• HOME
• ADMISSIONS
• DAY
  PROGRAMS
  • DENTAL ASSISTING
  • MEDICAL ASSISTING
  • PRACTICAL NURSE
• EVENING PROGRAMS
  • COMPUTER CLASSES
  • DRIVER EDUCATION
  • ENRICHMENT CLASSES
  • HVAC
  • HEALTH CLAIMS
  • MASSAGE THERAPY
  • MEDICAL CLASSES
  • PC SPECIALISTS
  • PHLEBOTOMY
  • PRACTICAL NURSE
  • TRADE & TECHNICAL
• STUDENT
  SERVICES
  • CORPORATE TRAINING
  • F.E.R.P.A
  • FINANCIAL AID
  • TRANSCRIPTS
• FACULTY

Dental Assisting Program Plan

Dental Assisting Course Descriptions

Semester I

FUNDAMENTALS OF DENTAL ASSISTING THEORY I  #1D1B01 
This course provides instruction in the following areas of dental assisting; history of dentistry and the dental assisting profession, operative dentistry, medications and materials, and an overview of terminology and acronyms used in the field of dentistry. 

FUNDAMENTALS OF DENTAL ASSISTING LAB I #1D1301
Fundamentals of Dental Assisting Lab I is a performance based course.  Dental assisting skills presented in this section include; hand hygiene, selection  and donning of PPE’s, selection and implementation of chairside barriers, maintenance of dental units, processing of instrumentation, surface disinfection, syringe assembly, intraoral topical placement, tofflemire assembly, handpiece and rotary instrument care, and manipulation of dental cements.

DENTAL SCIENCE I #1D1801 
The Dental Science course introduces the student to dental terminology, charting, preventative principles of dentistry, oral hygiene care, tooth morphology, pathology, and histology of the oral tissues. 

PRECLINICAL CHAIRSIDE LAB I #1D1201
Chairside Lab teaches students the techniques used at chairside for fourhanded dentistry.  The students practice procedures used in the general dental office and the dental specialty offices. The course is designed to prepare the students for clinical externship.

RADIOLOGY THEORY I #1D1601 
The Radiology Theory course is designed to provide the student with the basic knowledge and understanding of radiographic film including: composition, developing process, digital imaging and exposure.  The theory behind various radiographic techniques including: paralleling, bisecting angle, and extra oral techniques are taught in detail.  Projection, exposure, and processing pitfalls, and normal radiographic anatomy are taught.

RADIOLOGY LAB I #1D1001 
The Radiology Lab introduces the students to the basic principles of ionizing radiographic intraoral and extraoral projection utilizing the paralleling and bisecting technique. Hands on manipulation of instrumentation with snap-a-ray, stabes, XCP, BAI, and hemostats is conducted.  Darkroom techniques utilizing manual and automatic processing, duplication and processing of films, digital imaging, mounting, and evaluation of radiographs recognizing processing and exposing errors are completed by each student.  The lab includes numerous complete mouth radiographic surveys exposed on dental mannequin (DXTTR). At the completion of the course the student should be able to expose, process, and interpret diagnostically acceptable radiographs on a dental radiology mannequin utilizing the principles presented.

DENTAL MATERIALS #1D1C01 
Dental Materials is a study of the composition and properties of materials used in the contemporary practice of dentistry.  Emphasis is placed on procedures for which the dental assistant is directly responsible.  The course is designed to run concurrently with the Prosthetics Lab I course.

PROSTHETICS LAB #1D1101   
Prosthetics Lab is a comprehensive lab that introduces the students to the basic principles of manipulation of impression materials, gypsum, waxes, resins, and metals used in the fabrication of replacement prostheses, mouth guards, and bleaching trays.  The lab procedures are demonstrated emphasizing techniques, use, and storage of materials.  The students are observed during their manipulation of materials and responsible for fabrication of special dental appliances.

TECHNICAL COMMUNICATIONS  #1D1501
This course includes a thorough review of the basic rules governing language arts and application to business documents, including letters, memos, e-mails, reports, résumés, minutes, news releases, and announcements.  Computerized proofreading applications are integrated throughout to provide opportunities for students to practice on-screen proofreading, editing, and formatting of documents.   The students identify and correct errors in spelling, word division, formatting of business documents, sentence construction, punctuation, capitalization, and number expression.  Emphasis is placed on editing for content, clarity, and conciseness.

COMPUTERS FOR DENTAL ASSISTANTS I #1D1701  
This is an introductory course that explores the use of computers in a dental office environment.  Through hands on experience, students will learn about computer hardware and software.  They will use the Windows XP operating system, Microsoft Word 2007 and will become familiar with the use of the Internet as a resource. 

INFECTION CONTROL I #1D1901  
Infection Control I is a comprehensive study of disease prevention methods.  All aspects of infection control needed by dental healthcare workers to conduct themselves efficiently and safety in the workplace are taught.  Education in the areas of; management and selection of PPE, strategies to prevent disease transmission, instrument processing and sterilization, disinfection, aseptic techniques, occupational exposure, selection of safety devices, and immunization of healthcare worker are taught.

DENTAL OFFICE MANAGEMENT #1D1401 
This course focuses on business skills to operate a successful dental practice.  This course discusses the front office aspect of dentistry, the importance of effective communication, the managing of clinical records, the handling of business and financial records Students will learn how the business of dentistry is changing to meet the needs of today’s market and patients.  Students will explore the professional dental practice software, “DENTRIX”.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY #1D1A01 
This course covers anatomy and physiology of the cellular tissues, skeletal, muscular, nervous, excretory, reproductive, circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, and digestive systems.  The main focus is placed on the interrelationship of the systems, related terminology, and diseases with emphasis placed on dental related conditions.

Semester II

FUNDAMENTALS OF DENTAL ASSISTING II #1D1B02
This section of Fundamentals of Dental Assisting includes; professional ethics and HIPAA policies and pharmacology used in dentistry. An introduction to dental assisting job skills and expectations as related to the dental specialties in the areas of; maxillofacial oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, endodontics, orthodontics, and patient care skills for the medically or physically challenged patient. Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Dental Assisting I

FUNDAMENTALS OF DENTAL ASSISTING LAB II #1D1302
Fundamentals of Dental Assisting Lab II is a performance based course. Dental assisting skills presented in this section include; oral surgery instrumentation, dental sealant application, coronal polishing of primary and adult dentition, the administration of topical fluoride, removal of temporary cement, and the monitoring of vital signs are practiced.  Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Dental Assisting Lab I

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES #1D1D02 
This course emphasizes the emergency procedures to be instituted in case of an accident, injury, or illness that might occur in a dental office or other facility.  CPR Certification is required.  Preventive preparation and management of circulatory, respiratory, and drug related emergencies are covered in detail.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY #1D1A01
See 1st semester description

DENTAL SCIENCE II #1D1802 
The second semester involves a detailed study of the anatomy of the head and neck; basic pathology with emphasis on diseases of the oral region, physiological activities, and disease production.

PRECLINICAL CHAIRSIDE LAB II #1D1202
Continuation of Chairside Lab I, this course teaches students the techniques used at chairside for fourhanded dentistry.  Students utilize the skills mastered in Chairside Lab I to complete hands-on procedures in periodontics, oral surgery, endodontics, and prosthetics. This reinforces the importance of procedure efficiency and application of dental materials.
Prerequisite: Preclinical Chairside Lab I

APPLIED NUTRITION #1D1E02
This course is designed to provide students a background in nutrition concepts to help the student understand the importance of a well balanced diet in the overall functioning of the body.  The major nutrients are discussed, and the value of each nutrient and deficits of each nutrient is analyzed and related to the body with emphasis on dental health.

RADIOLOGY THEORY II #1D1602  
The Radiology Theory II course is designed to provide the student with the fundamental knowledge of dental radiology including the production and absorption of ionizing radiation, the science of radiology, radiographic characteristic imaging, the biology and safety of radiation, the interpretation of common oral diseases, and extraoral radiology.
Prerequisite: Radiology Theory I

RADIOLOGY LAB II #1D1002
The student has a comprehensive approach to four dental radiology patients.  The student is responsible to appoint the patient, expose a full mouth series, process and duplicate the radiographs, and critique his/her work.  At the completion of the Radiology Lab II, the student should be able to be proficient in the dental radiology principles as presented.

COMPUTERS FOR DENTAL ASSISTANTS II #1D1702 
This is a continuation of Computers for Dental Assistants I.  Students focus on the use of Dentrix Dental Office Management software learning how to enter patient data, schedule and manage appointments, and perform charting functions in a computer based system.

PSYCHOLOGY OF THE DENTAL PATIENT #1D1F02 
This course focuses on communication and the practical application of therapeutic communication in a variety of patient situations.  Applications are current with today’s working environment including coverage of the impact of the information age on communications, human relations, and interacting with patients.  In addition, the course will cover a wide variety of client profiles and appropriate therapeutic responses for stress, anger, suicide, depression, drug dependency, abuse, loss, and grief.

INFECTION CONTROL II #1D1902
Infection Control II focuses on the current regulatory aspects related to infection control in the dental setting. Emphasis is placed on the guidelines and recommendations set forth by the CDC, OSHA, and ADA Infection Control protocol.  The areas of education and training in this section will include; dental unit water asepsis, management and interpretation of MSDS sheets, dental waste disposal, a comprehensive study of bloodborne pathogens and the OSHA bloodborne pathogen standard, emerging diseases, oral and respiratory disease prevention, and CDC prevention guidelines for infection control in dental health care setting. Prerequisite: Infection Control I

CLINICAL EXTERNSHIP #1D1G02
Clinical externship provides further refinement of clinical skills in preparation for employment.  The focus is on clinical chairside procedures that are routinely performed by a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).  Placements are with local dental offices, clinics, and off-site facilities. The students are required to complete all assigned clinical hours.

DENTAL ASSISTING     ESTIMATED EXPENSES

TEAS EXAM
The Practical Nurse Program is excepting applications for the
full time program beginning September 2011. The next scheduled TEAS Entrance Exam is Sat., May 14, 2011.
Click Here To Register!

OPEN HOUSE
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
5:00-7:00 P.M.

CHECK OUT OUR NEW COMMERCIAL HERE!

Visit our page and 'Like' us today!