Dental Assistant Program
Tacoma Campus

This module encompasses the study of human development including the development of two sets of teeth: the primary and permanent dentition. Students also study facial structure, the oral cavity, anatomy of the teeth and the function of the supporting structures. Methods for taking and recording vital signs and blood pressure are introduced, as well as placement of the patient sensors for use with the EKG device during surgical phase of dentistry. Students also learn about CPR for the Healthcare Provider and how to manage emergencies that may occur in the dental office. Students will learn the Dental Ethics and Jurisprudence as it affects the dental profession in the State of California. Career skills, basic keyboarding, and computer skills taught relate to the dental office. There are no prerequisites.

Methods of disease transmission, body defenses, and diseases of major concern to dental personnel are stressed along with the prevention of disease transmission. Microbiology is covered through pathogens and modes of disease transmission. Students practice step-by-step instrument decontamination using approved sterilization agents and methods. Students learn operatory disinfection using approved agents and methods. Proper positioning of the patient and staff during dental procedures is taught with an emphasis on the principles of four-handed dentistry, including materials and instrumentation. In addition, students learn to chart the oral conditions of patients in compliance with state guidelines for mouth mirror inspection using an intraoral camera. Students will practice placing and activating chairside whitening with a non-laser light curing device. Introduction of tooth morphology, oral structures, and oral pathology are presented. Prerequisite: Module DA110.

This module introduces students to the basic anatomy of the head and teeth to familiarize students with the anatomical structures involved in dental radiographs. Hands-on care of film, equipment, and related infection control steps during film exposure are covered. Students will learn the parts of an x-ray machine, the properties of x-radiation, and factors that affect the density and contrast of an x-ray. Hands-on experience is given in radiographic techniques and processing of x-rays, including basic principles of intraoral radiography. Students are also introduced to digital radiography. To successfully pass this module, students must conduct two bitewing and two full mouth x-rays utilizing manikins, and perform four clinical patient skill assessment evaluations. Prerequisite: Module DA110.

Students will learn about laboratory equipment, basic laboratory procedures, and materials used in a dental office. Students receive hands-on training in taking impressions and constructing study and master casts. The casts are then used to practice dental procedures such as the fabrication of custom trays, mouth guards, and bleaching trays. Study of infection control standards in the laboratory setting and OSHA regulations are stressed. Proper techniques in measuring and mixing restorative dental products such as cements and liners, as well as mixing stone and plaster, are covered. Students will fabricate and place temporary crowns. Prerequisite: Module DA110.

This module emphasizes maintaining optimum oral health. General nutrition, food groups, dietary evaluation, and oral nutritional deficiencies are covered with an emphasis on teaching the patient personal oral hygiene, tooth-brushing techniques, plaque control, and applying fluoride. Coronal polishing theory and procedures are taught, a hands-on procedure in which plaque and stains on the surfaces of the teeth are removed from the coronal surfaces of the teeth. To successfully pass this module, students must perform Coronal Polishing procedures on manikins and three clinical patients, and Pit and Fissure procedures on manikins and four clinical patients under the direct supervision of a licensed Registered Dental Assistant using a caries detection device. Completion of Pit and Fissure and Coronal Polishing requirements will permit the assistant to perform the procedure after obtaining the Registered Dental Assistant license. Prerequisite: Module DA110.

This module discusses the various specialized areas of dentistry so students may determine their area of interest and establish their career path. In Endodontics, the student studies diagnosis, testing pulp vitality, endo-cultures, drying root canals, and instrumentation setups for root canal therapy. Oral Surgery and Implants is the study of surgeries of the oral cavity and the advantages and disadvantages of implants. Pedodontics, the study of children’s teeth, emphasizes both preventive and restorative techniques as well as the child patient. Orthodontics is covered with the different phases of orthodontic treatments. Prerequisite: Module DA110.

During this module, the students will be introduced to dental office management with an emphasis on the front office role. Skills included are computer skills, keyboarding, appointment scheduling, telephone techniques, inventory control, and insurance and billing procedures. Prosthodontics as a specialty is presented with instruction in crown and bridge procedures and full and partial dentures. Students will also be introduced to Facebow transfer, denture adjustment, and CAD/CAM imaging. Students are fully trained in the HIPAA guidelines. Career skills, basic keyboarding, and computer skills taught relate to the dental office. Prerequisite: Module DA110.

Externship is the last module of training the student completes. This module immediately follows the successful completion of classroom training. Externships are served in approved facilities that provide the students with the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge acquired during the program. Externs work under the direct supervision of qualified personnel at the participating sites and under the general supervision of school personnel. Externs are evaluated on skill performance, subject knowledge, professionalism, and attendance. All absences during the externship must be made up. Externship evaluations become part of the student’s permanent record. Satisfactory completion of externship training is required for graduation. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Modules 110-170.