An Adventure in the Radiology Lab
By: Katie Lowe
What is a dental assistant?
I would not have been able to tell you…until I met one today. Actually, I met six of them. Today, East Ohio’s dental assistants allowed me a glimpse into the radiology lab! They were friendly and courteous, and I can’t thank them enough for allowing me to bug them with my camera and my many questions. I had a wonderful time learning a little bit about the Dental Assisting program and having the opportunity to explore the radiology lab. Before we parted ways, I asked the girls a few questions which they were more than happy to answer. I couldn’t have been given two better girls to interview.
The two lovely ladies I interviewed were Renee Cathers and Lauren Balmenti. Renee is almost ready to graduate! She will be at East Ohio until October and then will be out in the workforce. Lauren, who came to East Ohio straight out of high school, graduates in December and is loving every minute of her college experience. Both girls thoroughly enjoy their classes, but they both agree that their favorite part of East Ohio, by far, is their wonderful teacher Mrs. Jamie Stine and all of their classmates. Renee says, “It’s like a family.”
The dental girls (the nickname the dental students gave themselves) discussed with me some of their favorite and least favorite skills they have learned in their program. For Renee, one of the most difficult skills to master was plaster pouring. “It was hard and my teeth would always shatter!” she says. As for the some of the favorites…both girls agreed that they loved taking x-rays because it is very hands on. East Ohio’s radiology lab allowed them to really dive into their lab work. Lauren prefers taking the x-rays, while Renee prefers processing them. When they take x-rays, they look for “cavities and diagnostics.” I also asked them why it was so important that they earn their certification for taking an x-ray and I was given a resounding, “It’s the law.” Both Renee and Lauren were very knowledgeable and I wish them all the luck in the world in their job searches. I would definitely trust them with my teeth!
As our interview came to a close, I asked the girls if they were glad that they chose East Ohio to get their associate degrees. I wasn’t surprised when I hear a big “yes.” When I asked them what advice they would have for someone looking into the Dental Assisting program at East Ohio, Renee said, “Just do it!” and Lauren followed up with, “You’ll have no regrets. I am so glad I came here!” I couldn’t agree more! To anybody considering East Ohio: You should just go for it. I am sure that after you have finished and have your degree, you won’t have any regrets. You’ll be glad you came.