Dental Assisting

This course is designed to be a continuation of DA 111 and additional instruction in advanced techniques of dental radiography. DA 121 consists of a combination of classroom/ laboratory and online resources. This course will cover: The bisecting the angle technique with its variables. To include the following: digital radiology, evaluation of film/image quality, recognition of anomalies with differential tissue densities, preliminary film interpretation for charting, specialized procedures for endodontics, panoramic radiography, lateral jaw and skull surveys, radiology techniques adapted to manikins and adult human patients, and legal considerations.

Introduction to Clinical Dental Assisting entry-level skills for those students requiring formal training, new hires, and on the job trained assistants. Introduction to the history of dental assisting, general dental anatomy, professional and legal aspects of dental assisting. Introduction to medical emergencies in the dental office, patient pain, and anxiety control. Introduction to basic preventative, restorative, and laboratory procedures. Including moisture control, alginate impressions, office pours, coronal polishing, and sealants. Hybrid course online and mandatory lab meetings.

Introduction to radiation health and safety protocols for those students needing formal training, more experience, new hires, and on the job trained assistants. This course can assist in preparing the student to take the Dental Assisting National Board Radiation Health and Safety Examination. General dental anatomy and terminology. Placing, exposing, developing and mounting intraoral films, and taking digital X-rays. Infection control techniques will be practiced during film exposure and processing. Hybrid course online and mandatory six mandatory lab meetings.

Introduction to infection prevention in the dental office and management of hazardous materials. Hazardous materials management, OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, personal protective equipment (PPE), and disease transmission protocol. Introduction and application of surface disinfection and instrument sterilization techniques. This course can be used for preparation for the Dental Assisting National Board Infection Control Exam. The information in this course can be used by those individuals seeking a position as a dental sterilization technician. *This is an online course with three mandatory class/lab meetings. Discussion participation is required.

Introduction to Clinical Dental Assisting entry-level skills for those students requiring formal training, new hires, and on the job trained assistants. Introduction to the history of dental assisting, general dental anatomy, professional and legal aspects of dental assisting. Introduction to medical emergencies in the dental office, patient pain, and anxiety control. Introduction to basic preventative, restorative, and laboratory procedures. Including moisture control, alginate impressions, office pours, coronal polishing, and sealants. Hybrid course online and mandatory lab meetings.

A course designed for the development of laboratory proficiency in the dexterity and professional competencies needed to assist in four and six handed dentistry procedures utilized in general dentistry. Demonstration of proper posture and form at chair side, positive communication, sterilization and disinfecting, manipulation of dental materials, adherence to infection control protocols and OSHA requirements of instrument names. Use and care are stressed. Two hours of lecture and eleven (11) hours laboratory are required each week. Completion of this course satisfies 3 hours of instruction toward completing the embedded math curriculum requirements, in accordance with Embedded Curriculum Guidelines Option A.

An in-depth, comprehensive course of the properties, techniques and manipulation of dental materials used in operative dentistry. The dental materials discussed are bases and varnishes, amalgam and components, aesthetic and posterior composites, cements and impression materials. One two-hour lecture each week.

Principles of microbiology, disease transmission, the universal numbering system, dental clinical charting with geometric and anatomical representations, periodontal charting, local anesthetic, vital signs and emergency prevention are discussed in depth. An introduction to body systems; respiratory and circulatory as they impact dental care delivery are presented.

Principles of preventive dentistry to include: nutritional physiology, essentials and counseling effect of nutrition on dental health; epidemiology, etiology and prevention of dental disease; design and management of a plaque control program and additional preventive measures, i.e., fluoride and sealant utilization. One (1) hour of class time per week is required.

The anatomy and physiology of the head and neck are included. Embryology, histology, tooth morphology, occlusion, and periodontal tissues are studied with special emphasis on tooth forms. Developmental and structural defects involving the oral cavity and teeth. Three (3) hours lecture are required per week.