Required Courses

• DAST A162 Written and Oral Communication (2 cr.)

  Instruction and practice in gathering and organizing material for written and oral presentations in dental contexts to include individual and group projects in communication relevant to the field of dental assisting.

• DAST A211 Oral Pathology, Physiology, Anatomy I (1 cr.)

  An overview of the structures, functions, and selected diseases of the human body, including basic cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.

• DAST A212 Dental Therapeutics and Medical Emergencies (2 cr.)

  This course will present the pharmacology of medications that are commonly used by the physician and dentist and the diseases and indications for which these drugs are prescribed. Also, the class will review the systemic diseases and adverse reactions to dental treatment that can result in a medical emergency in the dental office and the armamentarium, medications, and procedures for treating these emergencies.

• DAST A213 Oral Pathology, Physiology, Anatomy II (1 cr.)

  This course is an introduction to diseases of the face and oral cavity and its related structures.

• DAST A214 Oral Anatomy, Histology and Embryology (3 cr.)

  A study of the morphology, structure, and function of deciduous and permanent teeth and surrounding tissues, also including osteology of the maxilla and mandible, nerve and vascular supply of teeth, and muscles of mastication, with reinforcing laboratory procedures and clinical application.

• DAST A221 Microbiology and Asepsis Technique (2 cr.)

  A study of microbial types, oral microbiology, bloodborne diseases, and infection control including procedures of instrument cleaning and sterilization, surface disinfection, use of protective barriers, waste management, and hazardous materials management.

• DAST A231 Dental Materials I (2 cr.)

  Lecture and laboratory courses designed to familiarize the student with the basic mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of dental materials. The role of the assistant in selection, manipulation, and biological considerations of dental materials is stressed.

• DAST A232 Dental Materials II (2 cr.)

  Lecture and laboratory courses designed to require the student to utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills while incorporating mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of dental materials in the clinical and laboratory setting. The role of the assistant in selection, manipulation, and biological considerations of dental materials is stressed.  Prerequisite required:  DAST-A231 Dental Materials I.

• DAST A241 Preventive Dentistry and Nutrition (2 cr.)

  Etiology and prevention of oral diseases.  The role of the dental assistant in different procedures comprising an office preventive program.  The effects of major nutrients on the physiologic body processes; applied nutrition in dental caries and periodontal disease. Clinical and laboratory experiences.

• DAST A252 Radiology Clinic II (1 cr.)

  Clinical experience in the placing, exposing, processing, evaluating, and mounting of intraoral and extra-oral dental radiographs. Practical application of radiation safety measures and patient management techniques are required in the clinical setting.  Prerequisite required:  DAST-A303 Radiology I.

• DAST A271 Clinical Science I (4 cr.)

  A core course in dental nomenclature; historical developments in dentistry; the role of the assistant as a member of the dental health team in general dentistry and dental specialties to include charting the mouth, identification and utilization of instruments and equipment, principles of dental procedures, instrument transfer, isolation techniques, and asepsis procedures.

• DAST A272 Clinical Science II (4 cr.)

  Clinical chairside experience, including an extramural assignment; allows for refining of student skills. A seminar provides students opportunities to share experiences.  Prerequisite required:  DAST-A271 Clinical Science I.

• DAST A282 Practice Management, Ethics, and Jurisprudence (2 cr.)

  A course designed to emphasize the role of the dental assistant in the management of a dental office through reception procedures, appointment control, record keeping, purchasing, third-party reimbursement, financial systems, and inventory control. Also, the legal and ethical aspects of dentistry are discussed as well as interviewing techniques and resumes.

• DAST A303 Radiology Clinic I (2 cr.)

  The principles of radiation production, theories and techniques of radiographic imaging, film processing and mounting, radiation safety, and radiographic interpretation are studied in this didactic and preclinical course.

Elective Courses

• DAST A300 Special Topics in Dental Education (1-3 cr.)

  P: Chairperson’s permission and admission to dental assisting, dental hygiene, or dental laboratory technology program. An advanced course for dental education majors. Supervised reading or projects on approved topics in dentistry. Hours, subject matter, and evaluation to be determined by faculty.

• DAST A390 Expanded Restorative Dentistry (3 cr.)

  Lecture, laboratory, and clinical course designed to teach more extensively certain concepts of dental materials and their use in intraoral techniques. The principles of dental auxiliary utilization and the manipulation and placement of dental materials used in delegated intraoral functions are taught.