Dental Assisting : IUFW Bulletins

IUFW Bulletins » Schools » School of Dentistry » Course Descriptions » Dental Assisting

DAST-A 122 Introduction to Dentistry (1 cr.) An overview of the specialties of dentistry with specific lectures on cavity classification and nomenclature, instrument nomenclature, principles of cavity preparation, the space maintenance concept, management of the child patient, use of the rubber dam in direct and indirect pulp therapy.

DAST-A 182 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.

DAST-A 212 Dental Therapeutics and Medical Emergencies (2-3 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-A 221 Microbiology and Asepsis Technique (1-3 cr.) A study of microbial types, oral microbiology, bloodborne diseases and infection control including procedures on instrument cleaning and sterilization, surface disinfection, use of protective barriers, waste management and hazardous materials management.

DAST-A 231 Dental Materials Lecture I (2-3 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-A 232 Dental Materials Lecture II (2-3 cr.) Lecture and laboratory courses designed to require 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.

DAST-A 271 Clinical Science I (4-6 cr.) A core course in dental nomenclature; historical developments in dentistry; role of assistant as member of the dental health team; dental specialties; charting the mouth; identification and utilization of instruments and equipment; principles of dental procedures and instrument transfer, isolation techniques, and asepsis procedures.

DAST-A 272 Clinical Science II (3-6 cr.) Clinical chairside experience, including an extramural assignment; allows for refining of student skills. A seminar provides students opportunities to share experiences.

DAST-A 273 Advanced Clinical Practice (3 cr.) This course provides continued performance on clinical practice experiences with patients in extramural dental offices. The students will utilize critical thinking skills and evidence-based decision making as they perform clinical treatment with their patients.

DAST-A 282 Practice Management, Ethics and Jurisprudence (2-3 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, telephone techniques, and inventory control. Also the legal and ethical aspects of dentistry are discussed as well as interviewing techniques and resumes.

DAST-A 300 Special Topics in Dental Education (1-4 cr.) 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-A 301 Advanced Orthodontic Procedures (2-4 cr.) An advanced course in orthodontics for allied dental professionals. Tooth morphology, occlusion, instrumentation, intraoral procedures, appliances, cephalometric tracing, and panoramic and cephalometric radiographic techniques will be discussed. Laboratory experiences will be included.