Dental Assistant - Technical Diploma

Students gain skills that lead to success in college, employment, and life. Students should take this course in their first semester. (Pre-requisite: None.)

Prepares dental assistant students to apply fundamentals of general and dental anatomy to informed decision-making and to professional communication with colleagues and patients. (Prerequisite: Accepted into the Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary Program; Corequisites: 10-508-101, Dental Health Safety; 31-508-307, Dental Asst Professionalism)

Prepares dental auxiliary students to respond proactively to dental emergencies, control infection, prevent disease, adhere to OSHA Standards, and safely manage hazardous materials. Students also take patient vital signs and collect patient medical/dental histories. (Prerequisite: Accepted into the Dental Hygiene or Dental Assistant or Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary Program)

Prepares dental auxiliary students to manage telephones, appointments, recall systems, and inventory. Students also develop the skills need to process accounts receivable and payable, collections, and third party reimbursements.

Prepares dental assistant students for professional success in a dental practice or another dental health care environment. Students develop professional appearance and image. More importantly, they learn to work within ethical guidelines and legal frameworks. In preparation for entering the work force, dental assistants customize or develop their portfolios and lay out an ongoing professional development plan. (Corequisites: 10-508-101, Dental Health Safety; 31-508-304, Dental & General Anatomy)

This course focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory course-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Prepares dental auxiliary students to operate x-ray units and expose bitewing, periapical, extra oral, and occlusal radiographs. Emphasis is placed on protection against x-ray hazards. Students also process, mount, and evaluate radiographs for diagnostic value. In this course students demonstrate competency on a manikin. In addition, students expose bitewing radiographs on a peer, role-play patient. (Prerequisite: 10-508-101, Dent Health Safety; Corequisite: 10-508-102, Oral Anat & Hist)

Prepares dental assistant students to chart oral cavity structures, dental pathology, and restorations and to assist a dentist with basic dental procedures including examinations, pain control, amalgam restoration, and cosmetic restoration. Students will also develop the ability to educate patients about preventive dentistry, brushing and flossing techniques, and dental procedures, using lay terminology. Throughout the course, students will apply decoding strategies to the correct use and interpretation of dental terminology. (Prerequisites: 10-508-101, Dental Health Safety; 31-508-304, Dental & General Anatomy; all other second semester classes)

Prepares dental auxiliary students to handle and prepare dental materials such as liners, bases, cements, amalgam, resin restorative materials, gypsum products, and impression materials. They also learn to take alginate impressions on manikins and clean removable appliances. (Prerequisites: 10-508-101, Dental Health Safety; 31-508-304, Dental & General Anatomy OR 10-508-102, Oral Anatomy, Embry, Histology)

Students apply skills developed in Dental and General Anatomy, Dental Health Safety, Dental Chairside, Dental Materials, Dental Radiography, and Professionalism in a clinical setting with patients. Emphasizes integration of core abilities and basic occupational skills. (Prerequisites: 10-508-101, Dental Health Safety; 10-508-103, Dental Radiography Applications, 31-508-302, Dental Chairside; 31-508-304, Dental & General Anatomy; 31-508-307, Dental Assistant Professionalism; Corequisite:10-508-113, Dental Materials)

Prepares dental assistant students to adapt chairside skills to assisting with dental specialties as they are performed in general practice. Focuses on pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, oral maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, periodontic, and prosthodontics. Students will also develop the ability to assist with sealants, perform coronal polishing, and apply topical fluoride and topical anesthetics. (Prerequisites: 31-508-302, Dental Chairside; all other 2nd semester classes; Corequisite: 31-508-309, Dental Lab Procedures; all other 3rd semester classes)

Builds on principles and skills developed in Dental Radiography. Dental assisting students expose full mouth series, extra-oral and specialized radiographs on adult and child patients. Emphasis is placed on protection against x-ray hazards. Students will also acquire and evaluate radiographic images for diagnostic value. In addition, they will use radiographs to explain dental health and treatment plans to patients. (Prerequisite: 10-508-103, Dental Radiography Applications; all other 2nd semester classes; Corequisite: 31-508-311, Dental Assistant Clinical Advanced; all other 3rd semester classes)

Prepares Dental Assistant students to produce alginate impressions and fabricate diagnostic models, oral appliances, temporary restorations, and custom trays. Students also polish oral appliances. (Prerequisites: 10-508-113, Dental Materials; all other 2nd semester classes; Corequisite: 31-508-311, Dental Clinical Advanced; all other 3rd semester classes)

Dental assisting students apply skills developed in Dental Chairside - Advanced, Dental Lab Procedures, Dental Radiography - Advanced, and Dental Office Procedures in a clinical setting with patients. Emphasizes integration of core abilities and basic and advanced occupational skills. (Prerequisite: 31-508-306, Dent Asst Clinical; All other 2nd semester classes; Corequisites: 31-508-309, Dental Lab Procedures; 31-508-310, Dental Radiography Advanced)