Clackamas Community College

Dental Assistant (DA)

DA-101  Dental Radiology I  
2 credits, Fall  

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.

Required: Acceptance into Dental Assistant program
Corequisites: DA-101L
  
DA-101L  Dental Radiology I Lab  
1 credits, Fall  

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

Required: Acceptance into Dental Assistant program
Corequisites: DA-101
  
DA-102  Dental Radiology II  
2 credits, Winter  

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.

Required: Acceptance into Dental Assistant program
Prerequisites: DA-101 with a C or better
Corequisites: DA-102L
  
DA-102L  Dental Radiology II Lab  
1 credits, Winter  

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.

Required: Acceptance into Dental Assistant program
Prerequisites: DA-101 with a C or better
Corequisites: DA-102
  
DA-104  Clinical Procedures I  
2 credits, Fall  

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.

Required: Acceptance into Dental Assistant program
Corequisites: DA-104L
  
DA-104L  Clinical Procedures I Lab  
1 credits, Fall  

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.

Required: Acceptance into Dental Assistant program
Corequisites: DA-104
  
DA-105  Clinical Procedures II  
2 credits, Winter  

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.

Required: Acceptance into Dental Assistant program
Prerequisites: DA-104 with a C or better
Corequisites: DA-105L
  
DA-105L  Clinical Procedures II Lab  
1 credits, Winter  

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.

Required: Acceptance into Dental Assistant program
Prerequisites: DA-104L with a C or better
Corequisites: DA-105
  
DA-106  Clinical Procedures III  
2 credits, Spring  

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.

Required: Acceptance into Dental Assistant program
Prerequisites: DA-105 with a C or better
Corequisites: DA-106L
  
DA-106L  Clinical Procedures III Lab  
1 credits, Spring  

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, amalgam, and composite polishing will be taught on dental manikins. Required: Student Petition.

Required: Acceptance into Dental Assistant program
Prerequisites: DA-105L with a C or better
Corequisites: DA-106
  
DA-107  Dental Materials I  
2 credits, Fall  

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.

Required: Acceptance into Dental Assistant program
Corequisites: DA-107L
  
DA-107L  Dental Materials I Lab  
1 credits, Fall  

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.

Required: Acceptance into Dental Assistant program
Corequisites: DA-107
  
DA-108  Dental Materials II  
2 credits, Winter  

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.

Required: Acceptance into Dental Assistant program
Prerequisites: DA-107 with a C or better
Corequisites: DA-108L
  
DA-108L  Dental Materials II Lab  
1 credits, Winter  

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.

Required: Acceptance into Dental Assistant program
Prerequisites: DA-107L with a C or better
Corequisites: DA-108
  
DA-110  Clinical Practicum I  
1 credits, Fall  

Clinical practicum begins in the seventh week of class. Students begin to apply basic dental assisting procedures taught in weeks one through six. OSHA, hazard communication and infection control are followed for student and patient safety. A minimum of 8 supervised unpaid hours per week is required for term one practicum. Students will participate in one seminar held prior to clinical practicum. Required: Student Petition.

Required: Acceptance into Dental Assistant program  
DA-115  Dental Science  
2 credits, Fall  

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.

Required: Acceptance into Dental Assistant program  
DA-120  Clinical Practicum II  
5 credits, Winter  

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 two seminars during the term. Required: Student Petition.

Required: Acceptance into Dental Assistant program
Prerequisites: DA-110 with a C or better
  
DA-125  Dental Infection Control  
2 credits, Fall  

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.

Required: Acceptance into Dental Assistant program  
DA-130  Clinical Practicum III  
8 credits, Spring  

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 (minimum of forty-four hours). Students will be responsible to meet ten hours of community service. Students will also participate in two seminars during the term. Required: Student Petition.

Required: Acceptance into Dental Assistant program
Prerequisites: DA-120 with a C or better
  
DA-135  Pharmacology/Medical Emergencies  
2 credits, Spring  

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.

Required: Acceptance into Dental Assistant program  
DA-145  Dental Office Procedures  
2 credits, Spring  

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.

Required: Acceptance into Dental Assistant program