MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Applications are currently being accepted to fill 20 available spots for volunteers to receive free dental assistant training, starting Oct. 6, courtesy of the American Red Cross.
The Red Cross Volunteer Dental Assistant Program equips military spouses with basic dentistry skills through six months of on-the-job training at the Depot Naval Dental Center.
The program is open to all military family members within the Tri-Command area who are at least 18 years old, and who are willing to volunteer at least three days a week, 350 training hours total -- within the six-month period.
"This is a great opportunity," said Carolyn Washington, an 11-year dental assistant at the NDC. "This would give volunteers something to do while supporting the military community."
Volunteers who are accepted for the program will first go through one week of in-class instruction to familiarize them with the basics and what they can expect in the workplace.
They will then work alongside certified dental assistants at the NDC to learn the fundamentals of dentistry while obtaining their needed training hours.
The program not only teaches volunteers how to do fillings and sealants, but also how to take x-rays and assist dentists in oral surgery as well. Spouses have the option of staying past the six months and continuing to volunteer at the NDC, to learn even more complex aspects of dentistry, said Washington.
"There's a whole world of possibility with this training," said Washington. "They can go beyond the six-month training and continue to volunteer [at the NDC] if they want, or if they're lucky and the timing is right, there might even be an opening here for them to work."
Once volunteers complete their training, they will receive a certificate declaring them a qualified dental assistant, opening doors for employment opportunities on and off base. Since the program has been active aboard numerous Marine Corps bases worldwide for nearly 10 years, most employers recognize and honor the certificates, according to Washington.
"Many offices out in town call us and ask for our dental assistants to hire because they know they are trained and qualified from actual on-the-job experience," said Washington.
The program is not only an excellent training opportunity for volunteers, but also a good way to bring in extra money upon graduation, added Washington.
"[The program] is important because it gives the family a big boost as far as money is concerned. Some of these [volunteers] have never had a job in their whole lives. Some have been stay-at-home moms taking care of their kids. When their kids grow up and graduate, [the spouses] want to start a career of their own, and this is perfect for them."
There are approximately 10 dental assistants currently employed at the NDC who were hired upon completion of their training, and another group of volunteers is scheduled to graduate this month.
"I like it, and it's a good learning experience," said Dominique De La Ossa, a dental assistant who hopes to one day be employed at the NDC.
"It's exciting and it's different from working at a restaurant," added April Gomez, wife of Lance Cpl. Horacio Gomez. "[The training] isn't hard if you put your mind to it. If you are willing to learn and willing to train, it's not hard at all."
According to Lorrie Pierre, station manager for the Tri-Command American Red Cross, the program is also a big help for the dental clinic staff.
"This program not only trains the volunteers, but also helps around the dental clinic and takes some of the work load off to free up the dental techs, so they can do what they want to do," said Pierre.
"Our [volunteers] can practically run the rooms by themselves because most of what we do here is repetitious," added Washington.
Washington encourages those who are interested to apply as soon as possible.
"Any military spouse should try and take advantage of this program because they never know where they'll end up," said Washington. "There's always a need for dental assistants; this is definitely good training."
For more information, or to apply for the program, call Washington at 228-2992.