You will become familiar with the basic structure and functions of the human body and learn that it is an integrated structure. You will focus on the head and neck region. The course content includes cells, tissues, senses, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, digestive, urinary, respiratory and reproductive systems.

Credit Units: 3

Lecture Hours: 45

Equivalent Course(s): APHY 162

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

You will focus on the dental assistant’s role in practice management. You will develop skills to maintain a positive environment, manage telephone calls, process mail and control inventory and supplies. Using a computerized dental office management system, you will learn how to manage dental records, claims and accounts and schedule appointments.

Credit Units: 3

Lecture Hours: 45

Equivalent Course(s): OPRO 133

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

Through lecture and labs, you will study the properties and clinical use of dental materials. The course content includes the manipulation of treatment lining, restorative and luting materials.

Credit Units: 3

Other Hours: 38

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

You will be introduced to the concepts of preventive dentistry. You will learn the relationship between dental biofilm and oral disease. You will study the appropriate use of and indications for oral care aids and products designed to prevent and control oral disease, including fluoride. Your studies will help you develop the knowledge, skill, and attitude to practice excellent personal oral health.

Credit Units: 2

Lecture Hours: 35

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

You will learn, through lectures and laboratory/clinical experiences, the basic anatomy of permanent and deciduous teeth, their sequence of eruption, the basic structures of the oral cavity and the supporting dental structures. You will study prenatal and postnatal development and factors that affect normal and abnormal development of the face, palate, teeth and related structures of the oral cavity.

Credit Units: 3

Lecture Hours: 45

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

You will learn to place liners, bases and bonding systems in basic cavity preparations without pulpal exposures. You will apply treatment liners on a manikin in the laboratory setting.

Credit Units: 2

Other Hours: 24

Equivalent Course(s): DENT 1604

Learning Method(s): Prior Learning, Lecture/Lab

You will learn to assist with a dental examination. Working on manikins and peers in the SIAST Dental Assisting Clinic will prepare you to practice ergonomically within the dental operatory, use four-handed dentistry and develop instrumentation skills. You will take and record vital sign measurements.

Credit Units: 2

Lab Hours: 30

Corequisites(s):

Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

Your studies will focus on infection prevention in the dental office. You will learn to implement policies and procedures necessary to protect yourself, clients and co-workers and to prevent transmission of disease in the dental office.

Credit Units: 2

Lab Hours: 30

Corequisites(s):

Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

You will be introduced to a variety of moisture control methods used in dentistry. Working on manikins and peers in the SIAST Dental Assisting Clinic, you will apply and remove a dental dam and apply other isolation techniques required for dental procedures. You will learn how to maintain a clear operating field for dental procedures.

Credit Units: 2

Lab Hours: 30

Corequisites(s):

Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

Through lectures and practice in a simulated environment, you will develop skills to prepare the operatory and assist with permanent restorative procedures. You will apply topical anesthetic and assist with the administration of local anesthetic. You will also learn to use the Tofflemire TM Matrix system.

Credit Units: 4

Lab Hours: 60

Corequisites(s):

Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

You will learn the importance of consent, privacy and confidentiality in relation to dental records. You will learn how to use oral health information in a dental record as well as in a computerized system. The dental assisting process of care will be introduced to provide a framework for providing quality care for clients.

Credit Units: 1

Lecture Hours: 15

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

You will prepare dental bitewing radiographs for diagnostic purposes. You will be introduced to radiographic film processors and digital imaging software.

Credit Units: 1

Lab Hours: 15

Prerequisites(s): DENT 166

Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

You will learn how the dental assistant functions within the dental health team, the workplace and society. You will be introduced to employability skills required to be successful in the dental profession. You will participate in seminars to develop study and life management skills that will help you become a successful adult learner. The course content includes an introduction to professional portfolio development and SIAST student policies.

Credit Units: 1

Lecture Hours: 18

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

You will study communication processes, marketing the practice, reporting suspected abuse and advocating for special needs clients as related to your role as a dental assistant. You will discuss the application of professional standards and plan for employment.

Credit Units: 3

Lecture Hours: 45

Prerequisites(s): SEM 160

Equivalent Course(s): COMM 164

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

You will study the physical properties of materials used for taking alginate impressions and for fabricating diagnostic casts with dental stone. You will learn to take upper and lower alginate impressions with a bite record, and fabricate and finish diagnostic casts.

Credit Units: 3

Lab Hours: 50

Prerequisites(s): DENT 166, DNTL 166, DNTL 167, DNTL 168, DNTL 169

Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

You will study the physical properties, materials and techniques used to fabricate matrices for provisional crown fabrication, custom provisional crowns, custom mouthguards and whitening trays. In the laboratory setting, you will produce a matrix, mouthguard, and whitening tray, as well as fabricate, cement and remove custom provisional crowns on a manikin.

Credit Units: 1

Lab Hours: 20

Prerequisites(s): DENT 166

Corequisites(s):

Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

You will be introduced to prosthodontic, endodontic, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontic and periodontic procedures performed within a general dental practice. You will also discuss dental care for pediatric and geriatric clients. Your studies will focus on the specialized equipment, materials and procedures as it relates to your role as the dental assistant.

Credit Units: 4

Other Hours: 60

Prerequisites(s): DENT 166, DNTL 166, DNTL 167, DNTL 168, DNTL 169, DNTL 170

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

You will integrate the skills and knowledge learned in preclinical courses to prepare you to assist with clinical dentistry in the SIAST Dental Assisting Clinic. You will learn how to implement infection prevention procedures and communicate with clients and colleagues. You will learn to follow protocols on deportment, managing medical emergencies and providing dental office reception duties.

Credit Units: 2

Other Hours: 24

Prerequisites(s): BUS 160, DENT 160, DENT 163, DENT 166, DNTL 162, DNTL 166, DNTL 167, DNTL 168, DNTL 169, DNTL 170, RDGR 160, SEM 160

Corequisites(s):

Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

You will continue to develop clinical dental assisting skills in the SIAST Dental Assisting Clinic and will progress towards the competence required of an entry level dental assistant. You will also further develop dental office reception skills.

Credit Units: 7

Other Hours: 112

Prerequisites(s): DNTL 160, PRAC 263

Corequisites(s):

Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

You will acquire the knowledge and skills required to assess, plan, implement and evaluate personal oral self care plans for clients in a clinical setting. You will develop a dental assisting care plan specific to client needs with emphasis on oral self care and nutritional recommendations. You will use oral health promotion strategies to meet the needs of a community group.

Credit Units: 3

Other Hours: 45

Prerequisites(s): DENT 163, DNTL 160, DNTL 262

Corequisites(s):

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

You will develop skills to perform clinical dental assisting procedures. You will learn to apply products that remove stain, prevent dental decay, whiten teeth and decrease tooth sensitivity through classroom and lab experiences on manikins and peers.

Credit Units: 3

Lab Hours: 38

Prerequisites(s): DENT 163, DENT 166, DNTL 166, DNTL 167, DNTL 168, DNTL 169

Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical

You will learn the basics of nutrition as it relates to general/oral health and disease. You will develop a basic understanding of the functions and dietary sources of the major nutrients; discuss the nutritional needs throughout the lifecycle as well as nutrition-related oral health issues.

Credit Units: 1

Lecture Hours: 20

Prerequisites(s): DENT 163

Equivalent Course(s): NUTR 160

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

You will explore common diseases of the body and oral cavity and the medication used to treat common medical conditions. The dental implications of common medications will be emphasized.

Credit Units: 3

Lecture Hours: 50

Prerequisites(s): APHY 160, DENT 166

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

You will spend one week observing and/or assisting in a general dental practice to help you integrate theory to practice and become familiar with the functioning of a dental office. You will focus on professionalism, the role of the dental assistant in the dental health team and the qualities of an effective dental assistant.

Credit Units: 2

Other Hours: 35

Prerequisites(s): APHY 160, BUS 160, DENT 160, DENT 163, DENT 166, DNTL 162, DNTL 166, DNTL 167, DNTL 168, DNTL 169, DNTL 170, RDGR 160, SEM 160

Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

You will assist and/or participate in a general dental practice to enhance the development of your clinical skills. You will focus on employability and chairside dental assisting skills and the dental assisting process of care.

Credit Units: 5

Other Hours: 70

Prerequisites(s): DNTL 262, PRAC 263

Equivalent Course(s): PRAC 265

Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

You will perform the role of the dental assistant in a general dental practice to prepare you to transition to an employment situation. You will work under the mentorship of an experienced dental assistant who, in partnership with the dentist, will offer feedback and evaluate your dental assisting skills.

Credit Units: 2

Other Hours: 35

Prerequisites(s): COM 199, DENT 161, DENT 261, DENT 282, DNTL 160, DNTL 260, DNTL 261, DNTL 262, NUTR 262, PATH 262, PRAC 263, PRAC 274, RDGR 261, RDGR 263

Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

You will study the principles of radiation physics, biology, chemistry and safety. You will also study the theory supporting exposing, processing and interpreting dental radiographs. You will discuss methods to manage various clients who require radiographs.

Credit Units: 1

Lecture Hours: 20

Prerequisites(s): DENT 166

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

You will take dental periapical, panoramic and occlusal radiographs for diagnostic purposes. You will also operate automatic radiographic film processors and digital imaging software. You will learn to mount dental radiographs.

Credit Units: 4

Lab Hours: 55

Prerequisites(s): RDGR 160

Corequisites(s): RDGR 261

Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical