I am a senior living in Kennewick, and I wake up at six in the morning every day to get ready and try to attend Tri-Tech Skill Center for the Dental Assistant Program at eight o’clock. After that, I come to Pasco High School for 5th and I take 6th online.
Having two classes this year at PHS? Having two classes this year is good for me because I do not have to worry about doing a lot of homework, so it is less stressful for me, and I can focus more on college stuff. Having two classes is fun because I do not get bored quickly, and I can drive back and forth like coming to Pasco and back to Kennewick. Also, it gives me enough time to get ready for work.
What is it like to attend a program at Tri-Tech Skill Center? Well, assisting in a Tri Tech skill center program is an excellent opportunity and different experience from my home high school since they prepare me and teach me things that I can do in my future career. I am currently taking the dental assistant program since I dream of becoming a Registered Dental Hygienist.

One of the steps that I am taking to meet my goal is taking this program. At Tri-Tech Skill Center, every day, I learn something new. During this time that I have experience in this program, I got the opportunity to be in labs. For example, I learned about disinfection, sterilization, digital imaging, and the dental dam. I learned vital factors such as disinfection is intended to kill some disease-causing microorganisms that remain on the surface. The single-use disposable items are used on only one patient and then discarded.

I learned how to use the ultrasonic cleaner, wrap instruments, and place them in the sterilizer. This lab was beneficial because disinfection and sterilization is an essential part of understanding as a dental assistant. Attending this program gave me the chance to get my RDA (Registered Dental Assisting), my Basic Life Support Card, Blood Borne Pathogen’s Certificate, etc. These certificates can give me the chance to work in an office and gain more experience.

This class has prepared me for my future by learning principal factors that will help me in my career. I am very thankful that I received this opportunity. I plan to work as a Dental Assistant in the mornings and go to Columbia Basin College for two years, take the prerequisites, and hope to get into a Dental Hygiene Program.

Tri tech skill center is a fantastic opportunity for juniors/seniors and prepares them for their future. Remember, If anyone plans to attend, I recommend applying early to get into the program because programs fill up fast.