Fall Class Begins:
Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Open House:
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
from 6:30pm-7:00pm

A few questions for Alexis, a 2020 ATS graduate:

Why did you attend ATS?
"To better myself and start a career."

If you already had employment, what were you looking for to be different with Dental Assisting than your current job?
"I wanted a career not just a job. I also wanted to help better people's lives."

Describe your overall experience with our school:
"I absolutely loved it! I learned so much and they made it so easy to learn! I also made so many new friends in this program!"

How did it help you with finding a new career?
"It helped me become knowledgeable in the area of dental assisting."

Would you refer a family member or friend to our program?
"Yes, absolutely!"

A few questions for Jansyn, a 2017 graduate of ATS:

Why did you attend ATS?
"I was interested in the dental field and the ATS offered night classes."

If you already had employment, what were you looking for to be different with Dental Assisting than your current job?
"I wanted a career not just a job."

Describe your overall experience with our school:
"I loved the ATS program. I was able to work a full time job while in the program."

How did it help you with finding a new career?
"I got hired making good money before I graduated. I am now doing ortho and I love it."

Would you refer a family or friend to our program?
"Yes."

A few questions for Alex, a 2016 graduate of ATS:

Why did you attend ATS?
"I have heard great things about this program and I have always wanted to have a career in dentistry."

If you already had employment, what were you looking for to be different with Dental Assisting than your current job?
"I wanted to start my career. Also, helping people is something I love to do and being a dental assistant allows me to do that."

Describe your overall experience with our school:
"The experience was amazing for me. I looked forward to going to school. I learned so much from this class. One of my favorite things about this class was that most everything was hands-on learning."

How did it help you with finding a new career?
"I accepted a job before completing this class. ATS helped me so much with finding a job. They were very supportive and helped me be prepared for the job."

Would you refer a family or friend to our program?
"Definitely! ATS was a great experience."

A few questions for Kelly, a 2016 ATS graduate:

Why did you attend ATS?
"To further my education and have a career in life."

If you already had employment, what were you looking for to be different with Dental Assisting than your current job?
"I wanted to use more of my skill-set and learn more in the process. I wanted to work at my full potential. Landing a job before graduation was more than I expected."

Describe your overall experience with our school:
"ATS is a great school! The fast-paced classes, with hands-on training, helped so much in the learning process. The teachers take the time with you individually to make sure you understand the material. ATS changed my life for the better and I'm thankful!""

How did it help you with finding a new career?
"With the help and hard work the teachers give and their guidance set me up to find a dental assisting job. Shadowing other assistants at local dental offices put it in real-world perspective, which was very helpful."

Would you refer a family member or friend to our program?
"I would refer anyone to ATS that's looking for a career in life, and not just another job."

A few questions for Lauren, a 2015 graduate of ATS:

Why did you attend ATS?
"I had heard alot of good things about the program."

If you already had employment, what were you looking for to be different with Dental Assisting than your current job?
"I was wanting basically my dream job. And with this program and help of the instructor, I was able to achieve that."

Describe your overall experience with our school:
"It was an amazing experience, and very helpful. I learned alot of good skills needed for dental assisting and made connections in the community to help find a job."

How did it help you with finding a new career?
"I always wanted to work in the dental field. It helped make connections and taught me skills needed to do so."

Would you refer a family or friend to our program?
"Yes, it is an amazing program."

A few questions for Janet, a 2015 graduate of ATS:

Why did you attend ATS?
"I attended ATS because working in the field of dentistry has always been an interest to me."

If you already had employment, what were you looking for to be different with Dental Assisting than your current job?
"Helping people has been a top priority for me. Just having the one on one communication with a person is fulfilling. You don't get that with clerical work."

Describe your overall experience with our school:
"The experience was great for me. The ATS program made my experience more enjoyable. I looked forward to each and every class. It allowed me to gain the knowledge I needed with a close "one on one" instruction."

How did it help you with finding a new career?
"ATS is very concerned with placing their students for employment. ATS works hard for their students to succeed, therefore, making them proud to want to place them for employment as soon as possible. I was working as a dental assistant within a few weeks after graduation. Thank you ATS!"

Would you refer a family or friend to our program?
"Yes, most definitely! :)"

A few questions for Paige, a 2015 graduate of ATS:

Why did you attend ATS?
"To obtain a career in the dental field."

If you already had employment, what were you looking for to be different with Dental Assisting than your current job?
"Something stable that would allow me to become an asset in my future position and in turn solidify my future."

Describe your overall experience with our school:
"So happy I chose Dr. Sells' program. We were given the tools to succeed and undivided attention. Any questions/concerns were always answered and I'm still amazed and so GRATEFUL at the help I continued to receive months after graduating to get a position somewhere in the field."

How did it help you with finding a new career?
"As stated above, I didn't think prior to attending there would be much support to find a job after the program ended. I was VERY wrong. Alicia couldn't have been more helpful and really put in effort to get me interviews. And I am so appreciative!"

Would you refer a family or friend to our program?
"Absolutely!"

A few questions for Rachel, a 2015 graduate of ATS:

Why did you attend ATS?
"I wanted to have a career in oral health, but I didn't want to go through another year of school. It was the perfect solution."

If you already had employment, what were you looking for to be different with Dental Assisting than your current job?
"I actually took a job with an orthodontist and i love it. It's very hands-on and i learn more every day. I was hoping to be more active and I definitely am! I'm working on patients all day long."

Describe your overall experience with our school:
"I thought it was great. It was fast paced but we covered a lot. I can't really say if it completely prepared me for a Dental Assistant position because I went into ortho, but I think it would have! Even though I had a lot of on the job training, I had a good base knowledge."

How did it help you with finding a new career?
"Having ATS on my resume defined me as a qualified young professional. Having experience-even just in a learning environment-puts my application above someone who does not have field experience. I wouldn't have this amazing job if it weren't for ATS."

Would you refer a family or friend to our program?
"Yes, absolutely! I couldn't have asked for better teachers. Dr. Sells is a very intelligent man and absolutely precious!"

A few questions for Jade, a 2015 graduate of ATS:

Why did you attend ATS?
"Convenience, Great Reputation, one on one time with instructors."

If you already had employment, what were you looking for to be different with Dental Assisting than your current job?
"Wanted to help people and make a difference in people's health and self esteem."

Describe your overall experience with our school:
"I love it. Every class you learn so much and everyone was so helpful and really wanted you to succeed. Their main focus was to teach you what you needed to know to prepare you for a job and they did a great job."

How did it help you with finding a new career?
"I accepted a job before completion of the class. Helped me be confident in my knowledge and ability."

Would you refer a family or friend to our program?
"Yes. Already have! :)"

A few questions for Alex, a 2014 graduate of ATS:

Why did you attend ATS?
"I joined because I've always wanted to go into the dental field, somehow, someway, and this seemed to really fit my busy hours!"

If you already had employment, what were you looking for to be different with Dental Assisting than your current job?
"Dental Assisting has a different schedule every day, and it's not just "Another Day, Another Dollar". I wake up with a positive mindset, knowing I'm going to learn something new each day!"

Describe your overall experience with our school:
"My overall experience with ATS was memorable. I say memorable because of the fellow classmates. The 1st through 3rd week is scary, but by the end everyone seems like family. It's a very enjoyable journey with friends!"

How did it help you with finding a new career?
"Alicia was very helpful in finding me a dental office that I could be a stand out in. No matter if you did get turned down for a job interview, your teachers were always there, leading you to the next step."

Would you refer a family or friend to our program?
"It would depend on if it fits their needs."

A few questions for Chasity, a 2014 graduate of ATS:

Describe your overall experience with our school:
"This was one of the best classes I have ever had. I really enjoyed everyone in the class and the instructors really cared about you learning."

How did it help you with finding a new career?
"I am now working at a dentist office and yet it is scary because it is so different than anything I have done before, I love it."

Would you refer a family member or friend to our program?
"Of course."

Meet Brittany! Brittany attended ATS in the Fall of 2014. She had just separated from her husband and wanted a career to support herself and daughter. Brittany was able to work during the day and attend ATS classes at night. Brittany graduated in November and found employment at Dr. Brad Mills orthodontic office as an orthodontic assistant. We just received a testimonial from Brittany that we wanted to share. We are so proud of Brittany!

"ATS was wonderful! And it could not have came at a better time in my life. The school and the teachers are amazing and wonderful. I really felt like they take the time to help you until you understand it. I definitely came out feeling very confident in myself and my dental assisting skills. They made sure to keep in contact with me (after graduation) and would always update me with possible jobs. I did receive a good recommendation from them and good feedback with my recent employer. I really enjoy my job and co-workers!"

I first heard about ATS a couple of years ago & had been thinking of signing up for the class ever since, but last year I finally did. I was tired of missing out on my kids & family because it always seemed that I was working during their "off times". I missed many ball games, church programs, family functions, etc. So I made the decision to enroll. It was one of the best things I ever did. The teachers & assistants went out of their way to help each & every student to understand & excel in the class. After the class was over, they even continued to help us find jobs & go over key aspects I would need for the interview. I got a career that I love. The doctors I work for are very impressed with what I know about radiographs (taking them & looking for problems). Since my new job, I haven't had to miss any of my kids' school functions, church activities & get to spend more time with my family. Thank you ATS for everything!!

What Dental Assistants Do:
Dental assistants have many tasks, ranging from patient care to record keeping, in a dental office. Their duties vary by state and by the dentists' offices where they work.

Work Environment:
Almost all dental assistants work in dentists' offices. More than half work full time.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics

Assist to Succeed - Dental Assisting Class Completion

ATS 2021 Fall Class Front row: (left to right) Instructors: Alicia Colp, Christy Smith Second Row: Ana Khae Prather, Tisha Travis, Kristen Clayton, Emiline Woodson Back Row: Dr. Jerry Sells, Alaina Cowsert, Brooke Wright, Madison Dowdy, Mackenzie Plunkett, Jessica Gibson	ATS 2020 Fall Class Front row: (left to right): Alexis Lowery, Emily Pierce, Brittany Jackson, Lindsey Penrod, Alexandria Jackson Back Row: Ashley Dixon, Madison Mathis, Amber Stafford, Haley Swift, Sarah Hansen, Madalyn Collins, Nancy Moore, Katelynn Raper
ATS 2017 Fall Class Front row: (left to right): Jennifer Gimple, Jansyn VanPelt, Olivia Staggs, Katie Traylor, Jayden Williams, Delaney Rea, Alexandria Mix, NicoleFaughn, Carson Morris Back Row: Serenity Brown, Taylor Dawes, Emily Collins, Maegan Renfrow, Jessi Walston, Erin Hawes, Charlotte Mitchell, Melissa McCue, Kaytlynn Jones, Haley Lilly	ATS 2016 Fall Class Front Row (left to right): Taylor Bynum, Keaton Moore, Aspen Phillips, Kelsey Martin, Makayla Shelton, Meagan Wilson, Shelby Hofer, Ashley Johnson, Kelly Patton, Jessica Gibson Back Row: Briana Lyell, Brooklyn Walls, Brianna Walls, Cheyenne Walker, Brittany Epps, Alex Binkley, Chaelim Colson, (Karson Canup –not pictured)
ATS 2015 Fall Class	ATS 2014 Fall Class
ATS 2012 Fall Class	ATS 2011 Fall Class

Benton, KY – Assist to Succeed Dental Assisting School, located in Benton, KY @ Dr. Sells & Dr. Prather's office, is proud to announce the successful completion of their ten-week Fall 2021 course by nine area residents. Those successfully completing the course are given a certificate indicating they have demonstrated proficiency in rigorous classroom and clinical training in preparation for a career in dental assisting. The students were also provided with additional training, testing and certification in dental radiology for taking x-rays. Many of the graduates have already secured employment in dental offices in Western Kentucky. Assist to Succeed (ATS) is run by Alicia Colp, RDH and Christy Smith, RDH under the supervision of Dr. Jerry Sells, a Benton KY dentist that has been serving Western KY since 1974. ATS is approved by the KY Board of Dentistry and licensed by the KY Board of Proprietary Education. ATS presents the ten-week course each fall. The next class will begin in August 2022. For more information, visit BentonDentist.com or call Dr. Sells & Dr. Prather's office (270) 527-1479.

According to U.S. News and World Report, a dental assisting career is rated #7 in best jobs without a college degree; the U.S. Department of Labor lists dental assisting as a "high-demand apprenticeship occuapation"; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts dental assisting to grow 7% from 2019-2029 which is faster than average. For more information, call Alicia at (270) 205-2701.