Dental Assisting

Complaints Policy

DENTAL ASSISTING COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

FIRST SEMESTER

DA 101 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.

DA 102 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.

DA 103 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.

DA 104 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.

DA 105 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.

DA 106 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.

DA 107 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

DA 201 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.

DA 202 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.

DA 204 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.

DA 208 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.
 

Mass Dental Assistants

McCann Technical School Postsecondary Programs Continuity of Operations
(Emergency Preparedness) Plan

In the event of an unanticipated impact to instruction, the administration will support each program in developing an appropriate plan for all impacted areas of study. These plans will consider all modalities of instruction, including but not limited to, converting lecture-based content to an online format, following all state and federal health/safety regulations to continue offering in-person skill instruction and assessment, and teaching in-person instruction in a comparable space. Final plans will require approval by the Superintendent. Students will be made aware of these changes to classroom formatting verbally and in writing, with frequent updates provided. In the event of requiring change to a course modality, faculty and staff will reach out to all students impacted to assure continuity of educational services and meet each individual need.

Student Grievance Policy

The student grievance policy provides a system to manage student issues against faculty, staff, or fellow students. Students desiring to discuss or file a grievance should use the following protocols:

1. The student shall make an appointment, within three (3) days, with the instructor to discuss the issue with the objective of resolving the issue informally.
2. If the grievance is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student, the student may submit the grievance in writing to the program coordinator within three days of the informal discussion.
3. The program coordinator shall investigate the grievance and report to the student both verbally and in writing within 7 days of receipt of the formal grievance filing.
4. Should the grievance not be resolved to the student’s satisfaction, the student may appeal the decision to the principal. This appeal should be made in writing within 7 days of the program coordinator’s report. The principal shall investigate the issue and report to the student both verbally and in writing within 7 days of his/her receipt of the appeal letter.
5. Should the grievance not be resolved to the student’s satisfaction, the student may appeal the decision to the superintendent. This appeal should be made in writing within 7 days of the principal’s report. The superintendent shall investigate the issue and report to the student both verbally and in writing within 7 days of his/her receipt of the appeal letter.
6. Should the grievance not be resolved to the student’s satisfaction, the student may contact the Council on Occupational Education, 7840 Roswell Road, Bldg. 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350.

Third-Party Comments