Assist to Succeed Dental School
With a reputation for excellence, Smiles for Life is dedicated to helping patients achieve their desired smile transformation through their exceptional teeth whitening services.
Mission Statement
Our mission at ATS is to prepare the student for a career in dentistry. The student will receive a solid academic background in dentistry as well as a practical, clinical hands-on-training in preparation for entering the dental assisting field.
School History
Dr. Joseph McIntyre, DDS, Dr. Daniel Whiting, DMD, and their dental team have a passion for high quality dental care and exceptional patient care. Over the past 31 years, Dr. McIntyre has trained many dental assistants to perform all the duties and functions allowed in Virginia. This has been a very satisfying experience as most of them have continued in the dental field and some have even gone on to hygiene or dental school- such as our own Dr. Whiting. Our facility is designed to be a teaching facility with a large spacious classroom where our own staff training is done. The doctors realize that the best method of learning is when a student can learn the concept and then practice it. By having the school in a working dental office, the student has the advantage of gaining classroom knowledge, but also practice hands-on experience as they test their skills on each other, observe our staff, and experience internships in other offices. The school is the natural step for Dr. McIntyre and Dr. Whiting to be able to further share their passion for the field of dentistry as they help others skills and proficiency in this field.
Drs. McIntyre and Whiting are dedicated to providing patients with the very best care available.
Our Personal Promise
We are confident that students will be given every opportunity to fill their minds with principles that will drive them to success when properly applied. It is our personal promise to help students learn the skills they need to succeed in whatever endeavors they choose in life. The courses we teach offer the tools students need to succeed in dental assisting. We also hope to equip students with the desire and drive to use those tools to reach their dreams!
Office Hours
The students will be required to complete 120 contact hours in order to graduate. Classroom instruction will total 40 hours, clinical lab practicing skills will be 40 hours and externships in working dental offices will be 40 hours. The school faculty will be available half an hour before class starts (7:30-8:00am) and half an hour after the end of class (5:00-5:30pm) as well as during the hour long lunch break (12:00-1:00pm) for one- on-one meetings with students. Other times can be available by appointment.
This is an accelerated course. The course is for three months on Saturdays. Class hours are from 8am to12 noon and 1pm to 5pm.
Class Size
In order to provide personalized attention to each student, the class size will be limited to 6 students per clinical instructor.
We are confident that students will be given every opportunity to fill their minds with principles that will drive them to success when properly applied. It is our personal promise to help students learn the skills they need to succeed in whatever endeavors they choose in life.
Student Honor Code
Assist To Succeed Dental Assisting School operates as an educational institution and believes that it is imperative to health and safety that students understand the procedures, methods, and materials they will use in assisting a professional in the treatment of others. To that end ATS requires a very high level of excellence as outlined above. Students are not only required to perform in order to receive school endorsement but are expected to do so honestly. Students who are caught in any form of dishonest behavior (cheating, stealing from the school, stealing from other students or other affiliates of the school) will be dismissed from ATS as a student. Students suspected of dishonest behavior will be brought before the administration (course directors) at a scheduled time and the case reviewed. It will be the sole discretion of the administrators to determine the course of action, if any, that will be taken based on the solidity and dependability of the evidence presented by the student and the school staff. Individuals damaged will be responsible for legal prosecution of the accused.
Students are expected to conduct themselves in the professional and polite manner reasonably expected of a dental assistant. Interference with other student learning will not be tolerated and may result in expulsion.
Examinations, quizzes and homework assignments are designed for the learning and education of the student. All work is expected to be completed solely by the student unless specifically indicated otherwise by the instructors assigning each learning activity.
Admissions Requirements
The following entrance requirements are necessary for enrollment in the Dental Assisting Program:
- Person must be 18 years old or be a high school graduate or possess a GED certificate if younger than 18.
- Person must present a clean, neat appearance.
- Person must agree to abide by the Student Honor Code.
*Disclaimer: Certified to Operate by SCHEV
Meet The Team
Staunton Location
Bridgewater Location
Our Smiles for Life Patients Know
LaDawn Knicely
Cathy is always amazing. She remembers personal care details about my visit each time which shows me that she is a great listener, she has heard me and follows through with such care.
Cathy Ryan
I had Dr. Whiting for the first time and the practice will be in excellent hands when Dr. McIntire retires in Sept. He was profesional yet had an engaging demeanor when interacting with me. What makes this practice exceptional is the support staff- the welcoming friendliness of the front desk and the business office personnel. In particular, I would like to give high praises to the dental technician, Faith. She is warm, engaging and puts you at ease. She educates you during the whole process and is extremely knowledgeable about the procedures. Without a doubt, this is the best dental practice in the Valley.
Howard Dean
Dr. Whiting and staff did an excellent job. They were respectful, professional, and very helpful during the process of getting some dental implants. They expedited my appointments to get my new teeth before Father’s Day. Very happy with the results!
Susan Hairston
Dr. Mac performed a small miracle for me yesterday during my appointment. I was having an issue with my temporary bridge and he squeezed me in with his other patients to fix it. He went to great lengths to help me and I am very grateful. Thank you SFL!!
Dottie Westhafer
I had every intention of shopping around before committing to the extensive dental work I needed. However, after visiting the practice and seeing how dedicated they were to making life changing improvement for their patients, I looked no further. It is a process, starting with evaluations, recommendations, x-rays and scheduling. Beginning with my first appointment I marveled at the kindness, care and professionalism I received. I was taken care of skillfully and gently as we began my transformation. Today, June 6, 2024, I left their office with a beautiful smile without discoloration, wear, and misaligned teeth, and I now have a corrected bite and completely restored teeth that I am proud to show. Dr. Geo is very caring and meticulous, striving to complete his work with skill and perfection. I’m so glad that I came to Smiles For Life.
Charles Kimbrough
Smiles for Life has taken care of my dentistry needs for the last 6 years or so. Other offices in the past have had difficult times fitting me in when I needed an appointment. That hasn’t been the case here. Today, I needed to reschedule my appointment for next Monday, and they had an opening today with Cathy Batton instead of my regular hygienist. Cathy does a great job with years of experience and has a way about her to make you feel comfortable.
Linda Clague
Alex, . Morgan, and Dr Geo are very personable and professional. I felt very relaxed the entire visit.I especially appreciated Dr. Geo's careful mouth and teeth exam. They explained everything step by step and allowed time for questions.
Mclatt
On my first visit I meet Becky, we sat down and talked about everything they do there and she allowed me to tell her about my issues with my teeth and she felt that they could help me with my problem. This is the first time I have ever been able to explain, in detail, about my past and present experiences with my dental problems. She made me feel very comfortable in taking about my care and what I would like to have done with my denture issue's. I have set up my next appointment to have x-rays done and feel very good about that! I'm looking forward to my visit and what they have to say about fixing my problem .
