Dental Assisting

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.

The intraoral paralleling technique with its variables; production, characteristics and biologic effects of radiation; function, components and operation of the X-ray unit; radiation protection and monitoring; components and care of X-ray film; chemistry and techniques associated with X-ray film and the developing solutions. Review of anatomical landmarks, X-ray placement, identification and correction of radiographic errors; recording pertinent data; specialized procedures and techniques for pediatric dentistry.

A survey of dental careers to include the legal, ethical, moral and professional responsibilities of dental personnel in the practice of dentistry. Personal requirements, professional conduct, interpersonal relationships, methods of acquiring and training certification of the dental assistant, recognition of dental forms, an introduction to dental and medical terminology, cultural considerations in patient care and interprofessional practice. Two (2) hour of class time per week.

An introduction to dental assisting as it relates to the specialties in dentistry, orthodontics, pedodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, endodontics, and prosthodontics. A survey of the role of the dental assistant in public health dentistry is included.

A continuation of DA 125 with clinical training in dental specialties, i.e., endodontics, oral surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics and an overview of oral pathology and dental public health. Thirty (30) hours of lecture and 128 hours of clinical experience are required.