A Day in the Life of a Dental Assistant

What exactly does a dental assistant do all day? What should you expect when you land a great job at a dental clinic as an assistant? We asked Emma, a 30-year-old dental assistant in the Oshawa area, to share what it’s like to work as a dental assistant in a busy clinic.

Why did you choose to become a dental assistant?

I chose it because I needed a part-time job that paid well. I also chose it because I was interested in the healthcare field, but I didn’t think I’d enjoy nursing.

Can you describe the dental clinic you work in?

I work in a fast-paced, busy clinic. We have five operatories (clinic rooms), two dentists, two dental assistants and four hygienists.

What are your main responsibilities at the dental clinic?

Each day is a bit different, but almost every day I:

• Sterilize instruments
• Greet and seat patients
• Assist with procedures (restorations, root canals, extractions, crown preps, etc)
• Take x-rays
• Polish teeth
• Take impressions
• Do lab work
• Pull charts
• File
• Bill patients
• Accept payment
• Clean the operatory rooms where we work

How much time do you spend working with a dentist?

I work alongside my assigned dentist every day, all day long.

How is your job different than that of a dental hygienist?

A dental hygienist works alone scaling teeth. As a dental assistant, I work along with the dentist doing different procedures to restore teeth.

What parts of the job are most challenging?

Working with kids can be fun but also challenging.

What are your favourite parts of the job?

I love helping someone love their smile!

Are you interested in joining the ranks of dental assistants? Trillium College offers a 12-month diploma program that will completely prepare you for a career as a dental assistant.

In conjunction with the in-class dental program components, you will gain valuable professional experience working in a clinical setting in our dental college clinic. After graduation, you you may find employment in general dentistry, community dentistry, specialty dentistry or dental sales.

A new program is starting soon! Find out more here.

So, you’ve been researching the Personal Support Worker field and wondering about making a career change. You’ve read that PSWs are lucky heroes of sorts, who help the sick, have job schedule flexibility and work in an industry facing growing demand. But do you really have what it takes to be a PSW? At Trillium College, we teach our PSW diploma program students the importance of these 5 traits:

1. Positivity

Sometimes it’s hard for the sick and elderly to stay positive. Pain and loneliness can be realities for the unwell, and an important part of a PSW’s job is lending a helping hand – both physically and mentally. As a PSW, your positivity makes a world of difference.

2. Physical Strength

While you don’t have to be a legendary strongman (or woman!) to become a PSW, physical strength is an asset. PSWs assist immobile or physically restricted individuals on a regular basis, lifting them out of bed, into the bath, and so forth. It helps to be strong – or at least in good shape – as a PSW!

3. Compassion and Patience

Can you imagine how hard it must be to need others’ help to eat, bathe, or go to the washroom? You can? Well, that suggests you have empathy. And, with empathy, comes patience. People who need PSWs often face extreme physical and/or mental limitations due to illness or age. It’s your job to help them live the best lives they can – without fear or embarrassment.

4. Team Work Skills

No matter where you choose to work, be it a long-term care home (LTC), hospital or individual’s house, you’ll need both independent and team work skills. As a valuable member of our health care system, you’ll have to work alongside medical professionals and the clients you represent!

5. Organization Skills

Visiting multiple clients’ homes, helping them take the right medications and coordinating with other health care professionals: all this takes organization, which is an important skill for a PSW to have.

Think you have what it takes to become a PSW? Call us today at 1.855.234.2008 to learn more about Trillium’s Personal Support Worker diploma program.

Five Ways to Kickoff Your Career As An Esthetician

What’s stopping you from beginning your well-deserved career as an esthetician? Whether it is fear of failure, or lack of confidence, we understand how it feels starting a brand new career. You completed your education and now somehow the world looks even bigger than when you first began your studies. However, do not let fear of the unknown stop you from chasing your dreams! You officially have the skills and knowledge you need to be an esthetician. Thus, it’s time to kickoff your well-deserved career.

You may find yourself eager to jump into any job available, but it’s important to be prepared. You have rightfully and thoughtfully earned your diploma from the Esthetics & Spa Operations Program, and now it’s time to find the right job! Before doing so, you will want to ensure you have everything you need beyond your classroom knowledge to impress future employers. Use our tips below to kickoff your career within the thriving esthetics and spa industry.

1. Narrow your skill set.

While in school you had the opportunity to learn a variety of skills, tasks, and practices within the esthetics and spa operations industry. Whether it was makeup application, nail art, skin treatment, and probably more, you will want to choose an area of focus and practice. This will not only make it easier to perfect your skills, but it will establish a specific market for you to conquer in. Trying to master and offer multiple types of services on your own can be overwhelming. As you begin to kickoff your career, you should begin by becoming proficient in one skill set and expand more services later on in your career.

2. Create a business card.

Be ready for any opportunity with a business card. First impressions are important and with a business card you can surely impress future employers, technicians, stylists, etc. Create a business card including your contact information with a design that reflects who you are. Get to know your local esthetics community online and in person. Be sure to keep a few business cards with you at all times because you never know when an opportunity may arise!

3. Have a stellar resume.

Kickoff the job of your dreams by creating a memorable resume. There are various ways to design and format resumes, but feel free to let it reflect who you are as well. If you are unsure of what to include in your resume, start with the basics:

• Objective
• Key Skills
• Experience
• Education
• Certifications
• References

A simple search online can provide great examples of specific industry resumes, including a resume template for esthetics. Also be sure to double check your work. We recommend having one or more people to proof-read your work. PRO TIP: Include a cover letter when applying to a specific job!

4. Showcase your services.

Show off your work visually using a website or social media page. Begin taking pictures of your work or work from the past, as well as posting relevant content. Building and sharing content can give others an exclusive inside look at your work and your creative side. Furthermore, showcasing your work and services is also a great way to begin growing clientele by sharing all you have to offer and all you are capable of providing. Showcasing your services can not only be fun, but is impressive from an employer’s perspective by showing how well prepared you are.

5. Practice and learn!

There is always room for improvement. As you prepare to kickoff your career and eventually advance in your career, you can always make time to learn more. Having the education and certification is mandatory, but learning anything else is a bonus. Get to know your esthetics community and feel free to learn a thing or two from fellow estheticians, beauticians, stylists and plenty of other professionals. Some communities are known to provide master classes at esthetic companies where you can even further a specific skill set. Plus, anything else you learn or certify in can be added to your resume and make you more reputable.

So, don’t let anything get in the way between you and your career in esthetics! The esthetics industry is constantly growing and changing. With so many beauty trends evolving and spreading, the need for esthetic professionals is definitely increasing. If you want to kickoff your career in the world of beauty, check out our Esthetics & Spa Operations Program here.

As a graduate of the Massage Therapy program at Trillium College, there are many promising employment opportunities in St. Catharines. They may find employment in private clinics, hospitals, spas, wellness centers, and geriatric care facilities are fitting professional environments for a massage therapist, while self-employment as a certified Massage Therapist is another avenue that may be explored.

Current Employers of our Massage Therapy graduates in St. Catharines

Zen Wellness Clinic
Goodlife
Massage Addict
Medi Massage
Performance Health & Wellness
Christienne Fallsview Spa
Double Tree by Hilton
Massage Therapy Niagara

Massage Therapy Program Description

Trillium College’s Massage Therapy program introduces you to a variety of soft tissue manipulation techniques to treat stress, pain, and other physical conditions or disorders. You will develop the specialized knowledge and skills to systematically assess clients’ needs, formulate comprehensive clinical impressions, develop specific treatment plans and evaluate clients’ progress and treatment outcomes. Our curriculum emphasizes client focused care and is designed to facilitate your growth as a health care professional in order to become a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT).

What Grads Are Saying About Our Personal Support Worker Program

Thinking about enrolling in the Personal Support Worker program at Trillium College? Read on to hear what grads (really) say about our program.

Finding a satisfying career:

• “I was at work in a boring call centre , wanting more for a career.  A co-worker pointed out that I enjoy helping others— why not look into PSW? The next day I went to Trillium College, and the rest was history.” Jackie Mccrea, via Facebook.

• “My story is like everyone else’s. I needed to change my life because I was in a dead-end job, dead-end relationship, and was totally broke. I didn’t know what to do or where to go. Thankfully, I stumbled on Trillium through a friend that finished PSW and got her new job before she even graduated. Over time, I had some ups and downs during school. I was evicted, fighting for custody of my child , and struggling in some courses.

• I’m happy to say that I’m four weeks from finishing my PSW course and already have been hired. My wage will be more than I’ve ever made in my life. Trillium was there to guide me every step of the way. When I fell, they helped me get up. When I was upset, they made me smile. Most importantly, they taught me what I needed to become a great PSW. Thank you, Trillium College.” Anonymous, via online comment.

Great instructors who care:

• “From the first day, the staff and instructors were all incredible. They saw potential in every student, and were willing to go the extra mile for those who strove for success. Even during times when things were uncertain, and days were not the best, they were always cheerful, upbeat, and doing their utmost to help students however they could.

• The instructors were wonderful on both a personal and professional level. Not only did they make the course material interesting and easy to understand, they were willing to provide additional help to those that needed it. They also made sure that each student was prepared for the placements that followed the classroom, and worked with each student individually to ensure their success during their placement.

• I would highly recommend Trillium College to anyone looking to enter a PSW career (or any other, for that matter). Thanks to their educational and career support, I was able to secure a job in the field before the completion of my final exam! My one regret is not telling the staff there how truly wonderful they are, and how they changed my life for the better.” Shane Belmont, via Facebook

Finding success as a PSW:

• “The best decision I ever made was going to Trillium College for the Personal Support Worker program! Jobs for PSW are endless—it’s a fast growing field and we will need more in the future. I recommend the program to anyone who has an interest in the growing healthcare field. Thank you Trillium!” David Redfearn, via Facebook

• “I graduated from Trillium in June 2016 from the PSW program. My teachers (Ms. Tammy especially) and the school’s support team pushed myself and my classmates to excel and because of that we all graduated with excellent grades, most of which were honours.

• There are so many job opportunities in this field and Trillium helped me find my current job where I’m making great money. I’m so grateful for everything Trillium College did for me.” Erin Rose, via Facebook

Trillium College as a school:

• “Great location and the staff are very friendly, professional and helpful. I believe the school truly cares that your experience is enjoyable and that you succeed in your career.” Valerie, via online comment

• “I am currently taking the PSW course at Trillium in Oshawa. My teacher is wonderful and is really helping me to understand the things I am having trouble with! Great school—I would recommend it to anyone wanting to become a PSW.” -Anonymous, via online comment

• Trillium College loves receiving this kind of feedback from our past and present students. We strive to provide the best Personal Support Worker education and to launch our students into rewarding careers.

Did you know?

Grads of our Personal Support Worker program seek employment in long-term care facilities, hospitals, home care agencies, group homes, respite and palliative care centres. Our graduates will be especially prepared to work with special needs children and senior citizens. This healthcare career will take you far, and has far-reaching benefits—for you and others.

Ready to join our group of happy PSW grads?

Check out our Personal Support Worker Diploma program. Questions about start dates, tuition costs, campus locations or anything else? Get in touch with us below.

Our career coaches are ready to assist you with anything.

When studying Esthetics & Spa Operations, students are taught the proper skills and techniques to practice and apply in the industry of beauty, cosmetics, and esthetics.

So you have a passion for esthetics, along with the talent. Will that alone secure your spot in the esthetics industry? An important factor you will want to remember is standing out from the competition. There are many career paths to choose from in the esthetics industry. From working for a beauty company, in a salon, at a spa, or running your own business. Whichever path you take, branding yourself as an Esthetician is the key to a successful career.

As with any profession, there are stereotypes associated with being an Esthetician.

Many people assume that an Esthetician only works in the makeup industry. However, this is only a fraction of what an Esthetician is qualified to do. Those who study ESO are taught to perform a variety of services such as facials, anti-aging skin treatments, makeup application, body waxing, manicures, pedicures and more. Undoubtedly, the program is very hands on, but students are also taught in-depth theory behind many new industry services. These services range from microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, laser skin treatment, and as well learning salon and spa administration. An Esthetician may have a tough time narrowing down their choice of practice. It’s best to choose a path and practice that you can excel in, and one you thoroughly enjoy.

How do you stand out from the competition? It starts with clientele.

Whether you choose to work in a salon, spa, or run your own business, the clientele is what will determine your success or failure as a service provider. Working in a salon/spa setting could make the process of gaining clientele a little easier due to their established client base. If you decide to start your own business, it may take a few more steps to obtain clients rather than having them handed to you by a salon/spa. Either way, having loyal clients will essentially create your ‘team’. Your ‘ team’, also known as your customers, are the people you should be the most thankful for! It’s important to ensure you are communicating with clients in the most efficient way possible. This can begin with proper branding.

You may be asking, what does branding have to do with esthetics?

Simple! Branding aids businesses in marketing their services appropriately to current and potential clients. Ever heard of brand awareness? As a solo business, you will want people to know who you are and in order to do this you need brand awareness or a presence in the market. Your presence can be physically around your community, or more commonly in your digital community. There are many free social media platforms at your disposal to advertise or brand your esthetics business such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn, and many more. Estheticians can use these social media platforms to showcase their work and promote their services.

Whether your business is starting up, online/offline, small or large, social media can provide a client communication advantage for any business.

Currently, we live in a world in which traditional advertising and branding strategies just aren’t cutting it anymore. As an Esthetician, it’s important to keep your digital profile up to date. This means maintaining a constant presence and always looking for new ways to increase your business’ exposure. Keeping customers and potential customers engaged with business events and latest offerings will create a strong connection with clients. Ensure that the people you are reaching are in fact your desired audience though. Using social media and personal branding properly will not only help you gain new clients, but also help start up your business and make a name for yourself within the industry and among the appropriate audience!

Start your career in the exciting world of health, beauty and esthetics at Trillium
College. Click here to learn more about the Esthetics & Spa Operations program and begin branding your esthetics career away!

Being in the medical field is one of the most rewarding careers and industries to be a part of.

While working in healthcare, the industry offers many benefits such as well-paid income, job stability and far from boring work setting. Although there are many different medical professions out there, only a few are aware of the truly important duties of a medical office assistant.

Medical office assistants perform a variety of crucial medical duties. Their daily tasks provide a significant role, as they are the front liners in healthcare. Whether you are planning to enroll in the medical office assistant program or not, read on for the important tasks a MOA has to acquire and why you should consider this as a career!

First, registering patients and arranging clinical procedures.

Before being able to consult with a nurse, doctor, or any other medical professionals, a medical office assistant is the first person a patient meets. The MOA’s first duty is to acquire a patient’s personal information before proceeding with the medical visit. Once the MOA has gathered the patient’s information, he/she will then proceed to transfer the patient into the doctor’s office. This is when and where the doctor can begin to perform clinical procedures. In summary, a MOA is required to prepare the patient through regulated duties prior to the doctor arriving in order to properly complete a patient visit.

 Managing and updating all patient records.

As required, each patient has a file obtaining personal information regarding their medical history. These records are significant because it tracks and includes each patient visit, filed prescriptions, diagnoses etc.. Recording each patient visit after a follow-up appointment is also crucial as it provides updated information for the medical team to understand any previous concerns.

 Overseeing inventory for medical and office supplies.

Having great organizational skills is a quality many medical office assistants should obtain in this profession. Apart from any other tasks, MOA’s can be in charge of overseeing the inventory of supplies that the clinical work setting may need. This will help all medical staff do their job correctly by having the appropriate tools to do so. Other tasks in the medical work setting may consist of:

• Ordering low stock supplies (medical and office)
• Replace any materials and equipment (when needed or instructed)
• Clean and sterilize any medical equipment and instruments
• Delivering and disposing of any short of supplies

The duties of a MOA offer many important tasks that require the right mindset and skills for this field. If you have a passion to help others, have outstanding organizational skills, and great verbal communication, then you should consider this career. If you are certain you want to work in the medical field, but can’t decide which direction to take, then this a great career to begin with! Working closely with other medical professionals (cardiologist, dermatologist, allergists, etc.) can give you insights into what other medical professionals work duties are like.

 Start your journey today.

In as little as 9 months at Trillium College, you can start your new career as a Medical Office Assistant! We offer in-depth training in medical terminology, medical administrative procedures and the medical transcription skills. Preparing students to be an essential part of a well driven, focused, team environment is the goal. Become a medical office assistant today!

If you are someone who enjoys helping others, enjoys making a difference, has patience, and likes hands-on learning, then this may be your calling. Becoming a massage therapist has many rewarding benefits that can lead to a successful career. Here are five reasons why you should become a Massage Therapist today.

1. Hands-On Experience

In class, students can gain professional experiences while working closely with their instructors. Aside from in-class training, students can also be given the opportunity to work in a co-op placement and attend networking events. As a result, students will have enough practical experience to begin working in their preferred job setting as a massage therapist.

2. Professionally Licensed

Upon completing the program and meeting requirements, students can become eligible to apply for the provincial certification examination. This exam is from the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). Once successfully completing the exam, the title of a registered massage therapist (RMT) can finally be earned!

3. Working Environment

Massage therapists can choose from many different places to work in. Therefore, they are able to select from a wide range of job locations. Here are a few examples of locations where a RMT may find employment in:

• Medical clinics
• Physicians/chiropractic offices
• Hotels/cruise ships (or other travel accommodations)
• Fitness centres
• Private practice

4. Knowledge of The Human Body

Students who enroll in the Massage Therapy program will gain knowledge in both theoretical and practical training. Subjects that can be expected to learn are anatomy and physiology, kinesiology (study of muscles and movement), pathology, and ethics. They can also expect to participate in massage treatments, Swedish massage techniques, advanced massage techniques and more!

5. Helping Others

Many massage therapists are committed to create a positive environment and provide quality service for clients. The Massage Therapy program prepares you to have the proper knowledge and techniques to help others in ways that only a RMT can. From tension relief to mental and physical relaxation, it’s rewarding to know that you can be the solution to someone else’s pain or problems.

If you think studying Massage Therapy is for you, check out The Massage Therapy Diploma Program to find out more details and register today! Or if you’re having trouble deciding which career path is right for you, chat with one of our Career Coaches who are available any time to discuss your future success.

Trillium College’s PSW diploma program can lead you to the career of your dreams!

Trying to find a career that will both make you happy and cover your costs of living can seem like a difficult task. Wouldn’t it be great if the job of your dreams would make itself known – and if there were easy instructions to follow to achieve your dreams? Becoming a Personal Support Worker is the answer to many career-minded, caring people’s job wishes, and Trillium College’s Personal Support Worker program is helping them train to excel in this growing field. Here are five reasons becoming a PSW might be right for you:

1. You have a chance to help your community

People often wish they could “make a difference.” As a PSW, you really can. From helping clients bathe, eat and take the proper amounts of medication. To being the all-important person they confide in and trust, you’ll play a major role in restoring your clients happiness, health and dignity.

2. It’s rewarding, and makes you feel good

Ever noticed how good it feels to help friends and family, or even a stranger? It’s proven that helping others helps us feel our best too and it is an important part of a PSW’s daily routine.

3. There is a growing demand in the field

Ontario’s baby boomers are aging, our hospitals are full and the home care sector is one that – as The Globe and Mail’s Tavia Grant puts it – “can’t keep up with demand” (2012). Not only this, but almost half of all PSWs are 50 to 59-years-old, and will be retiring soon (CRNCC & PSNO, 2009). There couldn’t be a better time to step into the field!

4. You can be proud of your career

Trillium College’s PSWs enter a profession they can be proud of. They work alongside medical professionals in a range of health care settings, like long-term care homes, hospitals and individuals’ homes, restoring well-being and dignity to the sick.

5. You won’t waste time as a PSW

Four-year university programs take a long time to complete. Often enough, there is unfortunately no defined job at the end of the tunnel. Trillium College’s Personal Support Worker diploma program has its graduates fully prepared to enter the PSW field in 25 weeks.

There’s no better time to become a PSW. Click here to learn more about Trillium’s PSW diploma program and support your community now!

You’re looking to pursue a career as a dental assistant, how do you know if becoming a dental assistant is for you?

Dental assistants are knowledgeable individuals who contribute an important role to the dental industry. A dental assistant performs key tasks to help the dental visit run smooth. Although certain tasks may differ from each employer, there are common tasks that remain the same everywhere. If you have always wanted to step into a world of patient care and working alongside with dentists, becoming a dental assistant could be for you!

Being a dental assistant is a great job to have. Not only is it rewarding, but it is an always in-demand job meaning that there will always be positions. If you have always wanted to break through the dental field, this is a fantastic way to do so. Once you have your foot in the door, possibilities are quite endless. Other dental field roles include; office workers, clinic managers, research associates, dental sales representatives, dental hygienists, dentists and more.

Whether you have just graduated from the dental assistant program or are looking for information about the dental assistant program, there are other key factors to remember when considering dental assistance as a career. What exactly does a dental assistant do?

• Assist the dentist and dental hygienist in variety of procedures
• Take and develop dental radiographs
• Communicate with patient about medical history
• Informing patient of proper oral care
• Performing office management tasks
• Communicating with third party members such as sales representatives

Another important factor to remember in studying the Dental Assistant program, is that there are two levels. There is Level 1 and Level 2, with Level 2 obviously being a more advanced skillset. Trillium College’s Dental Assistant program certifies both and is approved by the National Dental Assisting Examination Board (NDAEB), an exam required to pass to be 100% certified.

So, are you ready to become a dental assistant? Be prepared to:

• Have a lot of availability
• Work under pressure
• Manage multi-tasking
• Step out of your comfort zone
• Turn into a sponge – absorb everything you learn
• Interact a whole lot with patients
• Mastering organization skills
• Change lives

If you’ve made it this far and feel excited about the dental industry, follow your calling. You will never know unless you try! Becoming a dental assistant is a rewarding career. You have the ability to make the world a better place, one smile at a time.