Dental Assistant

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the field of dentistry. Topics include history of dentistry, dental equipment, dental auxiliaries, psychology as it applies to dentistry, professional organizations, certification requirements, legal and ethical considerations, work ethics, and communication skills. Emphasis is placed on the Alabama Dental Practice Act and OSHA Standards. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss basic aspects of dentistry. 

Credit Hours: 2 

Lecture: 2 

Lab: 0 

Clinical/Practicum: 0 

This course is designed to introduce chairside assisting techniques including concepts of four handed dentistry, sterilization techniques, dental instruments, anesthesia, and operative dentistry. Emphasis will be placed on preparation of the student for clinical dental assisting. Upon completion, the student should be able to perform dental assisting skills in a clinical setting. 

Credit Hours: 3

Lecture:  2

Lab: 1 (3 contact hours:1 credit hour)

Clinical/Practicum:  0

This course is designed to study the characteristics, manipulation, and application of dental materials ordinarily used in the dental office. Students will be given intra and extra oral technical tasks to perform. Upon completion, students should be able to take and pour preliminary impressions, trim study models, construct custom trays and temporary crowns, prepare and place restorative material, and manipulate cements and impression materials. The procedures in this course are taught to pre-clinical or laboratory competence. 

Credit Hours: 3 

Lecture: 2 

Lab: 1 (3 contact hours:1 credit hour) 

Clinical/Practicum: 0 

This course is designed to provide study of anatomy and physiology of the head and neck and a basic understanding of body structure and function. Emphasis will be placed on tooth and root morphology, and embryological and histological correlations. It provides a foundation essential to an understanding of dental health. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss and identify the basic structure and function of the human body specifically the head, neck, and dentition. 

Credit Hours: 3 

Lecture: 3 

Lab: 0 

Clinical/Practicum: 0 

This course is designed to study basic microbiology, pathology, pharmacology. Additional topics include but are not limited to medical emergencies, special populations, and individuals suffering from drug and/or substance addiction. Emphasis is placed on the correlation of these sciences to the practice of dentistry. Upon completion, students should be able to apply basic science to the dental field. 

Credit Hours: 2 

Lecture: 2 

Lab: 0 

Clinical/Practicum: 0 

This course is designed to allow the student the opportunity for clinical observation and practical work experience in clinical settings under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Emphasis will be placed on the basic skills of chair-side assisting. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate basic skills in the area of chair-side assisting. 

Credit Hours: 5 

Lecture: 1 

Lab: 0 

Clinical/Practicum: 4 (3 contact hours:1 credit hour) 

This course is designed to cover the essential knowledge of radiographic technique for the practice of dentistry. Students will be taught to produce diagnostically acceptable intra and extra-oral radiographs with emphasis being placed on x-ray properties, generation of x-rays, film processing, operator and patient safety, infection control, quality assurance, intraoral radiographic technique and image characteristics. Upon completion, students should be able to expose, process, and mount radiographs for diagnostic purposes under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. 

Credit Hours: 3 

Lecture: 2 

Lab: 1 (3 contact hours:1credit hour) 

Clinical/Practicum: 0 

This course is designed to introduce the student to the basic principles of nutrition, preventative dentistry, and dental health education. Emphasis will be placed on philosophy of preventive dentistry including: oral hygiene, patient motivation and management, and methods of oral health education. Upon completion, students should be able to apply the basic principles of nutrition and preventive dentistry.

Credit Hours: 2 

Lecture: 2 

Lab: 0 

Clinical/Practicum: 0 

This course focuses on chairside assisting with dental specialty procedures. Emphasis is placed on techniques and procedures of the dental specialties including Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Oral and maxillofacial surgery, Endodontics, Periodontics, and Prosthodontics. Upon Completion, students should be able to discuss and identify instrumentation and demonstrate skills applicable to dental specialties.  

Credit Hours: 3 

Lecture: 2 

Lab: 1 (2 contact hours:1 credit hour) 

Clinical/Practicum: 0 

This course is designed to address basic dental office procedures including appointment and recall systems, financial records, accounting procedures, insurance claims, filing systems, purchasing and inventory of supplies and equipment, and the utilization of computers to perform business office procedures. Emphasis is placed on the duties of a dental receptionist. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in the area of dental office administrative procedures. 

Credit Hours: 3 

Lecture: 3 

Lab: 0 

Clinical/Practicum: 0 

This course is designed to provide the student the opportunity to develop advanced dental assisting skills in chairside dental assisting procedures, radiology, team work, communication skills and administrative duties. Emphasis will be placed on clinical procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in the area of chairside assisting. 

Credit Hours: 4 

Lecture: 0 

Lab: 0 

Clinical/Practicum: 4 (3 contact hours:1 credit hour) 

This course is designed to discuss the student’s clinical experiences, resumé writing, and the interview process. Emphasis will be placed on new technology in dental practices as related to dental assisting and the certification review. Upon completion, students should be able to successfully complete the Dental Assisting National Board Examination to become a Certified Dental Assistant. 

Credit Hours: 3 

Lecture: 3 

Lab: 0 

Clinical/Practicum: 0