This year, the School of Dentistry welcomed its third cohort of students into the STAHR Dental Assisting Internship Program. The program helps incoming dental and dental hygiene students build a strong foundation before starting their education, deepening their understanding of patient care and building confidence in clinical settings.
The program kicked off with a welcome and orientation, followed by sessions on infection control, radiography, and hands-on training in operatory setup and breakdown. Interns reviewed PPE protocols, practiced radiographic techniques on manikins, and earned their CPR/BLS certification. They also developed skills in instrument identification, proper patient positioning, and HVE placement.
On June 2, two students from the incoming DDS class of 2030 took their training beyond the classroom and began their placements at community health centers in Kansas City. They shared meaningful reflections on how the program impacted them.
"Today, I got to put all of the material I've learned from the STAHR online course into context,” said Kiara Stone. “The hands-on training was so valuable (and fun). I am excited and ready to start my internship at Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, and I am looking forward to all of the new experiences I will have!"
Scott Nguyen added, “"Being in the STAHR dental assisting internship program really allowed me to be a lot more confident in my clinical skills. Working with such strong mentors and role models thanks to the program pushed me deeper into my love for dentistry!”
Their enthusiasm serves as a reflection of what the program set out to achieve. By combining classroom learning with real-world clinical experience, it prepares students for dental school while fueling their passion for the field. We are proud to support them as they begin the next stage of their dental education journey!
