Our Mission
A highly skilled dental assistant is a vital member of the dental healthcare team. They are an important component of providing not just good, but great patient care. It is difficult for a dentist to find a quality dental assistant.
Market demand for competent dental assistants and receptionists are at an all-time high. But the high cost, time requirements, and inconvenience adult students face at competing schools, led us to our mission – to provide affordable training for a worthy career opportunity leading to fast program completion so graduates can start earning an income right away with little to no debt.
The Dental Assisting Program will provide education and training to prepare students to become competent dental assistants who assist and perform quality, comprehensive, care in an ethical, interdisciplinary, culturally sensitive manner. The school is committed to educating dental assistants to function as a member of the dental practice and able to perform the roles of clinician, dental health promoter and patient coordinator. The program prepares graduates to meet the future oral health needs of a culturally diverse society within a changing healthcare system.
The Dental Assisting Program is committed to:
- Deliver a consistent, high-quality education and training for dental assistants.
- Achieve top tier graduation and job placement rates.
- Provide quality, productive dental assistants to the dental profession.
- Promote personal responsibilities in oral health care.
State Approval
Smile Plus Dental Assistant Academy is approved by the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners (MSBDE) and by the Maryland Higher Education Commission Career and Workforce Education. Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at:
217 E. Redwood Street, 21st Floor
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Telephone Number 410-767-3301
Meet the Team!
Smiles Plus Dental assisting Academy
William E. Kelson, D.D.S.
Meet the Owner & Director
In 1985, Dr. William Kelson acquired his Bachelor of Science Degree from Knoxville College in Knoxville, Tennessee. He holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from New York University College of Dentistry, 1989. He completed General Practice Residency in June 1990, at Saint Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson, Long Island, New York. Dr. Kelson is a member of the Robert T. Freeman Dental Society. He is licensed in Maryland and Washington, D.C.
Dr. Kelson has also served as associate professor at the University of Maryland Dental School in special-needs patient care. His practice currently resides in Silver Spring, Maryland. His emphasis is on cosmetic dentistry and geriatric patient care.
Tracy A. Harris, D.D.S
Meet the Owner
Dr. Harris is the esteemed leader of the Regional Mobile Dental team at WK & Associates, dedicated to delivering compassionate and exemplary dental care to every patient. She brings a deep commitment to community service, including providing care to nursing home and homebound clients.
"A highly skilled dental assistant is a vital member of the dental healthcare team. They are an important component of providing not just good, but great patient care. It is difficult for a dentist to find a quality dental assistant"
Meet the Instructor
Shrestha Makar
Shrestha Makar earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Neuroscience from the University of Maryland, College Park, and has worked as a dental assistant with Dr. Kelson and Dr. Harris for three years. A prospective dental student with a passion for teaching, she enjoys helping students learn complex concepts with clarity and confidence. Shrestha believes that great dental care begins with warmth and teamwork and hopes to inspire future dental assistants to bring that same welcoming energy into every practice they join.
Our Address
801 Wayne Ave Suite 101, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone Number & Email
Hours of Operation
- Monday – Friday: Available for phone, text, and email inquiries
- Saturday: In-person classes only | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: Closed