FIRST SEMESTER
DA101 DENTAL ASSISTING I / 2 CREDITS
This course introduces the student to the profession of dentistry, the dental office, and the roles of the dental assistant. Here they will recognize and utilize dental instruments, dental handpieces, and accessories. The student will have an understanding and knowledge in dental ethics and law.
DA102 DENTAL SCIENCE I / 3 CREDITS
This course provides the student with an understanding of the development, form and function of the structures of the oral cavity and of oral disease. This course also covers the principles of microbiology including identification of pathogen and control of disease transmission.
DA103 DENTAL RADIOLOGY / 5 CREDITS
This course includes content at an in-depth level in dental radiology. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills to produce diagnostic dental image surveys. They will demonstrate competence in radiation health protection techniques, processing procedures, anatomical landmarks and pathologies, mounting surveys of dental images, and placing and exposing dental images.
DA104 CLINICAL SCIENCE 1 / 6 CREDITS
This course provides an overview of disease of teeth and periodontium. Students will review preventive dentistry and demonstrate techniques such a topical fluoride applications, toothbrushing techniques, and dietary analysis. They will assist in oral diagnosis and treatment planning, perform moisture control, deliver dental care, and assist in anesthesia and pain control. Other topics include matrix systems for restorative dentistry, vital signs, and assisting in medical emergencies.
DA105 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT/ 2 CREDITS
This course provides an overview of how the business aspect of a dental practice must be managed and operated efficiently to make a practice run successfully. It provides learning of the technology of the dental practice, managing the financial aspects of a practice, and marketing their personal skills for lifelong learning so they can become an advocate for the profession of dentistry and the patients they care for.
DA106 BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES/ 5 CREDITS
This course introduces the student to anatomy and physiology of the human body and its connection to the oral cavity. This course includes an in-depth level in bloodborne pathogens and hazard communication standards. Students will have knowledge and be able to demonstrate techniques used in disinfection and sterilization, understand regulatory and advisory agencies, and maintain dental unit water lines.
DA107 LABORATORY PROCEDURES / 1 CREDIT
This course is designed to provide the learner with an understanding of the evolution and development of the science of dental materials, why the particular materials and techniques are used, and how to prepare each of the materials.
SECOND SEMESTER
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 chair side 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
This course presents the principles of pharmacology and alternative pain control. Other topics include indications for and assisting with dental implants, including surgical procedures; and components and properties of dental waxes, including obtaining bite registrations.
DA204 CLINICAL SCIENCE II / 4 CREDITS
This course provides an in-depth level in dental specialties including fixed and removable Prosthodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, Periodontics, Endodontics, Orthodontics, and Pediatric dentistry. Other topics include teeth whitening and prevent and corrective oral appliances. Students will also perform three full-mouth sets of x-rays on patients.
DA208 ADVANCED FUNCTIONS / 5 CREDITS
This course is designed to help the dentist use time more effectively and efficiently by delegating the legal expanded functions to the dental assistant that are allowed in the state. These advanced functions include coronal polishing, dental sealants, suture removal, periodontal dressing, gingival retraction, provisional coverage, and placing desensitizing agents.