Dental Assistant (DA)

Introduction to history and principles of dental radiology, terminology, and basic physics associated with x-rays, biological effects of x-rays, anatomical landmarks and infection control. Required: Student Petition.

This course covers practical instruction in radiation health and safety, types of films, receptor holders, processing and mounting of dental films, use of x-ray equipment, infection control techniques, disposal of hazardous waste, and exposure techniques on x-ray manikans. Introduces digital and conventional x-ray exposures. All exposure techniques performed on x-ray manikins. Required: Student Petition.

Alternative radiographic techniques are discussed as students develop their knowledge in the following areas: bisecting, extra-oral radiography, techniques for children, and patients with special needs. This course provides an in-depth study of the purpose and uses of panoramic imaging, digital imaging, three-dimensional digital imaging, and occlusal examinations. Identification of radiographic interpretation and infection control procedures will also be covered. Required: Student Petition.

Knowledge and skills in alternative radiographic techniques are taught as students demonstrate exposure techniques and corrective measures of various alternative radiographic techniques. Students meeting radiographic proficiency on the x-ray mannequin prepare for the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) proficiency exam. Candidates for the RHS proficiency exam will follow all RHS, Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and Oregon examination requirements in preparation of patient radiographs. Required: Student Petition.

Discussion in the practice of patient care including the collection of patient medical and dental histories and maintenance of accurate treatment records. Explores the history of dentistry, dental ethics, law, and HIPAA. The dental healthcare team, dental office design and the dental profession will also be discussed. Required: Student Petition.

This course prepares the student for basic chairside assisting and general procedures. Application of essential skills in seating and dismissing patients, ergonomics, taking and recording vital signs, and infection control are taught and practiced in a dental laboratory setting. Required: Student Petition.

A foundational course in preventive dentistry. Examines the study of preventive education, oral hygiene instruction, nutrition, fluoride agents, coronal polishing and sealants. The continuation of oral evacuation and isolation techniques will also be covered. Required: Student Petition.

Furthers the development of chairside skills and introduces the application of preventive procedures such as coronal polishing, fluoride treatment and oral hygiene instruction. Basic knowledge in the application of dental sealants is also taught. Lab skills such as the placement and removal of matrix retainers and rubber dams are taught to provide preparation for chairside dental assisting functions. Aseptic procedures are practiced during all lab skills. Required: Student Petition.

This course provides an in-depth knowledge of dental specialties. Advanced and expanded dental assisting functions, tray set-ups and procedures in endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, orthodontics and pedodontics are covered. Principles and procedures for amalgam and composite polishing will also be covered. Required: Student Petition.

This course covers advanced and expanded dental assisting procedures in dental specialties. Tray set-up, dental materials and specific specialty procedures will be covered in the following dental specialties: orthodontic, periodontics, oral surgery and endodontics. Laboratory instruction in study casts will be taught on dental manikins. Required: Student Petition.

This course is an in-depth level of instruction in the composition and manipulation of dental restorative materials, and dental cements. Examination of general dentistry and chairside assisting with direct permanent restorations such as amalgam and composite will also be covered. Required: Student Petition.

This course covers the application of the essential skills necessary in assisting with amalgam and composite restorations. Covers tray-set-ups, pre and post-operative instructions, instrument transfer, and oral evacuation with amalgam and composite procedures. The identification and application of dental cements used in general dentistry will also be covered. Includes manipulation, storage and disposal of hazardous dental materials and cements. Required: Student Petition.

This course focuses on in-depth knowledge of the properties, uses and manipulation of impression materials, gypsum products and waxes. Foundational knowledge will prepare students for the fabrication of custom trays, bleaching trays, and provisional restorations. Includes knowledge of fixed and removable prosthodontic procedures and rational for polishing removable appliances. An overview of dental implants will also be covered. Required: Student Petition.

Essential skills in the manipulation and application of dental impression materials, gypsum products and waxes will be covered. Thorough knowledge of laboratory skills in the fabrication of bleaching trays and provisional restorations will be taught. Demonstration of custom trays and uses are introduced. The instrumentation and procedures for fixed and removable prosthodontics will also be covered. Required: Student Petition.

Clinical practicum begins in the eighth week of class. Students begin to apply basic dental assisting procedures taught in weeks one through seven. OSHA, hazard communication and infection control are followed for student and patient safety. Twenty hours of supervised unpaid hours is required for term one practicum. Students will participate in a clinical practicum orientation and a medical emergency seminar held prior to clinical practicum. Students will also participate in a review session for the national Infection Control Exam (ICE). Required: Student Petition.

Introduction and general study of anatomy, physiology, and oral pathology. An in-depth level course of study in oral anatomy, histology and embryology. Introduction to charting will also be covered. Required: Student Petition.

Supervised unpaid practice and improvement of clinical skills taught in clinical procedures, dental materials and radiology. Covers advanced Expanded Functions Dental Assisting (EFDA) skills. Implement infection control protocols. Introduce basic business office procedures. Ten hours of community service will be required. Participate in 9 hours of seminar during the term. Required: Student Petition.

This course covers the introduction and general study of microbiology, major groups of microorganisms, viral and bacterial diseases. Disease transmission, infection prevention, disinfection and instrument processing techniques will also be covered. An in-depth level of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standards and Hazard Communication will be taught and integrated throughout the didactic, preclinical, laboratory and clinical course of study. Required: Student Petition.

Supervised practice and improvement of advanced clinical skills in all areas of chairside dental assisting, laboratory procedures, specialties, radiology and Expanded Functions Dental Assisting (EFDA) procedures. Students report to their assigned site three days a week, for a minimum of twenty-four hours per week, for eleven weeks. Clinical competency skills in business office procedures will also be completed in this term. Students will be responsible to meet ten hours of community service. Students will also participate in 12 seminar hours during the term. Required: Student Petition.

This course is an introduction to pharmacology, common drugs used in dentistry, drug agencies, regulations, and drug actions. The properties of anesthetic, topical anesthetics, and desensitizing agents will also be covered. An in-depth level knowledge of the identification, response and management of medical and dental emergencies in the dental office will be taught utilizing educational manikin simulators. Required: Student Petition.

This course prepares the student for basic knowledge of dental office procedures to include dental charting. Introduction of dental software, management of patient information, maintenance and retention of business records, inventory and recall systems. Written and oral communication are taught to prepare students for employment opportunities. Required: Student Petition.