College of Health and Human Services
Schools & Divisions
Dental Education
Dental Assisting Courses
- DAST-A 211 Oral Pathology, Physiology, and Anatomy I (2 cr.) An overview of the structures, functions and selected diseases of the human body, including basic cells, tissues, organs, and organic systems. (Spring)
- DAST-A 212 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. (Fall)
- DAST-A 213 Oral Pathology, Physiology, and Anatomy II (1 cr.) This course is an introduction to diseases of the face and oral cavity and their related structures. (Spring)
- DAST-A 221 Microbiology and Asepsis Techniques (2 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. (Fall)
- DAST-A 231 Dental Materials Lecture I (2 cr.) These lecture and laboratory courses [Dental Materials Lecture I and II] are 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. (Spring)
- DAST-A 232 Dental Materials Lecture II (2 cr.) These lecture and laboratory courses [Dental Materials I and II] are 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 laboratory setting. The role of the assistant in selection, manipulation, and biological considerations of dental materials is stressed. (Summer I)
- DAST-A 241 Preventive Dentistry & Nutrition (2 cr.) Etiology and prevention of oral diseases. The role of the dental assistant in the different procedures comprising an office preventive program. The effects of major nutrients on physiologic body processes; applied nutrition in dental caries and periodontal disease. Clinical and laboratory experiences. (Spring)
- DAST-A 252 Radiology Clinic II (1 cr.) Clinical experience in the placing, exposing, processing, evaluating, and mounting of intraoral and extraoral dental radiographs. Practical application of radiation safety measures and patient management techniques are required in the clinical setting. (Spring/Summer I)
- DAST-A 261 Behavioral Science (1 cr.) An introduction to psychology applicable in the dental office, emphasizing communication and personal relationships; the role of the dental assistant as seen by the dentist, office personnel, and patient. Attitude, personality, motivation, and habit formation are discussed from a dental perspective. (Summer I)
- DAST-A 262 Written and Oral Communication (2 cr.) Instruction and practice in gathering and organizing material for written and oral presentation. Individual and group projects in communication, including table clinic posters and professional articles for presentation and/or publication. (Summer I)
- DAST-A 271 Clinical Science I (5 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. (Fall)
- DAST-A 272 Clinical Science II (5 cr.) Clinical chairside experience, including an extramural assignment; allows for refining student skills. A seminar provides students opportunities to share experiences. (Spring/Summer I)
- DAST-A 282 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, telephone techniques, and inventory control. The legal and ethical aspects of dentistry are discussed as well as interviewing techniques and resumes. (Summer I)
