DEN101 Dental Assisting I 4 credits (3 lec, 3 lab hrs/wk)
Dental Assisting I introduces the basic concepts of preventative dentistry and the dental assistant’s role including dental terminology, infection control, basic microbiology, pharmacology, nutrition, oral and facial anatomy, tooth numbering, names of tooth surfaces, dental charting and oral assessment, the use of dental instruments and the various procedures used by dentists, dental asepsis techniques, patient education, legal and ethical issues, the collection of clinical data, and patient psychology as it relates to anxiety and pain management. Students are introduced to the members of a dental team, current professional trends and the various procedures within a dental office, including receptionist duties, bookkeeping, and chairside dental assisting. Lab provides hands-on clinical instruction of the lecture material presented and the material covered in this course.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
DEN102 Infection Control 2 credits (2 lec hrs/wk)
Corequisite(s): ( DEN103 )
This class prepares the student for DANB's (Dental Assisting National Board) ICE (Infection Control Exam). The class is designed to prepare students in: Patient and dental healthcare worker education, standard/universal precautions and prevention of disease transmission, prevention of cross contamination, maintaining aseptic conditions, performing sterilization procedures, environmental asepsis, and occupational safety.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
DEN103 Introduction to Dental Assisting Seminar 1 credit (1 lec hrs/wk)
Corequisite(s): ( DEN102 )
This course provides an extensive overview of office responsibilities, and work ethics. It prepares students for the challenge of their multiple roles in the dental office including: Guest, intern, student-worker, administrative assistant, chairside assistant and housekeeping worker. Students will review and discuss the expectations and protocols for their upcoming practicum classes including, but not limited to, the stages of an internship, the weekly required paperwork, work ethics, industry safety standards and stategies for meeting their learning objectives.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
DEN104 Dental & Medical Emergency Mngmt 2 credits (2 lec hrs/wk)
Prerequisite(s): ( DEN101 and DEN102 )
This class covers routine perparedness for dental team members; the dental assistant's role in emergency care; managing a dental office emergency kit; foreign body airway obstruction; the causes, signs, and treatment of medical emergencies; and specific dental emergencies. This course is deigned to satisfy the American Dental Association's requirement that certified dental assistants have in-depth education in managing dental and medical emergencies.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
DEN105 Dental Materials 2 credits (2 lec hrs/wk)
Prerequisite(s): ( DEN101 and DEN102 )
Corequisite(s): ( DEN104 and DEN107 and DEN110 )
This class covers impression materials, model and die materials, fabrication of dental trays, preventive dental materials, esthetic and restorative dental materials, amalgam, dental cements, waxes, and temporary restorative materials. The class is designed to satisfy the American Dental Association's requirement that certified dental assistants have in-depth education in dental materials.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
DEN107 Practicum in Dental Assisting I 4 credits (12 lab hrs/wk)
Prerequisite(s): ( DEN101 and DEN102 and DEN103 )
Corequisite(s): ( DEN104 and DEN105 and DEN110 )
This course provides students with hands-on clinical experience. Students work an average of 13-15 hours per week in a host site as part of the dental team. Student placement duties will be assigned according to the student's skill level and the work needs of the host site.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
DEN109 Dental Assisting II 4 credits (3 lec, 3 lab hrs/wk)
Prerequisite(s): ( DEN101 and DEN102 and DEN103 )
This course builds on the material learned in Dental Assisting I, specifically reinforcing oral and facial anatomy, tooth numbering, names of tooth surfaces, dental charting and oral assessment. The course will provide an in-depth view of specific, practical dental assisting shills in dental specialties. Topics covered in class will include the major dental specialties: oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, and orthodontics. Anatomical content covered will include the muscles, nerves, glands, and bones of the head and neck; the structures and tissues that make-up the oral cavity; and the development, tissues, morphology, and functions of the teeth. The class is designed to satisfy the American Dental Association's requirement that certified dental assistants have in-depth education in the anatomy of the head, skull, and oral cavity; and tooth morphology. Lab provides hands-on clinical instruction of the lecture material presented.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
DEN110 Dental Radiology 4 credits (3 lec, 3 lab hrs/wk)
Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
This class prepares the student for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) Radiation Health & Safety (RHS) exam - one of two exams required for the Certificate in Radiologic Proficiency from the State of Oregon, which is required to legally expose radiographs. To become fully certified, students must also pass the Oregon Clinical Radiologic Proficiency Exam administered by DANB. This class is designed to prepare students in the following sections: Radiation safety for the patient, radiation safety for the operator, exposing and evaluating radiographs, processing films, mounting and labeling radiographs, and techniques used in performing a full mouth radiographic exam. Lab provides hands-on clinical instruction of the lecture material presented. Students demonstrate the capabilities and understanding through clinical evaluation in a lab setting.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
DEN111 Practicum in Dental Assisting II 4 credits (12 lab hrs/wk)
Prerequisite(s): ( DEN107 )
Corequisite(s): ( DEN109 )
Practicum in Dental Assisting II provides student hands-on clinical experience. Students work an average of 13-15 hours per week in a host site as part of the dental team. Student placement duties will be assigned according to the student's skill level and the work needs of the host site.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
DEN112 Chairside Assisting 2 credits (2 lec hrs/wk)
Prerequisite(s): ( DEN111 )
This class prepares the student for the National Entry Level Dental Assisting (NELDA) exam administered by the Dental Assisting National Board. The class is deisgned to prepare students in the following sections: Collection and recording of clinical data; chairside dental procedures; oral anatomy; chairside dental materials (preparation, manipulation, application); lab materials and procedures; patient education and oral health management; infection control procedures; occupational safety; legal issues; prevention and management of emergencies; office management procedures, anatomy and physiology related to dentistry.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
DEN113 Expanded Functions Dental Assistant 2 credits (4 lec lab hrs/wk)
Prerequisite(s): ( DEN111 )
This class prepares the student for the Oregon Board of Dentistry written exam in expanded functions for the chairside dental assistant (EFDA). Expanded functions are determined by the Oregon Board of Dentistry and may change without prior notice. The exam is administered by the Dental Assisting National Board. Students will still need a NELDA certificate before becoming EFDA certified. (General Dental Assisting EFDA Certification: Pathway III). The class is designed to prepare students in the following sections: Placing matrix bands; polishing amalgam fillings; cement removal; taking impressions; coronal polishing; fabricating temporary crowns and tooth whitening. Lab provides hands-on clinical instruction of the lecture material presented and material covered in the course. Students demonstrate their capabilites and understanding through clinical evaluation in a lab setting.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
DEN114 Dental Admin & Legal and Ethical 4 credits (2 lec, 3 lab, 2 lec lab hrs/wk)
Dental Administration & Legal and Ethical Issues in Dentistry exposes the student to variety of Administrative Duties, and legal and ethical dilemmas, helping students become more prudent, confident, and competent dental professionals. Classroom content includes: the legal system, the legal rights that define relationships between individuals, quality assurance, office protocols and patient records, and legal issues that affect employment. Students will develop administrative communication skills, written correspondence skills, and patient relations. The students will develop team communication skills, and keep accurate patient clinical records. Students will become familiar with scheduling and recall systems, and how insurance claims are processed. Students will understand the legal and proper ways to establish financial arrangements within accounts receivable and payable, and collections procedures. This course is designed to satisfy the American Dental Association’s requirements.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
DEN180 Internship: Dental Assisting 1-12 credits (3 lab hrs/wk/cr)
Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
Practical on-site experience that will allow students to test knowledge learned in the classroom and explore the variety of workplaces in which to apply that knowledge.
This course may be taken 12 times for credit.
Course classification: CTE
DEN280 CWE: Dental Assisting 1-12 credits (3 lab hrs/wk/cr)
Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
Practical on-site experience that will allow students to test knowledge learned in the classroom and explore a variety of workplaces in which to apply that knowledge.
This course may be taken 12 times for credit.
Course classification: CTE