Bowman had been out of school for several years and had just spent a year as a volunteer touring with an African children's choir. When she returned she was looking for a way to settle into a career in a dental office, and when she found out about the UCFV Continuing Education program, she knew it was right for her.

"I wanted to work in a dental office and the Dental Office Receptionist program seemed like a great way to get there," said Bowman. "It was the right choice for me. The instructors were very knowledgeable and approachable, and the class size was small enough that you didn't feel lost in a big institution. They also provided just the right balance of classroom work and practical work."

Bowman found work in a dental office even before she began her final practicum. "The fact I was in the UCFV program made a big difference. The dentist recognized that the professional dental office skills I learned at UCFV put me in front of others with ordinary office experience and training. They let me do my practicum at their office and then hired me"

Instructor Paddy Briggs adds that Dental Office Receptionist graduates are well equipped to work in a variety of professional offices, including dental labs, dental insurance companies, and even chiropractic offices. Many eventually move into office management positions.

"Our training is very comprehensive and practical, and includes job search training and resumé development," says Briggs. "It is also kept right up to date because as instructors, we work in dental offices ourselves."

The Dental Office Receptionist certificate program runs on Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., from September until the beginning of March, followed by a practicum. For more information or to apply contact Bonnie Sigaty at 864-4637 or 792-025, local 4637.