American Red Cross & 18th Dental Squadron

Summer 2010 Dental Assistant Program

Length: 6 months.  Each trainee is expected to work Mon-Fri approximately 40 hrs/wk and complete 900 hours during the period.  You are provided 5 sick days and 5 days of leave.

When: Classes start on June 7th.

Where: At the 18th Dental Clinic on Kadena

What are the Requirements?

All applicants must have SOFA status and be over the age of 18.  You must complete an application, and once accepted, complete Red Cross orientation and clear Red Cross Background Check. 

What's the application process?

When Red Cross is notified by the Dental command that they are ready for a new class, Red Cross announces applications are available. Applications must be picked up from the Red Cross office and must be completed and returned by the close date. Your application is reviewed by the Dental Squadron representative and Red Cross. Applicants are then notified of  interview dates and times (not all applicants are intereviewed). You can start picking up applications on May 10th, and turn them in to the Red Cross Building 220 by May 20th.  Finally, you will be notified if you have been accepted into the program. 

What is the program like?

You will spend two weeks in class and the rest of the time learning through hands on training at the side of a dentist. Once completed, you will have approximately 900 hours of expereince. You will NOT be certified as a Dental Assistant, however you will receive a certificate of completion and all hours are documented. Since this is a training program, child care reimbursement is not provided. You may however, receive a letter from the Dental Clinic placing you on priority for CDC.  

What are the job possibilities?

This training presents you with a very marketable job skill, especially in the U.S. However, at the Kadena Dental Clinic, due to the SOFA agreement only local Nationals may be hired. Through the Navy, there are opportunities for trained dental assistants to be hired.