Dental Assisting Course Description
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Course Description
Program Expenses
Semester I
FUNDAMENTALS OF DENTAL ASSISTING LAB I
#1DAT01 | 45 hours
Fundamentals of Dental Assisting Lab is a performance based course with foundation knowledge lectures. Dental assisting skills presented in this section include; hand hygiene, ergonomic positioning, greeting and seating patients, lab safety, selection, donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE), selection and implementation of chairside barriers, maintenance of dental units, instrumentation sterilization, surface disinfection, syringe assembly, Tofflemire/matrix band assembly and application, hand piece and rotary instrument care, and manipulation of dental cements.
DENTAL SCIENCE I
#1DAT02 | 75 hours
The Dental Science I course is designed for the student to gain an in-depth knowledge of dental terminology and oral anatomy including the pediatric, mixed, and adult dentitions, diagnosis and dental charting, tooth morphology, caries and periodontal disease. This course includes an anatomy and physiology component which discusses cellular tissues, the integumentary system, and the other human organ systems at a familial level. The main focus of this subcomponent is placed on the interrelationships of the systems, related terminology, and diseases with emphasis placed on dental related conditions.
CHAIRSIDE LAB I
#1DAT03 | 45 hours
Chairside Lab I is a performance-based course to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to excel as dental assistants in a clinical setting. This course focuses specifically on the chairside aspect of dental assisting, where students will learn to assist dentists during various dental procedures. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, students will practice essential chairside skills such as four-handed dentistry and the clinical application of dental materials. The course includes foundation knowledge of the restorative and esthetic dental materials and techniques of procedures including etching and bonding agents, the dental dam, amalgam, and composite procedures.
DENTAL RADIOLOGY with LAB
#1DAT04 | 75 hours
Dental Radiology I with Lab is an introductory course designed to provide students with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for dental radiography. The course combines theoretical instruction with hands-on laboratory experience to ensure a comprehensive understanding of high-quality dental imaging techniques, radiation safety, and interpretation of radiographic images. The theory behind various radiographic techniques, including paralleling, bisecting angle, and occlusal techniques, are taught in detail and practically applied in the lab. In addition, students will learn how to interpret and evaluate dental radiographs while recognizing and correcting errors in radiographic technique and positioning. Studies include digital radiography, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), normal anatomical structures and landmarks seen on radiographs. At the completion of the course, the student will be able to expose and interpret diagnostically acceptable images on a dental radiology mannequin utilizing the principles presented.
PROSTHETICS with LAB
#1DAT05 | 110 hours
Dental Materials with lab is an in-depth level study of various dental materials utilized along with their clinical application. This course is designed to introduce the student to the composition and properties of materials used in dentistry and to provide the students with the knowledge necessary to understand and manipulate the materials successfully. In a laboratory setting students will demonstrate knowledge of properties, basic principles and competence in the manipulation of dental materials.
DENTAL MATERIALS with LAB
#1DAT10 | 35 Hours
The Dental Materials with Lab course is designed to provide dental assisting students with in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in the properties, composition, manipulation, and application of different dental materials commonly used in dental procedures. They will develop essential skills in the selection, handling, and proper use of dental materials to ensure optimal patient care and treatment outcomes. The course will cover a wide range of dental materials, including impression materials, gypsum products, dental cements, dental waxes, dental alloys, composite resins, and more. Students will become proficient in identifying, mixing, and preparing these materials, as well as understanding their specific indications and contraindications in clinical settings. An emphasis is placed on learning how to take accurate impressions both traditionally and digitally, pour and trim study models, fabricate custom trays, manipulate dental waxes for various applications, and perform other laboratory procedures commonly encountered in dental assisting. In addition to practical skills, the course will emphasize the importance of infection control, proper storage and disposal, safety protocols, and ethical considerations associated with dental materials handling. The dental materials lab sessions will be conducted under the guidance of experienced dental assisting instructors who will provide demonstrations, step-by-step instructions, and individualized feedback to ensure proper technique and understanding.
COMPUTERS FOR DENTAL ASSISTANTS
#1DAT07 | 30 hours
This course prepares students to use computers in a dental office environment. Through hands-on activities students will broaden their understanding of computer hardware and software. You will use Windows 7, Microsoft Word 2010.
INFECTION CONTROL I
#1DAT08 | 30 hours
Infection Control I is designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in infection control procedures within a dental setting. This course is taught at an in-depth level and emphasizes the importance of preventing the transmission of infectious diseases. Education in the areas of; management and selection of personal protective equipment (PPE), strategies to prevent disease transmission, instrument processing and sterilization, disinfection, aseptic techniques, occupational exposure, selection of safety devices, and immunization of healthcare workers are covered. The latest infection control guidelines, protocols, and best practices established by the CDC, OSHA, ADA, and OSAP are core components of this course.
DENTAL PRACTICE MANAGEMENT I
#1DAT09 | 30 hours
The Dental Practice Management I course is designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for effective management of dental practices. The course covers various aspects of practice administration such as information management and security, scheduling, recall systems, and patient communication to equip dental professionals with the necessary tools for a successful and efficient dental practice.
Semester II
EXPANDED FUNCTIONS with LAB
#2DAT10 | 45 hours
Expanded Functions with Laboratory is a performance based course which covers the additional delegable dental duties not covered in Chairside, Fundamentals, and Dental Materials Laboratories. The course combines theoretical instruction with extensive hands-on laboratory practice to ensure students develop the necessary skills to perform expanded functions under the supervision of a dentist.
Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Dental Assisting Lab, Dental Materials with Lab, and Chairside Lab I
DENTAL PRACTICE MANAGEMENT II
#2DAT09 | 30 hours
This second semester course is a continuation of Dental Practice Management I and focuses on the financial aspects of the dental practice. Students will continue to use cloud-based dental office management software. Students will continue to develop the business skills necessary to operate a successful dental practice. In addition, students will participate in a Radiology project that will require them to communicate the results of dental radiographs to patients and/or referring practitioners.
Prerequisite: Dental Practice Management I
DENTAL SCIENCE II
#2DAT02 | 70 hours
Dental Science II provides instruction in dental specialties, which include oral surgery, orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, and implantology. Oral pathology, pharmacology, nutrition and medical emergencies will also be covered. Dental charting instruction and practice is built upon charting skills acquired in Dental Science I, including dictation, periodontal charting, pediatric charting, and reinforcing electronic charting.
Pre-requisite: Dental Science I
CHAIRSIDE LAB II
#2DAT03 | 40 hours
This course is a continuation of Chairside Laboratory I, and teaches students the techniques used at chairside for four handed dentistry concentrating on the dental specialties. Students utilize the skills mastered in Chairside Lab I to complete hands-on procedures in oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, and fixed prosthesis. Students will remove sutures, place and remove periodontal dressings, assist on root canal procedures, assist with a complex restoration, and place and remover numerous bands. Students will record the procedures with which they assist.
Prerequisite: Chairside Laboratory I
DENTAL RADIOLOGY with LAB II
#2DAT04 | 70 hours
This course is a continuation of Dental Radiology I with Lab. During the course, emphasis will be placed on the basic principles of radiation physics and biology, including the nature of X-rays, their production, and their interactions with matter ensuring that students understand and adhere to the best practices in radiation hygiene. Students will develop the ability to identify common pathological conditions, such as dental caries, periodontal disease, and dental anomalies. Extraoral imaging and localization techniques will be covered. Prior to Clinical Externship, students must apply their skills in a clinical setting and contribute to providing accurate and effective patient care by completing at least two full mouth series on live patients.
Prerequisite: Dental Radiology with Lab
INFECTION CONTROL II
#2DAT08 | 30 hours
In Infection Control II an emphasis is placed on the guidelines and recommendations set forth by the CDC, OSHA, and ADA Infection Control protocol. The areas of education and training in this section will include; dental unit water asepsis, management and interpretation of MSDS sheets, dental related environmental hazards, managing chemicals safely, dental waste disposal, a comprehensive study of blood borne pathogens and the OSHA blood borne pathogen standard, emerging diseases, and oral and respiratory disease prevention. Prerequisite: Infection Control I
CAREER READINESS
#2DAT11 | 10 hours
The course will provide practical guidance on crafting a compelling resume and cover letter to effectively showcase a student’s qualifications and capture the attention of potential employers. Topics include but are not limited to resume writing skills, cover letters, developing a professional reference page, interview preparation, and thank you letters. Additionally, the course covers developing a proactive job search strategy as well as how to use outside resources to plan a job search, and how social media affects the hiring process.
CLINICAL EXTERNSHIP
#2DAC01 | 327 hours
This course allows the student to experience the chairside activities and the varied duties of a Certified Dental Assistant, while further refining clinical skills for future employment. Students are required to complete a 300-hour clinical experience where they will apply their academic knowledge, enhance their clinical skills, and develop a deeper understanding of the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of the dental profession. Clinical placements are within local dental offices and clinics in general, pediatric, and specialty areas of dentistry. Students are required to complete all assigned clinical hours, written assignments, and clinical seminars.