Brittney DeVincent, LDA
Brittney is the Director of the Northeast Collaborative School of Dental Assisting program. She is a Licensed Dental Assistant and has been an Instructor for NECSDA since 2021. Brittney graduated from Northern Essex Community College with a Professional Certificate in Dental Assisting in 2014. She has gained experience in many areas of dentistry with a focus on periodontics, sedation oral surgery (DAANCE certified), and office management. Brittney strives to create a comfortable and relaxed environment for her patients so they can have as positive of an experience as possible. Brittney feels that being a Dental Assistant is an extremely rewarding job, which is why she is passionate about teaching dental assisting. One of her favorite parts about being an assistant is watching patients gain confidence through their smiles. Outside of work, Brittney enjoys spending time with her two young children and family.
Justine Wheeler, CDA
Justine is a Certified Dental Assistant and is the Lead Instructor for the Northeast Collaborative School of Dental Assisting. She graduated from NHTI - Concord’s Community College, with a Professional Certificate in Dental Assisting and an Associate Degree in Health Science. Justine has experience assisting in many areas of dentistry. She is certified in several expanded functions, including sealants, coronal polishing, and temporary crown/bridge. She is very passionate about dental assisting and strives to ensure her patients have a positive experience and are comfortable throughout their appointment. In October 2018, Justine earned her Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University. Outside of work, Justine enjoys outdoor activities, listening to music and spending time with family and friends.
Donna Marquis, CDA, RDH, MEd
Donna is one of the founders of the Northeast Collaborative School of Dental Assisting, and served as Director from 2013-2024. Currently, she works as a consultant for the NECSDA program. With a passion for teaching and facilitating students' transition to a career in dentistry, Donna has helped transform and grow the NECSDA program to all it has become today. Her contribution in developing the curriculum and enthusiastic approach to helping students succeed has been instrumental in NECSDA’s mission, philosophy, and positioning in the market since 2013. Donna is a Certified Dental Assistant, Registered Dental Hygienist and holds a Master’s in Education concentrating on the adult learner. Donna loves her work in dentistry, treating patients since 2006. She prides herself in making patients feel comfortable and supported in their oral health goals. Donna looks at life as a big adventure and prides herself on her open mind, energy for learning, and support of her patients, students, and colleagues.
Dr. Jonathan & Dr. Ashley Pinette
Dr. Jonathan Pinette is an owner of Northeast Collaborative School of Dental Assisting and Kingston Dental Arts family practice. Dr. Pinette earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from the University of Vermont and his Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He offers a wide range of dental services ranging from root canals/endodontics to oral surgery, and has earned certifications in placing dental implants. His extensive scope of practice provides our students with the experience observing a wide range of dental procedures as they work chairside with Dr. Pinette during their first practicum and patient encounters.
Dr. Ashley Pinette is an owner of Northeast Collaborative School of Dental Assisting and Kingston Dental Arts family practice. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in International Business with a concentration in pre-medicine from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut and her Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. At Tufts, she was awarded the Osher Endowed Scholarship for demonstrating the highest degree of professional and ethical standards. Dr. Pinette is licensed in oral sedation and has earned certifications in placing dental implants, Invisalign® and Clear Correct® invisible braces, and Botox®. As with patients, Dr. Ashley's caring and compassionate demeanor helps provide our students a relaxed and comfortable learning environment as they gain their first hands-on patient experiences assisting her chairside.
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The Northeast Collaborative School of Dental Assisting Program (NECSDA) prepares students for entry-level positions in one of the fastest growing healthcare professions – Dental Assisting. With the national increase in healthcare-related services, and the national shortage of healthcare professionals, the need for dental assistants is growing substantially. NECSDA was founded to support NH Dentists with confident and qualified dental assistants. Many students secure entry level employment as a Dental Assistant with these offices. We are pleased to support our partners in NH in the critical need for dental auxiliaries and have received high praise for our students’ performance.
Prospective students applying for acceptance in the 4-month program are interviewed and must meet the highest standards of professionalism. At this interview, students are advised of the options for CODA Dental Assisting Programs in NH and in MA and, in some cases, are referred to these programs based on their individual career goals. Not all students are able to balance the commitment of time and funds to attend an accredited program, but still have the aptitude and drive to undergo rigorous training while working full-time and balancing family. NECSDA is uniquely positioned to assist these students in transitioning to a great career while supporting dentists contracted in our Collaborative of general and specialty practices, hosting students for practicum rotations. Not all students are accepted into our program due to our limited student capacity and strict criteria. Any student accepted into our program is made aware of the mission, philosophy and certification credentials earned for our education offering as licensed under the NH Board of Education and Career School Licensing Division. They must sign an enrollment agreement that they have been counseled and understand the training/credentials that NECSDA offers.
Upon completion of the NECSDA four-month session, students are prepared to work as entry level Dental Assistants. Graduates of NECSDA will need to work chairside for a total 3,500 hours before taking the DANB General Chair Side Exam to accomplish Certified Dental Assisting (CDA) Status. Students will not be able to perform radiology tasks until obtaining the RHS exam and certificate. There are courses to take for Dental Radiology at various institutions that your employer may require you to take to satisfy your employment status as noted on the DANB.org website.