Here to Guide, Inspire and Support
Every day, our teachers create opportunities for exploration and learning by establishing engaging environments where students feel safe, comfortable, and confident.
We have amazing instructors who are caring, enthusiastic, and dedicated to helping students exceed their every expectation.
Miss Marina Clark, CDA & EFDA
(Instructor & Director of Education)
Ms. Marina is tri-Lingual and began her career in dental assisting in a dental practice in 2000 receiving her Radiology Certification in Massachusetts 2001. With her experience, it qualified her to become a (CDA) Certified Dental Assistant in 2009. During her 15-year tenor in the same dental practice, she received extended OSHA knowledge, taking continued education courses yearly to broaden her skills and knowledge.
During her career in general dentistry she had the opportunity to work alongside a Periodontist and an Endodontist for 5 years enhancing her skills. Her family relocated to Florida from Massachusetts and she completed the requirements of the State of Florida to receive her (EFDA) Expanded Functions Dental Assisting certification along with Radiology and CPR. She has joined our team of instructors here at Dental Assisting Academy of the Palm Beaches.
Teaching students the art of dental assisting is a passion with her and it shows in the student’s success. She prides herself in keeping current in the field as well as continuing to educate herself in new techniques so she can always be in step with the latest trends in the field. The majority of her students are hired even before they complete the course. We are delighted to have her on staff.
Miss Kennedy, B.S & EFDA
(Education Coordinator & Admissions Committee)
Miss Kennedy started her journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant, back in high school, completing clinical hours at a local hospital. From her experience as a CNA she quickly realized that nursing was not her dream, but dentistry was. Miss Kennedy started her career in dentistry at Palm Beach Atlantic University achieving her Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology with her Minor in Physics.
She was fortunate enough to be recommended into a program where she could expand her knowledge of all aspects of dentistry at the Dental Assisting Academy of the Palm Beaches. She then continued through the Academy and achieved her State of Florida Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Certification, Radiology License, and OSHA Certifications. She has completed experience in General Dentistry, Dental Surgery, and Orthodontics.
Miss Kennedy enjoyed her time at the Dental Assisting Academy and believed in the mission that the Academy stands behind, so she sought to join their team. With the required Commission of Independent Education training, she continued to grow at Dental Assisting Academy. As 2017, Miss Kennedy has been hired as the Education Coordinator dedicating her time to making sure the students achieve their maximum potential at Dental Assisting Academy and in their dental assisting futures. She believes that every student that walks through the door, will find their dental homes through the 8-week program.
As Education Coordinator she has implement a new curriculum into the 8-week program that enhances the students education. With a background in technology and with Microsoft Certifications, she has integrated online components so that the student can optimize their success at the Dental Assisting Academy of the Palm Beaches. Miss Kennedy has not only strengthen the curriculum, she has improved the application process as being a part of Admissions. Her goal at the Dental Assisting Academy of the Palm Beaches is to make a quality system that will reflect on the quality student.
Miss Chris, EFDA
(Administrator of Admissions and CEO)
Ms. Cera is from Ohio and began her career as a dental assistant in high school, certified as a CDA and Licensed in radiology, having worked in all phases of dentistry. Ms. Cera has owned and operated a dental Staffing Service, Dental One, Inc. since 1990, developing relationships with dental offices and personnel in Broward, Palm Beach and Martin County.
She is now concentrating on the Dental Assisting Academy of the Palm Beaches. She has been a consulting and practice administrator for dental offices, along with having been active over the years in numerous dental organizations, Ms. Cera supported the Dental Hygiene Society of the Palm Beaches for years and participated in the ACCDA meetings along with attending the Florida Dental Association conventions.
With a reputation built on integrity, honesty and dependability in providing the dental community with professionals and success in the dental profession. Her inspiration is to see others succeed and achieve their life’s endeavors, and she continues to help others build a future in providing new individuals with a career in dental assisting.
Dental Assisting Academy of the Palm Beaches, has been enriching so many people’s lives with a new career in Dental Assisting, as well as giving an opportunity for existing dental assistants to earn their certifications as Expanded Functions/Duties/ Radiology and CPR in the state of Florida.
Continuing on with her legacy of “empowering and helping others to succeed” has been her life mission.
Dr. Christopher Starr, DDS
(Supervising Dentist)
Dr. Starr is a Graduate of the University of Notre Dame, receiving DDS license from the State of University of New York at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine.
He was a Commissioned Dental Officer, United States Navy Corps and Assistant Professor of Operative Dentistry, Clinic Director with Training in Expanded Auxiliary Management, (T.E.A.M. Program), School of Dental Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York and (T.E.A.M. Program), School of Oral and Dental Surgery, Columbia University of New York, New York. – Assistant Professor of Operative Dentistry, Clinical Instructor, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Dr. Starr has enjoyed working in private practice since 1980 as a general dentist and was former President of Central Palm Beach County Dental Association. He is currently holding Membership with, American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Atlantic Coast District Dental Association, Central Palm Beach County Dental Association and Currently, in Private Practice, West Palm Beach, Florida since 1980
Dr. Christopher Starr DDS is often described and recognized as among the most accomplished, thoughtful gentle and skilled dentist in the state of Florida, (his staff can vouch for that) and now his son following in his footsteps of dental professionals. We hold high regard of our professional relationship with Dr. Starr of over 25 years with Dental One, Inc.. We are truly honored to have our licensed Dentist of record, Dr. Christopher Starr, supervising Dental Assisting Academy of the Palm Beaches, Inc.
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