course descriptions

Career Development and Professional Ethics I (DA101)

Course Description: Students will understand the importance of displaying and maintaining professionalism at work. Students will understand how attire, grooming, and nonverbal communication speaks volumes.

 

Introduction to Dentistry (DA102)

Course Description: Students will learn dental terminology, adult and pediatric dentition, teeth names, numbers and surfaces and systems, dental procedures names, and charting procedures manually and on Dentrix software.

 

Infection Control (DA103)

Course Description:  Students are taught how to don the various Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required in the dental clinic. The goals of infection control are discussed together with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements and standards. Students are taught to follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Guidelines in effective infection control. They will learn the procedures performed by the dental assistant prior to seating a patient in the operatory and the various procedures required to be accomplished following dental treatment and sterilization.

 

Radiology (DA104)

Course Description: Students will practice taking, developing and mounting x-rays both conventionally and digitally. They will also learn about radiation safety, control factors, errors, techniques and types of film.

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Chairside Assisting (DA105)

Course Description: Students will learn how to chairside assist using four handed dentistry, greet and seat patients preparing and dismissing patients, equipment care, tray/procedure set-ups, and identifying and transferring instruments to gain skills and proficiency in chairside assisting.

 

Dental Materials and Lab Techniques (DA106)

Course Description: Students will learn various materials used in dentistry. Topics include cavity varnishes and liners, dental cements, surgical cements/periodontal dressing, glass ionomer cements, composites, sealants and dental amalgams. Students will mix and manipulate various impression materials, pour plaster and stones, trim models for study and diagnosis, fabricate temporary crowns, bleach trays night guards and wax bites.

 

Dentrix and the Front Office (DA107)

Course Description: Students will learn front office duties, greeting patients, answering telephones, scheduling appointments, entering data patient information, posting payments, creating treatment plans, accessing various reports and submitting insurance claims on Dentrix software.

 

Dental Specialties (DA108)

Course Description:  Students will explore dental specialties (endodontics, periodontics, oral maxillofacial surgery, pediatric dentistry, and orthodontics).

 

Career Development and Professional Ethics II (DA109)

Course Description: Students will understand the importance of displaying and maintaining professionalism at work. Students will develop a portfolio, resume, and cover letter.  Students will be provided information on interview tips and techniques, externship opportunities, and direct placement leads.

 

So, You Want to Save a Life (DA110)

Course Description:  Students will learn risks associated with providing medical and dental care. The students will learn how to respond to medical emergencies. Students will receive American Heart CPR/BLS (Basic Life Support) training to promptly recognize several life-threatening emergencies, give high-quality chest compressions, deliver appropriate ventilations and provide early use of an AED.

 

Externship (DA111)

Course Description:  Students will apply what they have learned in the program curriculum to practical use in a healthcare facility under the supervision of a preceptor on site. Through the externship experience, the student will gain first-hand knowledge of the workplace and perform assigned duties to meet the expectations of the professional setting. Students are expected to adapt to the work environment and reflect regularly on their leaning and observations. The externship work performed equals eighty hours and is unpaid.