoring. The certification opportunity particularly appeals to career-minded students.
“I like that I can get certified in high school,” Harmonie said. “It’s going to help me a lot in the future.”
For Milagros, wearing braces adds personal relevance to her studies. Each dentist visit becomes a learning opportunity.
“Some of the things I’ve learned have already helped me. I have braces, so it made me experience more, and every time I go to the dentist, I look at everything they’re doing. It’s very inspiring,” she said.
Those interested in Career Institute opportunities can attend Discover Dallas ISD on Saturday, November 1, at Fair Park’s Automobile Building.