The Dental Assisting (DA) student will be trained to perform at a minimum entry level in positions normally available in a dental facility such as clinical dental assistant, dental laboratory assistant and dental office administrative assistant.
The program provides the DA with entry-level theory and limited “hands-on” training in basic and routine clinical and office tasks. This will equip the DA with the competencies required to perform in either a clinical, laboratory or office capacity. The graduate will be able to assist in laboratory procedures, X-ray procedures, CPR and patient assessments. He/She will be able to perform clinical procedures, sterilization and infection control techniques and equipment maintenance. In some venues, the DA is expected to effectively handle administrative office procedures such as computerized record keeping, keyboarding, billing, coding, insurance claims and scheduling. The DA possesses a thorough understanding of dental related ethics and other business principles that bear on the practitioner’s relationship with the patient. Upon meeting graduation requirements of the Dental Assisting program, the student is entitled to a Dental Assisting diploma.
As the dental profession continues to grow as a result of the population living longer and advancements in procedures, treatments, prevention and cosmetics or aesthetic dentistry, more patients will require dental services. Therefore, an increasing number of DAs will be needed to handle the many responsibilities for which they are uniquely trained
Course subject descriptions are as follows:
FIRST TERM
DA 100 Principles of Dental Assisting I 4 Semester Credits
This course provides knowledge and understanding of the dental assisting profession, oral
health, preventive techniques, and nutrition. The course covers the details of dental history,
preparing for patient care, vitals, dental charting, and pharmacology.
Students will have an understanding of dental diseases and pathology, as well as, prevention of
dental diseases.
DA 111 Dental materials and infection Control 3 Semester Credits
This course provides knowledge and understanding of microbiology, infection control in dentistry,
regulations, and guidelines for the dental practice occupational health and safety. This
course also covers the knowledge of chemical and physical properties of dental materials, their
indications for use and proper manipulation of the materials. The students will have an understanding
of emergency management, introduction to the dental office, basic chairside assisting,
impression, and laboratory materials.
DA 104 Head and Neck Anatomy and Tooth Morphology 3 Semester Credits
This course provides knowledge and understanding of the oral cavity tooth morphology and
head and neck anatomy. The course covers the details of tooth identification and numbering
systems. Osteology of the skull, muscles, nerves and arteries of the head and neck are discussed.
Students will have an understanding of the formation and development for all primary
and permanent teeth.
DA 105 Clinical Dental Assisting I 1 Semester Credit
This course provides clinical dental assisting training for concepts taught in the DA 100, DA
111 and DA 104 courses. “Hands-On” training is provided and students are expected to demonstrate
competency with safety standards, infection control, dental anatomy, oral health and
prevention of dental disease.
SECOND TERM
DA 101 Principles of Dental Assisting II 2 Semester Credits
This course is a continuation of Principles of Dental Assisting I, and provides knowledge and
understanding of patient information and assessment and the foundation of clinical dentistry.
The course covers the details of the dental office environment, delivering dental care,
hand instruments, hand pieces, moisture control, anesthesia, restorative materials, and dental
cements.
DA 106 Dental Radiology with Lab 2 Semester Credits
This course provides knowledge and clinical training for dental radiography concepts and techniques
in dental radiography. “Hands-On” training is provided and students are expected to
demonstrate competency with x-ray equipment and safety, x-ray film processing, intraoral xrays
and extraoral x-rays.
DA 107 Clinical Dental Assisting II 2 Semester Credits
This course is a continuation of Clinical Dental Assisting I and provides clinical dental assisting
training for concepts taught in the DA 101 and DA 106 course. “Hands-On” training is provided
and students are expected to demonstrate competency with patient information, assessment
and the foundation of clinical dentistry, as well as, radiology.
DA 113 Dental Practice Management 2 Semester Credits
This course provides knowledge and understanding of the business of dentistry and the philosophy
of the dental practice. This course will cover business and communication management,
telecommunication, appointment management on a computer, patient recall, inventory, accounts
receivable, marketing the practice, and legal/ethical issues.
THIRD TERM
DA 102 Principles of Dental Assisting III 3 Semester Credits
This course is a continuation of Principles of Dental Assisting II and provides knowledge and
understanding of dental materials and comprehensive dental care. This course covers removable
and fixed prosthodontics, provisional coverage, endodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery.
DA 108 Clinical Dental Assisting III 3 Semester Credits
This course is a continuation of Clinical Dental Assisting II and provides clinical dental
assisting training for concepts taught in the DA 102 and DA 112 courses. “Hands-On” training is provided and students are are expected to demonstrate competency with
dental procedures and comprehensive dental care.
DA 112 Dental Specialities 3 Semester Credits
This course provides knowledge and understanding on theory, background, procedures, and expanded
functions on the role of the dental assistant. The areas that will be covered are pedodontics,
orthodontics, oral pathology, cosmetic dentistry, and bleaching techniques.
FOURTH TERM
DA 114 Externship 4 Semester Credits
In the third term, students will meet with their Externship Coordinator to begin planning their externships. The externship is required for all students and must be completed to be eligible for graduation and to receive their diploma. To qualify for the externship phase of the program, a student must first have met the 2.0 G.P.A. or re-taking a subject, a score of 70% or above on the Comprehensive Class Room Final Exam and have an over-all attendance of 90% in his or her medical courses. All work is performed under the direct supervision of licensed medical personnel at the site in cooperation with DTC’s Externship Coordinator. Externs are not entitled to compensation.
Externs will be scheduled for 180 hours on an extern site or sites that have Externship Agreements with DTC.
Additional requirements: One complete uniform will be supplied including scrub pants, scrub top and lab coat with patch and name badge. Students will be able to purchase additional uniforms as desired.
Additional Requirements: Upon successful completion of course work through the 3rd term
one complete uniform will be supplied including scrub pants, scrub top and lab coat with patch
and name badge. Students will be able to purchase additional uniforms as desired. The Hep B
Vaccine will also be provided if needed, beginning in the first term. |
