DA F100      Introduction to Dental Assisting
3 Credits

Offered Fall, Spring and Summer

Introduction to basic concepts of dentistry and the dental assistant role. This includes: dental terminology, patient communication, HIPAA, legal and ethical issues, nutrition, basic anatomy, management of hazardous materials, preparation for patient care, tooth numbering and knowing tooth surfaces, dental charting, pharmacology, basic administrative office duties, and preparing for employment.

Prerequisites: Placement into MATH F055; placement into WRTG F110.

Special Notes: Submission of dental assisting program packet, including documentation of required immunizations.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0

Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus

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

Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus

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

Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus

DA F152      Dental Materials and Applications
4 Credits

Offered Spring and Summer

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

Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus

DA F153      Anatomy for Dental Assistants
3 Credits

Offered Fall, Spring and Summer

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

Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus

DA F154      Dental Radiography
3 Credits

Offered Spring

Study of procedures and techniques used to capture radiographic images in dental practices. Introduces radiographic anatomy and radiation physics. Includes safety in exposing, capturing dental radiographs and infection control. Presents hazardous materials handling, equipment operation and maintenance. Prepares students for the Dental Assisting National Board's radiology health and safety examination.

Prerequisites: DA F100.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 2 + 0

Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus

DA F251      Beginning Chairside for Dental Assistants
4 Credits

Offered Fall, Spring and Summer

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: Placement into MATH F055; Placement into WRTG F111X.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 4 + 0

Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus

DA F252      Advanced Chairside for Dental Assistants
4 Credits

Offered Spring and Summer

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, Department approval.

Special Notes: Dental assistant packet and documentation of all required immunizations will need to be submitted.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 4 + 0

Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus

DA F253      Clinical Chairside III for Dental Assistants
3 Credits

Offered Spring and Summer

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

Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus

DA F254      Dental Assistant Practicum
4 Credits

Offered Fall, Spring and Summer

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 F154; DA F152; DA F153; DA F251; DA F252; DA F253; enrollment by special permission only.

Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 20

Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades