Dental Assisting Course Descriptions

DENTAL ASSISTING

DA101 DENTAL ASSISTING I

4 CREDITS

This course prepares the student to assist the dentist at chairside in all phases of general and specialty dentistry.  Included are principles of four-handed dentistry, instrument use and identification, and aseptic techniques including OSHA exposure and hazard control recommendations.  Dental ethics, jurisprudence and manipulation of chairside intra-oral materials will be explored.  An introduction to a professional dental setting is also provided in a six day externship in local dentist offices.

DA102 DENTAL SCIENCE I

3 CREDITS

This course presents an in-depth study of the anatomy of teeth and structures of the oral cavity.  Oral histology and embryology will be introduced to develop an understanding of the development, form, and function relationship of these structures.  Head and neck anatomy will be presented as a basis for understanding local anesthesia administration and clinical examination.

DA103 DENTAL RADIOLOGY

4 CREDITS

This course is designed to examine the theoretical aspects of radiation physics, including the safety, biological hazards, intra-oral radiographic techniques, darkroom processing, film mounting and radiographic interpretation.  Proficiency in conventional and digital radiographic techniques will be obtained by practicing on a manikin.

DA104 CLINICAL SCIENCE I

4 CREDITS

This course provides an overview of the terminology and procedures performed by the dental health team.  Topics include operative dentistry, nutrition concepts, physical and chemical properties of dental materials, and management of dental and medical emergencies common to the dental office setting.  Emphasis is on the diagnosis and treatment of dental disease encountered by the general dentist.

DA105 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT I

3 CREDITS

This course introduces office principles including reception techniques, appointment control, third party billing, financial records, computer application skills, and manual and electronic accounting procedures.The preparation of résumés and cover letters are included.

DA106 BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

4 CREDITS

This non-laboratory course presents a survey of human anatomy, physiology and microbiology.  It is intended to develop knowledge and understanding of the structure of the human body and includes microscopic life forms and disease transmission concepts.

DA107 LABORATORY PROCEDURES

3 CREDITS

The focus of this course is on the manipulation of materials commonly associated with chairside dental materials and laboratory procedures.  Emphasis is placed on the practical application of these materials and includes fabrication of associated models, trays and temporary restoration used in diagnosis and treatment

DA201 DENTAL ASSISTING II

8 CREDITS

This course places students in dental office rotations, where they will apply the skills and knowledge acquired in the classroom to competently perform dental assisting functions, including participation in four-handed chairside techniques and related dental assisting procedures.  A 350 hour unpaid externship is required and students must attend periodic seminars to discuss externship experiences.  This course also provides a review for the DANB CDA exam

DA202 DENTAL SCIENCE II

3 CREDITS

In this course, students will expose 2 full mouth series x-rays on patients they provide.  Medical history, vital signs, and oral hygiene instructions will also be included.  Emphasis will be placed on proper conventional and digital radiographic technique through the evaluation and analysis of the exposed x-rays.  Common oral and dental pathological conditions will be discussed to develop knowledge and understanding of oral disease as it relates to the role of the dental assistant in patient education.

DA204 CLINICAL SCIENCE II

4 CREDITS

This course explores the concepts of preventive dentistry, patient education and motivations, related dental therapeutics and dental specialties.   Guest lecturers are featured to present dental specialty and nutrition concepts.  Dietary considerations for the dental patient is discussed and students will be required to demonstrate the principles of oral communication through oral presentations on selected topics relating to course work.  The psychology of human behavior will be explored in order to effectively work and communicate with patients and other dental personnel.

DA206 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS

3 CREDITS

This course includes legal expanded functions performed by the dental assistant normally performed by a dentist.  Topics include application of fluoride, placement and removal of the dental dam, suture removal, coronal polish and enamel sealants, alginate impressions, place and remove periodontal dressings, gingival retraction and placement and removal of matrices.  This course includes lecture, laboratory and clinical practice.