DA F132      Administrative Procedures for the Dental Assistant
2 Credits

Offered Fall

Administrative responsibilities performed by dental assistants in dental facilities. Includes duties of the office assistant, receptionist or secretary, and insurance coordinator. Focus on reception, telephone procedures, scheduling, public relations, insurance and professionalism.

Prerequisites: High school graduation or GED.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 0 + 0

DA F150      Dental Radiography
4 Credits

The study of film and digital radiographic techniques in the dental practice. Introduces student to radiographic anatomy and radiation physics. Includes safety in exposing, processing and mounting dental radiographs. Presents hazardous materials handling, equipment operation and maintenance. Prepares students for the Dental Assisting National Board's radiology health and safety examination.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 2 + 0

DA F151      Dental Infection Control
2 Credits

Principles and practices of infection control in the dental office. Includes knowledge of disease, microbiology, transmission prevention and methods of compliance with OSHA and CDC regulations. Prepares students for the Dental Assisting National Boards infection control examination.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 0 + 0

DA F152      Dental Materials and Applications
4 Credits

Physical and chemical properties of restorative dental materials and the application of those materials. Includes properties and manipulation of gypsum material, impression materials and custom trays, basic crown and bridge procedures.

Prerequisites: DA F151 or may be taken concurrently.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 4 + 0

DA F153      Anatomy for Dental Assistants
3 Credits

Study of anatomy as it applies to the field of dental assisting. Includes basic body systems and an in-depth examination of dental embryology, histology, morphology and head/neck anatomy.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

DA F251      Clinical Chairside I for Dental Assistants
6 Credits

Introduction to dental assisting. Beginning skills necessary to function as a chairside dental assistant in a general dentistry practice. Emphasis on developing clinical skills in four-handed dentistry techniques.

Prerequisites: Permission of program coordinator.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 6 + 0

DA F252      Clinical Chairside II for Dental Assistants
6 Credits

Emphasizes advanced dental assisting skills necessary in general dentistry. Includes taking impressions for study models, radiography, matrix assembly, rubber dam application, assisting with the administration of local anesthetics, temporary crowns, oral health and nutrition. Includes introduction to specialty practices.

Prerequisites: DA F251.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 6 + 0

DA F253      Clinical Chairside III for Dental Assistants
3 Credits

Continued learning in the dental specialties including prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, pedodontics, orthodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Prerequisites: DA F251; DA F252; permission of program coordinator.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 2 + 0

DA F254      Dental Assistant Practicum
4 Credits

Clinical, off-campus course for dental assisting students. Placement in general and specialty dental offices under direct supervision by participating dentist and program faculty. Includes seminars to discuss progress and experiences.

Prerequisites: DA F132; DA F150; DA F152; DA F153; DA F251; DA F252; DA F253; enrollment by special permission only.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 20