This course provides information relating to the role of the Dental Assistant within the dental team. An introduction to the dental profession including dental ethics and law will be addressed. Course content will include the related biomedical sciences that are the foundation for dental assisting: human anatomy with an emphasis on the oral cavity, plus structures of the head and neck to ascertain their positions, relations, structures, and functions. Concepts of oral pathology and oral inspection will be introduced.

Prerequisites:
ACCUPLACER Classic Reading (71) or higher OR ACCUPLACER NextGen Reading (247) or higher OR RDG 085 with a C or higher. ACCUPLACER Classic Sentence (71) or higher OR ACCUPLACER NextGen Writing (245) or higher OR ENGL 092 with a C or higher. ACCUPLACER Classic Arithmetic (50) or higher OR ACCUPLACER NextGen Arithmetic (238) or MATH 090 with a grade of C or higher.

Future Offerings:

This applied English course focuses on the workplace communication skills needed to send, receive, and process oral and written information. Along with a review of writing fundamentals, learners will use principles of clear communication, professionalism, and cultural awareness in occupational contexts. Learners will sharpen their reading, writing, and presentation skills.

Prerequisites:
Accuplacer Reading Comprehension score of 71 or RDG 085 with a C or higher, and Accuplacer Sentence Skills score of 71 or ENGL 092 with a C or higher.

Future Offerings:

This course emphasizes mathematics used in the professional technical occupations. Students will learn mathematical skills in the following: fractions, decimals, percents, ratios & proportions, U.S. Customary Units and metric measurement systems, basic geometry and elementary algebra. The course will include relevent technical applications and the use of a calculator.

Prerequisites:
ACCUPLACER Arithmetic score of 38 or ABE 050 with a C or higher or approved alternative placement criteria.

Future Offerings:

Designed to introduce students to the application of basic interpersonal communication theory, with a focus on achieving success in the workplace. Topics explored include self-awareness, self-disclosure, conversation skills, relationship development and maintenance, assertiveness, teamwork and group dynamics, conflict management strategies, and communicating in a diverse world.

Prerequisites:
Accuplacer Reading Comprehension score of 71 or a C grade in RDG 085, and Accuplacer Sentence Skills score of 71 or a C grade in ENGL 092.

Future Offerings:

The student will gain the knowledge required to maintain a safe dental environment. The course covers the impact of blood borne pathogens and how they relate to the field of dentistry. Also included are federal and state regulations regarding chemical safety, infection control, and medical emergencies in the dental office This course provides the student with the knowledge needed to operate and maintain typical equipment found in a dental clinic. The student will gain an understanding of the design, function, and maintenance of sterilization equipment, the dental unit, dental instruments and handpieces. This course will also focus on the theory of basic dental assisting principles such as: dental ergonomics, team positioning, instrument transfer and oral evacuation.

Prerequisites:
AMATH 100, AENGL 100 and CMST&210 all with a C or higher AND DEN 101 OR DEN 100 AND DEN 105 all with a C or higher. ATI TEAS scores: Reading 47.6 or higher, Mathematics 46.7 or higher, Science 33.3 or higher, and English & Language Usage 40.0 or higher.

Future Offerings:

​This course introduces basic concepts of radiography. The course emphasizes the fundamentals of oral radiography, including techniques, interpretation, quality assurance, ethics and safety in preparation for exposure of images on a radiographic manikin during the lab component of the program.​

Prerequisites:
AMATH 100, AENGL 100, CMST& 210, (DEN 101 or DEN 100), AND DEN 105 all with a C or higher

Future Offerings:

The course introduces the students to various dental terminologies and responsibilities as a dental assistant in the dental operatory. The student will learn about patient preparation, record keeping, delivery of pre and post-op instructions, with the sequence of amalgam and composite procedures, coronal polishing techniques, the sequence of placing dental sealants and an overview of dental specialties. A final unit will help the student to develop a job search plan.

Prerequisites:
AMATH 100, AENGL 100, CMST& 210, (DEN 101 or DEN 100), AND DEN 105 all with a C or higher

Future Offerings:

​​This course provides hands-on instruction while working with dental manikins. While maintaining a safe dental environment, the student will apply knowledge and skills in: sterilization/disinfection techniques, radiology, patient management, coronal polish and sealant technique, basic lab procedures and chairside assisting in restorative procedures.​​

Prerequisites:
AMATH 100, AENGL 100, CMST& 210, (DEN 101 or DEN 100), AND DEN 105 all with a C or higher

Future Offerings: