DENTAL ASSISTING PROGRAM
Core Program Abilities
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Take/review and record medical and dental histories.
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Take and record vital signs.
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Assist with soft tissues extra/intra oral examinations.
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Assist with and/or perform dental charting.
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Manage infection and hazard control protocol consistent with published professional guidelines.
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Prepare tray set ups for a variety of procedures and specialty areas.
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Seat and dismiss patients.
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Operate oral evacuation devices and air/water syringe.
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Maintain a clear field of vision including isolation techniques.
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Perform a variety of instrument transfers.
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Utilize appropriate chairside assistant ergonomics.
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Provide patient preventative education and oral hygiene instruction.
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Provide pre and post operative instructions prescribed by a dentist.
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Maintain accurate patient treatment records.
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Identify and respond to medical and dental emergencies.
When students complete our 8-month Dental Assisting Program, they will be considered formally trained dental assistants. Students graduating from our program will have the option to take two out of the three portions of the CDA exam given through DANB:
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Radiology (RHS)
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Infection Control (ICE)
Blended Learning Opportunity
Our Dental Assisting Program is designed in a hybrid format. Students will receive lectures and coursework on campus and online, giving more time to practice hands-on labs on campus. This “blended learning” delivery method allows students to learn online, and then put the skills into practice on campus in the lab. A portion of our course will be held online and a broken down list can be found on the course schedule. The Dental Assisting Place has set up a full online program through the Canvas Learning System. The school will be providing students with Apple iPads uploaded with all the learning materials required to complete the course.
Hands-on
Training
The Dental Assisting Place has highly qualified staff, our classroom and clinical area is provided with all of the same equipment and technology students will find when they enter the dental field. Our focus is on training our students to be competent when assisting dentists in a dental operatory, as well as performing the everyday tasks including taking radiographs, mixing dental materials, following proper infection control and sterilization, using model trimmers, taking vital signs, and providing patient education. Hands on competency tests will be given throughout the course. A list of competency skills are enclosed, as well as an example of competency form used to grade each student.