Dental Assisting Courses

Initiation into the dental profession starts with, dental anatomy, identifying structures of the oral cavity, head and neck anatomy, medical/dental terminology, and taking vital signs. Initial exposure occurs in the areas of infection control/OSHA health and safety regulations, dental materials, laboratory assignments and dental office management. Students will also learn how to emit professionalism through personal hygiene habits, interpersonal communication, and appearance.

Students will gain the skills and knowledge of proper infection control and the microbiology that initiates it. Introduction to patient care including, dental charting, basic chairside assisting, instrument identification and transfer along with anesthesia and sedation. Also included is proper sterilization techniques, processing contaminated instruments, and identification/handling of hazardous materials. Also accomplished at this grade level is the certification of OSHA 10- hour card/general industry and CPR/BLS for the healthcare provider. 

Building on the foundational classes studied in prior years the student will elaborate with dental materials and laboratory projects. Focus will be on radiation health and safety, proper placement and exposure of dental radiographs using DXTTR® mannequins, processing and mounting filmbased x-rays as well as exposing digital records. Students will also attain proficiency in the use of the panorex digital x-ray system, gaining competency in identification of structural landmarks. During this year, concentration is also placed on dental specialties (endodontics, oral surgery, orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics) and their affiliations. The dental assisting student will gain hands-on chair side experience, through externships as well as interpersonal communication with in the office. Professionalism, written and oral communication, as well as peer and affiliate relationship building are emphasized.

During the final year of dental assisting students will continue to gain experience through externships and co-op. Completion of radiology competencies will be a focus for graduation and employability along with technical and literary aspects of dental office and business management. Becoming a quality clinician in the dental profession requires the understanding and implementation of ethics and jurisprudence. Students will emerge as confident caring clinicians providing a role model for others.