Dental Assistant – Schedule of Courses
Dental assistants aid dentists in the examination and treatment of patients. Their duties include taking and developing x-rays, assisting in the operatory (four-handed dentistry) and the construction and preparation of temporary crowns and bridges. The dental assistant is also involved in the efficient operation of the dental practice. Insurance, patient relations, billing and the greeting of patients, are some of the duties performed by the dental assistant. Generally, the size of the dental practice and an assistant’s responsibilities determine the scope and compensation of the job.
Dental Theory Course Descriptions
The objective of Arizona College’s Dental Assistant program is to provide a sound educational environment for instruction and training to equip its graduates for entry level jobs as dental assistants.
Dental Theory: DENT 112
Infection Control & Medical Emergencies
2.5 Credits
This course is an overview of infection control measures, microbiology and management of hazardous materials, vital signs and medical emergencies. Students learn infection control measures, proper hand washing technique, treatment room set-up and patient positioning. Also presented are medical histories, vital signs oral examinations, OSHA incident reports and the MSDS manual. Prerequisite: None
Dental Theory: DENT 113
Dental Basics & Chairside Assisting
3.0 credits
This course covers an orientation to the dental office, embryology, histology, morphology, head and neck anatomy and pharmacology and is an introduction to chairside dentistry, including dental terminology, instrument identification and transfer, dental charting and anesthesia and sedation. Prerequisite: None
Dental Theory: DENT 125
Radiology
3.0 credits
This course covers the history of radiography, safety considerations, biology and physiology aspects, exposure, processing, mounting and storage of x-rays. Digital x-ray theory is discussed. Prerequisites: None
Dental Theory: DENT 126
Restorative Dentistry
3.0 credits
This course presents an overview of fixed and removable prosthodontics, restorative materials, cosmetic dentistry, gingival retraction, tooth whitening and cements. Prerequisites: None
Dental Theory: DENT 127
Oral Health
3.0 credits
This course gives an overview of oral health and preventative techniques, nutrition, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and perio charting, sealants and coronal polishing. Prerequisites: None
Dental Theory: DENT 128
Dental Specialties
3.0 credits
This course explores dental specialty practices including endodontics orthodontics orals surgery and pathology, lab materials and dental dams. Prerequisites: None
Dental Clinical Procedures Course Descriptions
The academic portion of the Dental Assistant program consists of three (3) terms of ten (10) weeks each. Each term is divided into two (2) five-week sessions. The entire program is approximately 38 weeks.
Dental Clinical Procedures: DCP 104
Chairside Assisting Lab
1.5 Credits
Students are introduced to chairside assisting, including instrument transfer and identification, tray set-ups, anesthesia and sedation oral evacuation, moisture control and dental charting. Prerequisite: None
Dental Clinical Procedures: DCP 105
Radiology Lab
1.5 Credits
Students learn the use of radiation safety equipment through exposing, processing and mounting intraoral x-ray films (including digital films) during practical exercises. Angle techniques, identifying radiographic landmarks and troubleshooting common errors are also presented. Prerequisites: None
Dental Clinical Procedures: DCP 106
Restorative Dentistry Lab
1.5 Credits
This course teaches students chairside applications and tray identification for amalgam, composite, crown and bridge procedures, dental cements, vacu-form trays, custom acrylic trays and temporary crowns. Prerequisites: None
Dental Clinical Procedures: DCP 107
Oral Health Lab
1.5 Credits
Emphasis is placed on preventative care, coronal polishing, topical fluoride application oral hygiene instruction, sealants, periodontal dressing and periodontal charting. Prerequisites: None
Dental Clinical Procedures: DCP 108
Dental Specialties Lab
1.5 Credits
This course teaches suture removal, simple extraction procedure, complicated extraction tray set-up, post-op care oral surgery instrument identification, endodontic instrument identification orthodontic instrument identification, rubber dam placement, lab equipment use and impressions and models. Prerequisites: None
Dental Administrative Procedures & Computer Course Descriptions
Dental Administrative Procedures: DAP 115
Dental Office Management Dentrix, Patient & Records
2.5 Credits
This course provides an overview of dental ethics and jurisprudence, record filing and management, patient relations, appointment scheduling techniques, credit and collections and recall methods. Students will also explore inventory management, financial arrangements, accounts payable and receivable, Dentrix software applications and management of insurance. Prerequisites: None
Computer Courses: COM 108
Microcomputer Concepts & Keyboarding
2.5 Credits
This course provides a microcomputer orientation with an overview of computer information systems. It introduces computer hardware, software and information systems. Students will learn Windows as well as Microsoft Office, Word and Excel. Finally, this course also helps students build basic typing skills as well as develop speed and accuracy while typing. Prerequisite: None
Professional Studies & Externship Course Descriptions
Professional Studies: ADM 101
Career Development
2.5 Credits
This course guides students through the employment process by learning to complete applications, prepare cover letters and write effective resumes and follow-up letters. Other topics include interview skills, networking, continuing education, resigning a position, career advancement and a general orientation to the ever-changing dynamics of the health care delivery system. Prerequisite: None
Professional Studies: ADM 107
Medical Administrative Practices
2.5 Credits
This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of administrative medical assisting including professional telephone techniques, patient appointment scheduling, written communication, electronic applications and quality customer service. Students will explore an overview of medical law and ethics of the health care profession. Prerequisite: None
Professional Studies: BIO 126
The Body as a Whole
3.0 Credits
Coordination and regulation of the body systems are discussed in this course. Students learn how the nervous system and the endocrine system work together to control the functions of the body. Cellular reproduction, body systems and directional terms are addressed. Prerequisite: None
Professional Studies: BIO 127
The Body’s Circulation & Defense
3.0 Credits
In this course, students will examine the structure, function and conduction of the heart and the pathway of circulation. Students will also explore the physiology of respiration, which includes the structures and disorders of the respiratory system and treatment options. Included in the course are blood composition, typing and disorders. The course also examines the lymphatic system to include the organs and their functions and discusses immunity. Prerequisite: None
Professional Studies: MTP 118
Medical Terminology
3.0 Credits
This course focuses on construction, pronunciation and application of medical words including prefixes, suffixes and word roots. A basic level of organization within the human body is presented. An overview of the major body systems is provided and terms related to the systems are learned. Abbreviations and pharmacology concepts and introductory legalities related to documentation in the health care industry are included. Prerequisite: None
Externship: EXT 300
Externship
10.0 Credits
A 300-hour externship in an approved dental facility under the direct supervision of a dentist or dental assistant in a variety of settings. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all classroom courses in the program