Faculty

Dr. Karen Barwick, DDS

Program Director

Dr. Barwick is a graduate of UNC School of Dentistry and was in private practice from 1987 until she sold her Practice in 2022. Currently, she spends her time TRAVELING, filling in for local colleagues and growing and refreshing the DATC Program.

Jennifer Busfield

Digital Development and Online Reputation

Connected in some form or fashion to the DATC Program since its early days, Jen Busfield is a huge proponent for how the program continues to usher positive growth opportunities in the lives of all involved – students, faculty, staff – and how it continues to build a strong community. With over ten years of professional engagement in the digital industry, Jen helps support the program’s online presence and talks with students about how to curate their online reputation with job acquisition in mind. Jen is an avid story collector and teller; and loves having the chance to witness students’ stories unfold towards happy endings – and new beginnings – in the dental field. Jen encourages people to connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Hannah Hooper

Dental Assistant II, Instructor

Hannah graduated in October of 2012 from the Dental Assistant Training Centers in Graham, NC.

She is currently working at Mebane Pediatric Dentistry and absolutely loves working with children on a daily basis.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and her miniature dachshund, Rosco.

Margaret Hooper

Certified Dental Assistant Emeritus, Dental Assistant II - Instructor

Mrs. Hooper is a 1962 graduate of Alamance Community College with a diploma in Dental Assisting. She served as Chairman of the Department of Dental Assisting of Alamance Community College from 1975 until 2003 when she retired. Ms. Hooper also received an Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Business Administration in 1986. She is President of Hooper’s Dental Consulting/ Continuing Education. Ms. Hooper teaches Dental Office Emergencies and is licensed to instruct, test and certify students in Dental Radiology by the North Carolina State Board Of Dental Examiners(G.S. 90-29 ( c ) (12).

Michelle McGee

Registered Dental Hygienist, Instructor

Michelle is a 2011 graduate of the Dental Hygiene program at UNC’s Adam School of Dentistry and has been working at Dr. Barwick’s office full time since May 2015.

Prior to dentistry, Michelle used her B.A. in Sociology working in different Human Resources capacities. Her HR experience and dental experience have played a part in instructing DATC students in radiology, as well as writing resumes and helping students develop interview skills.

In her ”limited” free time, she loves to spend time with her family, bake and cheer on THE Tarheels!

Tracey Thompson

Registered Dental Hygienist, Instructor

Tracey is a Registered Dental Hygienist. She holds a 1996 Associate’s Degree in Applied Sciences and Dental Hygiene from Guilford Technical Community College. She completed a course at UNC School of Dentistry to instruct, test and certify students in Dental Radiology by the North Carolina State Board Of Dental Examiners (G.S. 90-29 ( c ) (12). She is the OSHA/SPICE Officer for DATC. She has been an instructor for OSHA since 2006. She also has experience assisting and instructing for Hooper’s Dental Consulting/Continuing Education.

Chelsea Stewart

Dental Assistant I, Clinical Assistant

Chelsea is a married mom of 2 fantastic children. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, painting and exploring cuisine with her family. She loves friendships and laughter. Chelsea is a 2018 graduate of DATC and is employed as a Dental Laboratory Technician at Rockingham Dental lab in Danville, Virginia.

Brooke Saunders

Dental Assistant II, Clinical Assistant

Brooke Saunders is a mother of two beautiful kids and a sweet Pomeranian named Bubbie.

She is a resident of Alamance county and works for Vandre Dental Care in Burlington. Brooke graduated from Alamance Community Collage with her high school diploma in 2010 and worked in Vet care for 4 years. She spent 6 years working as an Events Coordinator for a sports and orthopedic company that enabled her to travel to different states. She was accepted into Dr. Barwick’s DATC Dental Assistant Training in 2020 where she graduated with honors. She enjoys exercising, riding atvs, animals, being outdoors and spending time in Florida with her kids!

Kristen Mims

Dental Assistant II, Clinical Assistant

Amanda Huffman

Dental Assistant II, Clinical Assistant

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ADMIN@datcinc.com

Email Tracey for questions regarding Health Forms

Email Dr. Barwick for questions regarding Attendance, tuition payments, rotation requirements, approved offices and completed hours

Phone: (336) 223-6080

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Dental Assistant I and Dental Assistant II
In North Carolina, there are two classifications for Dental Assistants (DAI and DAII.) North Carolina does NOT certify assistants. Classification is based on experience and/or training as listed below. It is up to the employer to verify an assistant's qualifications and determine if he/she is a DAI or DAII.

Education and Training Requirements
To be classified as a Dental Assistant II, an assistant shall meet one of the following
criteria:
(1) completion of:
(a) an ADA-accredited dental assisting program and current certification in CPR; or
(b) one academic year or longer in an ADA-accredited dental hygiene program, and current certification in CPR; or
(2) completion of the Dental Assistant certification examination(s) administered by the Dental Assisting National Board and current certification in CPR; or

Education and Training Requirements (Cont'd)

(3) completion of:
(a) a 3-hour course in sterilization and infection control;
(b) a 3-hour course in dental office emergencies; and
(c) current certification in CPR.
(d) after completing Sub-Items (3)(b), (c), and (d) of this Rule, dental assistants may be trained in any dental delivery setting and allowed to perform the functions of a Dental Assistant II under the direct control and supervision of a licensed dentist, except as listed in Sub-Item 3(e) of this Rule.
(e) dental assistants may take radiographs after completing radiology training consistent with G.S. 90-29(c)(12).
(f) full-time employment and experience as a chairside assistant for two years (3,000 hours) of the preceding five, during which period the assistant may be trained in any dental delivery setting and allowed to perform the functions of a Dental Assistant II under the direct control and supervision of a licensed dentist.

Radiography Requirements
A certified dental assistant [(one who successfully completes the DANB exam (see (3) above)] or an assistant who completes an ADA-accredited dental assisting or dental hygiene program may take radiographs without further examination. All others, including those who move to North Carolina from out-of-state, must successfully pass an equivalency exam. This exam may be challenged after completing "seven hours of instruction in the production and use of dental x-rays and an education program of not less than seven hours in clinical dental radiology." You must be able to prove that you have the minimal amount of training to be eligible to take the radiology equivalency exam, or you may take a course prior to taking the exam. Any Board approved radiography course is acceptable and any approved course's final examination is recognized as the equivalency exam.