Jesuit Foundation for Education Thailand (JFET), in partnership with Saengtham College, Faculty of Arts (SC-FA), and the Association of Dental Entrepreneur Promotion and Support Thailand (ADEPT), officially launched the Dental Assistant Training Programme on 4 June in Chiang Rai.
The initiative reflects the shared commitment of the three partner institutions to provide quality education for young people from underserved and remote communities while addressing the growing demand for skilled dental assistants across Thailand.
The programme was developed in response to the increasing need for qualified personnel in dental clinics nationwide and the continued growth of Thailand’s dental tourism industry. Through this collaboration, JFET, SC-FA, and ADEPT seek to create pathways toward stable employment, economic mobility, and sustainable livelihood opportunities for disadvantaged youth.
The one-year vocational training programme combines theoretical knowledge, practical clinical experience, and English language development to prepare students for careers in the dental healthcare sector. By equipping learners with industry-relevant competencies, the program aims to foster self-reliance while contributing to the strengthening of Thailand’s healthcare and dental service industries.
Its two primary objectives are to reduce social inequality by providing specialised vocational training to youth and underprivileged individuals in remote areas and to support the enhancement of dental service standards by developing a workforce capable of meeting the needs of both Thai and international patients.
The programme is designed for young people who have completed secondary education or its equivalent and who have limited access to higher educational opportunities. To ensure effective skills development and personalised supervision, each cohort will be limited to a maximum of twenty trainees.
The curriculum consists of four integrated components. The first, Dental Foundations, introduces students to oral anatomy, tooth nomenclature, dental instruments, equipment, and materials commonly used in clinical practice. The second component, Clinical Skills and Patient Care, provides training in patient preparation, post-treatment care, chairside assisting techniques, infection prevention, disinfection standards, and appointment management.
Students will then undertake on-the-job training through placements in ADEPT’s network of dental clinics, where they will apply their knowledge and skills under the supervision of experienced dental professionals. The final component, English for Dental Professionals, strengthens learners’ communication skills and familiarises them with specialised terminology necessary for interacting with international patients, from initial consultations to post-treatment guidance.
A distinguishing feature of the programme is the involvement of volunteer faculty members and expert dentists with extensive professional experience. Their contributions ensure that students receive training aligned with current industry practices and international standards.
Upon completion, graduates are expected to possess both theoretical knowledge and practical competencies required to perform effectively in professional dental clinic settings.
Beyond individual career development, the programme is expected to generate broader social and economic benefits by providing disadvantaged youth with access to stable employment, supporting families through increased income, and strengthening the workforce needed for Thailand’s expanding dental tourism sector.
Through this collaboration, Jesuit Foundation for Education Thailand, Saengtham College, Faculty of Arts, and the Association of Dental Entrepreneur Promotion and Support Thailand reaffirm their commitment to empowering young people through education, professional training, and meaningful opportunities that create lasting positive change in their communities.
