Dental Assisting Program

Take a look at what our Dental Assisting program has to offer.

Click on the tabs to view the courses and their descriptions.

DA111 Dental Sciences – Anatomy and Physiology, Embryology and Histology, and Tooth Morphology (2.5) :

Students are provided with an understanding of normal anatomy and physiology beginning with an orientation to the body and a basic understanding of the workings of the human body. The student will learn detailed anatomy of the head, neck and teeth. The student will examine the normal development of the oral cavity and facial complex, as well as the teeth and periodontium.

DA112 Clinical Dentistry Theory (2) :

Students will be introduced to a wide variety of instruments and procedures used in dentistry. This component will assist students in developing the skills and recognizing the importance of co-operative interaction with the dentist providing quality care while working chairside for various procedures. Students will learn the theory and practical elements of restorative dentistry. Students will be placed in the dental assistant’s role in operative procedures. This includes chairside assisting, as well as the implementation of the dental materials used in dentistry.

DA113 Clinical Dentistry Practical (6.5) :

This course will provide learners with the opportunity to integrate and demonstrate the foundational knowledge gained from supporting theory and preclinical practical courses into the clinical setting.

DA114 Dental Materials (2) :

The students will be introduced to topics related to restorative and esthetic dental materials, dental cements, impression and laboratory materials. The student will become acquainted with properties of dental materials, including mechanical properties, thermal changes, electrical properties, corrosive properties, solubility and application properties. Students will get the knowledge of indirect and direct restorations. Students will relate to the application of dental liners, bases and bonding systems. Students will become acquainted with the classification of dental cements and laboratory materials and procedures.

DA116 Microbiology and Infection Control Theory (2) :

This course will give the student the opportunity to learn the basics of microbiology and the major groups of microorganisms, including bacteria, algae, protozoa, fungi, viruses and prions. The student will also be introduced to viral and bacterial diseases and methods to prevent transmission of diseases in the dental office.

DA117 Dental Specialties (2) :

Students will be introduced to a wide variety of instruments and procedures used in specialty dentistry. This component will assist students in developing the practical skills to interact with dental specialists during various dental procedures. Students will learn both the theory and practical elements of specialty dentistry and will practice practical skills in operative procedures. Students will practice chairside assisting, as well as the implementation of the dental materials used in specialty dentistry.

DADR101 Orientation to Dentistry and Ethics (1) :

This course will give students the opportunity to learn about the early discoveries in dentistry, the educational and professional development of dentistry in the United States and Canada, as well as the history of dental assisting. Students will learn about the professional and legal responsibilities of all members of the dental team. Students will consider their role on the dental team, identify other members of the team, develop an appreciation for being affiliated with a profession and learn how to use a problem-solving approach to deal with conflicts that may arise within the dental team.

DADR102 WHMIS/Environmental Health and Safety (0.5) :

This course will introduce the student to the proper handling of hazardous chemicals, employee safety, and waste management. The student will also learn how to avoid musculoskeletal disorders commonly associated to dental assisting and learn how to work in an ergonomics setting

DADR 103 Dental Radiology Theory (1) :

The dental auxiliary student will investigate the fundamental scientific principles upon which oral radiography is based. They will examine radiation hazards and safety techniques, exposure techniques, processing, mounting, interpretation of x-rays and develop the knowledge to produce diagnostically valuable radiographs while minimizing client and operator exposure.

DADR104 Radiology Practical (1.5) :

This course is designed to provide the dental auxiliary with the foundational knowledge to meet the requirements of the Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act (H.A.R.P.). Learners will develop the ability to produce diagnostically valuable radiographs while minimizing client and operator exposure.

DADR105 Pharmacology (0.5) :

This course introduces students to the basic principles of oral medicine. Students are provided with the terminology, medicinal use, physiological actions, adverse responses and classifications of drugs encountered in the dental office or commonly prescribed for clients. The objectives listed below accompany the subject objectives.

DADR106 Medical Emergencies (0.5) :

This component provides the student with the knowledge and skills that are required to recognize and prevent medical and dental emergencies when working with diverse clients within the dental office. Students will participate in basic rescuer training including CPR, First Aid and the use of an AED, and will learn how to assist the Dentist in administering immediate care for the client in the dental office environment.

DADR107 Oral Pathology, Preventive Dentistry and Nutrition (2) :

In oral pathology the students will focus on the developmental disturbances and their clinical manifestations associated with the development of these structures and the pathology that can affect these structures throughout the life cycle. The student will recognize the normal and abnormal tissue anatomy as it relates to the role of the dental assistant. In Preventive Dentistry and Nutrition, they will focus on the concepts of oral self-care, concepts of health and disease, periodontal disease, hard and soft deposits, dental diseases, oral self-care devices, oral self-care agents, fluoride therapy, nutrition, and the learning and teaching process.

DADR108 Practice Management I (1.5) :

This course will equip the student with a strong combination of the office administrative skills and clinical knowledge necessary to work effectively in a dental practice. Students will study dental office procedures such as preparation and maintenance of client records, inventory systems, recall systems, appointment scheduling, dental insurance and protecting the privacy of dental clients.

DADR109 Practice Management II (1.5) :

Students will cover the key competencies related to office practices and administrative responsibilities of the dental assistant. This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills related to basic dental reception procedures. Topics will include the organization and management of patient records, appointment control, dental claims, financial procedures, and the utilization of dental management computer software

DADR110 Dental Office Placement (2.5) :

Students will be introduced to a wide variety of instruments and procedures used in dentistry. This component will assist students in developing the skills and recognizing the importance of smooth interaction with the specialist providing quality care while working chairside for various procedures. Students will learn the practical elements of dentistry. Student will be placed in the dental assistant’s role in operative procedures. This includes chairside assisting, as well as the implementation of the dental materials used in dentistry.

DADR115 Dental Records (1) :

This course will give the student the opportunity to learn about the dental examination and the diagnostic techniques used for client assessment in both theory and practice. The student will gain the knowledge needed to record the dental examination and chart the dental diagnosis. Students will also gain foundational knowledge of treatment plans and their presentation.