The updated technology and equipment, large labs, and highly qualified, dedicated staff set the Salina Tech Dental Assistant program apart from other programs in Kansas. The Program is recognized throughout the nation as being accredited by The American Dental Association Council on Dental Accreditation. Students learn to provide dental care in chairside assisting, dental radiology, office procedures, lab procedures and dental health education. During their nine months of instruction, dental assistants also gain knowledge of the field in dental science, anatomy for dental assistants, and dental materials. The student in the Dental Assistant program will gain over 300 hours of clinical experience at a variety of dental offices. Graduates of the program may choose to go on to pursue a degree in dental hygiene. Call today for information-this program fills up fast!
Career Opportunities: the types of practice settings include solo and group dental practices. Specialty practices that may include: Oral and Maxiofacial Surgery, Pediatric Dentistry, Endodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Dental assistants may also choose to work for a dental supply house, the public health sector, an insurance company processing dental claims, a dental laboratory, another type of medical or hospital setting.
| Dental Assistant Certificate | ||||
| First Semester | Credits | Second Semester | Credits | |
| DEN 101 Fundamentals in Dental Assisting | 3 | DEN 207 Dental Office Procedures | 2 | |
| DEN 111 Dental Health Education | 2 | DEN 227 Dental Materials II | 2 | |
| DEN 121 Anatomy for Dental Assisting | 3 | DEN 232 Chairside Assisting II | 2 | |
| DEN 127 Dental Materials I | 4 | DEN 237 Dental Radiology II | 2 | |
| DEN 132 Chairside Assisting I | 6 | DEN 241 Clinical Experience | 8 | |
| DEN 137 Dental Radiology I | 2 | DEN 245 Dental Science | 2 | |
| DEN 141 Pre Clinical | 3 | |||
| TOTAL CREDITS: | 23 | TOTAL CREDITS: | 18 | |
| TOTAL CERTIFICATE CREDITS: | 41 | |||
Associate of Applied Science Degree: 60 Credits. To complete the Associate of Applied Science Degree, select 15 more credits from the General Education requirements found in the Degree and Certification Information section plus 4 additional electives. Visit with your instructor or the Director of Student Services for possible options.
DEN 101 Fundamentals in Dental Assisting, 3 credits.
Introduction to the career of dental assisting includes: dental terminology and spelling; education requirements, functions and credentials of all dental team members; ethics and statues; communication skills; professionalism and job seeking skills. Introductory business office procedures, greeting and receiving patients, telephone technique, filing and patient record management are also included.
DEN 111 Dental Health Education, 2 credits.
Introduction to dental health education, basic nutrition, and patient teaching. Included will be a study of periodontal disease, its risks and preventative measures. Basic skills of oral hygiene instruction, fluoride treatments and coronal polishing of the teeth will be implemented.
DEN 121 Anatomy for Dental Assisting, 3 credits.
This course covers identification and function of human body systems, the development of the oral cavity and teeth and supporting structures. The permanent and primary dentitions are covered as well as the major anatomic landmarks of the head and neck.
DEN127 Dental Materials I, 4 credits.
This course includes identification of materials used in general dentistry. Physical and chemical properties, requirements and limitations, functions and classification will be determined. Proper manipulation of materials, their uses and proper storage will be practiced. Various lab procedures will be studied and practiced so the student will understand the importance of each step in a procedure. The student will be instructed in and expected to demonstrate the safe operation of laboratory equipment.
DEN 132 Chairside Assisting I, 6 credits.
This course gives an introduction to the operation and care of major dental equipment, identification and care of hand and rotary instruments, and safety factors relating to instruments and equipment. Introduction and practice of basic duties and responsibilities include: seating and dismissing the dental patient, oral evacuation, retraction, and instrument transfer. The study of dental anesthesia and restorative dentistry with practice in application of matrix bands and rubber dams will also be covered. Also included is a study of the introductory principles of microbiology, classification and characteristics of microbes with primary consideration to pathogenic microorganisms, causes of disease, transmission of infectious diseases, immune response, universal precautions, handling of hazardous materials and infection control techniques according to OSHA and ADA guidelines.
DEN 137 Dental Radiology I, 2 credits.
Introduction to the basic principles of diagnostic radiography, history and properties of x-radiation, x-ray equipment, protective measures and regulations, bisecting and/or paralleling techniques, extraoral radiology, infection control, anatomical landmarks and pathology. Instruction and laboratory techniques include exposure, processing, mounting and evaluation of dental films using the DXXTR manikin.
DEN 141 Pre Clinical, 3 credits.
This course is an introduction to the clinical aspects of the dental office. Students will observe in area dental offices and begin to practice and apply the clinical and laboratory skills learned in the course.
DEN 207 Dental Office Procedures, 2 credits.
This course will provide instruction and dental charting, recording services rendered, supply and inventory control, appointment control and recall, accounts receivable, collections, expenses and disbursements, banking procedures, dental insurance, and job seeking skills.
DEN 227 Dental Materials II, 2 credits. (Prerequisite: DEN 127)
This course is a continuation of Dental Materials I and will include identification of materials used in general dentistry and dental laboratory procedures. Physical and chemical properties, requirements and limitations, functions and classifications will be determined. Proper manipulation of materials, their uses and proper storage will be practiced. Various laboratory procedures, construction of base plates and bite rims, bleaching trays, and a retainer will be practiced so the student will understand the importance of each operation in a procedure. The student will be instructed in and expected to demonstrate the safe operation of laboratory equipment.
DEN 232 Chairside Assisting II, 2 credits. (Prerequisite: DEN 132)
Continuation of Chairside Assisting I. This course will provide a foundation for assisting in the remaining dental specialties: fixed prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, periodontics, removable prosthodontics, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, and pediatric dentistry. Procedures, instruments and materials involved in these areas will be studied.
DEN 237 Dental Radiology II, 2 credits. (Prerequisite: DEN 137)
Students will recognize anatomical structures, diseases of the dental pulp and the oral soft tissues on radiographs. This course also includes a review of x-ray production, quality control, and assurance of diagnostic radiographs. This course will involve more intensive experience in exposing, processing and mounting intraoral films using the Dxxtr manikin and patients. Students will be closely supervised and evaluation will be made of each completed survey. Radiographic safety and infection control procedures are emphasized.
DEN 241 Clinical Experience, 8 credits. (Prerequisite: Hepatitis B vaccination, CPR and HIPPA Training, 90% attendance record and a “C” average.)
In a variety of dental practice settings (both general and specialty), the student will demonstrate the principles of chair side assisting, dental laboratory procedures and business office procedures.
DEN 245 Dental Science, 2 credits.
This course will provide the student with knowledge of emergencies that may arise in the dental setting. The student will be expected to recognize signs and symptoms of emergencies and will assist in delivery of suggested treatment. Basic first aid and skills in taking and recording vital signs will be covered. Students will be introduced to common drugs used in dentistry, indications, contraindications, dosages and methods of administration and storage. This course will also provide instruction in normal and oral pathological conditions.
