Dental Assistant (DA)

DA 115 HEAD, NECK AND ORAL ANATOMY
Credits: 4
Term: (F)

The majority of this course includes content in head, neck and dental anatomy. Oral tissue embryology and histology and general human anatomic and physiologic concepts are introduced by the instructor. Tooth numbering systems and cavity classifications are emphasized as a supplement to the dental anatomy portion. Students successfully completing this course will be able to apply basic oral anatomic theory to laboratory and clinical settings.

 

DA 118 DENTAL OFFICE MANAGEMENT
Credits: 2
Term: (F)

This course exposes students to various reception procedures and dental practice management responsibilities commonly expected in a professional dental office. Students will learn the fundamentals of computer use in the dental practice by utilizing a dental office software package. Skills include creating patient records and a database to set up patient accounts, schedule appointments, bill patient and third parties, and process payments and reports. HIPAA regulations and other legal expectations within the healthcare field will also be discussed. This course is offered in hybrid format with both on-line and on-site requirements.

 

DA 120 ORAL RADIOLOGY/RADIOGRAPHY I
Credits: 3
Term: (F)

This course is the first of a series of two courses and includes both didactic and laboratory instruction. Content in this course includes the history of oral radiography, radiation, physics, x-ray equipment supplies and darkroom procedures, infection control practice, intraoral technique, biological effects of radiation, radiation protection and anatomic landmark identification and mounting. The practical component applies radiographic theory and technique in practice.

 

DA 121 ORAL RADIOLOGY/RADIOGRAPHY II
Credits: 2
Term: (S)
Prerequisite: DA 115, DA 120

Oral Radiology/Radiography II includes didactic, laboratory, and clinic instruction. Content in this course emphasizes extraoral, and perfection of intraoral techniques, quality assurance in radiography, radiograph interpretation and assessment, and application of theory in the lab/clinic setting. A student satisfies the practical portion of this course by successfully performing both paralleling and bisecting intraoral periapical techniques, by exposing horizontal, vertical, pedodontic, and anterior bitewings, exposing occlusal radiographs, and demonstrating proper panoramic exposure. Other content sections include biological effects of radiation, radiation protection, specialty techniques, identification and correction of faulty radiographs, and digital radiography. Students are expected to obtain their own prescription patients for final full mouth series. Dental assistant program students will be prepared to sit for the oral radiology component of the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) examination upon successful completion of this course.

 

DA 123 CHAIRSIDE THEORY AND PRACTICE I
Credits: 4
Term: (F)

The Chairside I course covers aspects of the clinical dental assistant’s duties in a general dental practice. It includes instruction in dental instruments, equipment, materials, and basic laboratory and chairside procedures (including patient relations and charting methods). Oral anesthesia theory is an additional component. Infection control theory, including microbiology, and practice are heavily emphasized throughout this course.

 

DA 124 CHAIRSIDE THEORY AND PRACTICE II
Credits: 4
Term: (S)
Prerequisite: DA 115, DA 123

Chairside II is a continuation of Chairside I and includes lecture, laboratory and clinical sessions. Content includes emphasis on aesthetic restorative procedures, rubber dam concepts, coronal polishing, pit and fissure sealant placement, fluoride treatments, and fabrication and placement of temporary crowns and restorations.

 

DA 150 DENTAL SCIENCES/PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY
Credits: 4
Term: (S)
Prerequisite: DA 115, DA 123

This course includes the study of the oral plaque diseases and their prevention as well as an introduction to the science-based subjects of oral pathology, pharmacology, nutrition, and medical emergencies. Focus will be on the theory of the oral plaque diseases processes, the identification of associated pathologies, and the prevention of the diseases. Specific content areas also include drug classifications and interactions, fluoride, oral hygiene technique, and patient education.

 

DA 165 DENTAL SPECIALTIES
Credits: 3
Term: (S)
Prerequisites: DA 115, DA 123

The clinical specialties course includes an introduction to six dental specialties: periodontics; endodontics, fixed and removable prosthodontics, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. It includes theory in the individual specialties along with procedure set-ups (armamentarium), materials used, and instrumentation. The student will also apply the knowledge in a laboratory procedures setting.

 

DA 190 CLINICAL OFFICE PRACTICE AND SEMINAR
Credits: 7
Term: (SU)
Prerequisites: Program director approval required to enroll.

This is the capstone course for the program and requires the student to integrate and apply all dental concepts from earlier coursework in the clinical setting. It involves rotated extramural clinical office experience in the dental community where students actively participate in the operation of the dental practice as dental assistants in training. The on-line component of the course introduces a student to job search strategies and preparation of personal resumes and cover and follow-up letters. Interview techniques are also incorporated. This course is offered in hybrid format having both on-line and on-site requirements.