For many students at CPACTC, choosing a technical path is about more than just earning high school credits—it’s about launching a career. Gillian Lemley, a Dental Assisting student from Northern York High School, has fully embraced the opportunities offered through CPACTC by participating in the school’s cooperative education capstone program. Through this program, she gained real-world experience and secured a job before graduation.
Gillian chose CPACTC because she believed it would be the fastest route to a meaningful career and would give her a realistic sense of what working in the dental field is actually like. Drawn to healthcare and fascinated by how the human body works, she decided on dental assisting. “Teeth have never bothered me,” she explains, “and the demand for dental assistants is high, which helped make my decision.”
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, dental assisting is considered a high-priority occupation with steady job growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 8% increase in dental assisting jobs in Pennsylvania between 2021 and 2031. As dental offices continue to grow and the need for oral healthcare rises, so does the demand for skilled dental assistants.
Because classroom learning isn’t her strongest area, Gillian saw co-op as the perfect way to gain hands-on experience. She had previously shadowed at Verber Dental Group and was inspired by the welcoming, supportive environment. A connection she made while volunteering at Canine Rescue of Central PA—where a fellow volunteer happened to be friends with Dr. Verber—helped her get her foot in the door. “They offer every path imaginable,” she says. “If I ever want to switch to a different branch of dentistry, Verber gives me that flexibility.”
Now working as a surgical assistant, Gillian assists with procedures such as extractions, wisdom teeth removal, and implant placements. She’s also responsible for sterilization, managing prescriptions, and documenting procedures. One of her favorite parts of the job is how supportive and willing to teach Dr. Verber is. “He’s incredibly understanding and will teach you anything you want to learn,” she says.
Of course, there are challenges. “Sometimes people talk down to me because of my age. It’s hard not to take it personally. Walking away or staying silent is more difficult than anyone tells you,” Gillian admits. Still, the rewards far outweigh the difficulties—her co-op has already resulted in a full-time job offer.
After graduation, Gillian plans to continue working as a surgical assistant while pursuing her EFDA (Expanded Function Dental Assistant) certification within the next two years. “That way I can stay in surgery but also help cover other roles when needed,” she explains.
Gillian’s journey shows how CPACTC’s hands-on learning and co-op opportunities empower students to enter high-demand careers with confidence, practical experience, and a clear path forward.