Medical Professions/Dental Assisting

Dental Assistants are an integral part of the dental health care team and increase the efficiency of the dentist in the delivery of oral health care. Dental offices typically employ two to four dental assistants with specialty offices employing more. Dental assistant job duties include front office skills such as phone skills and computer proficiency, patient care such as dietary counseling, monitoring vial signs, administering and monitoring nitrous oxide, taking impressions, and providing post-operative care and instructions. The demand for quality dental assistants is expected to continue to be above average in the future according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Classroom, laboratory, and clinical instruction provide students with a broad background in all aspects of dentistry. Internships will be provided in area offices under the guidance of dentists and assistants in the community. Students must be able to provide their own transportation to and from the various clinical sites.

High School Students

High school juniors or seniors are eligible to enroll in the dental assisting program.  Concurrent credit may be available through the student’s high school. High school students need to see their high school counselor for more information on enrolling. Dental Assisting is a component of the Early College Experience (ECE).

Course Sequence:

1st Year (Juniors or Seniors)

Medical Internship/Specialization--Dental (495311) 1st Semester
(Crosswalked to DNTA 1014 Dental Science I, DNTA 1512 Preventative Dentistry)
Review of anatomy and physiology combined with a comprehensive study of the head and neck. Students will study dental morphology, oral histology, and dental anatomical structures.  A historical overview of microbiology is followed by a study of microbiology, oral pathology, and the body's defenses to the disease process.  Infection control and disease transmission are emphasized in this section.  The philosophy of preventive dentistry will include a thorough discussion of plaque formation, oral hygiene, diet and nutrition, and systemic and topical fluorides.

 Medical Internship/Specialization--Dental (495311) 2nd Semester
(Crosswalked to DNTA 1113 Clinical Dentistry, DNTA 1213 Dental Assisting Procedures I)
Historical overview of dentistry including current training and licensure information.  Legal and ethical principles pertaining to state and national practice of dentistry are included in this section.  Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training is combined with a study of medical and dental emergencies.  Dental assisting procedures including a study of dental specialties, dental terminology, dental equipment, and instruments. A study of four-handed dentistry, and therapeutics will include commonly used drugs in dentistry.

2nd Year (1st year course work required)

Medical Apprentice/Specialization--Dental (493950) 1st Semester
(Crosswalked to DNTA 1313 Dental Materials, DNTA 1413 Dental Radiography)
Provides students with an understanding of dental materials used in intraoral and lab procedures and experience in manipulation. This course is a study of the physical properties and origin of dental materials. Laboratory experiences are designed to develop competency in skills of identification, manipulation, and application of the materials in dental procedures. Emphasis is on cements and restorative materials. Students receive a fundamental knowledge of the basic principles of radiation physics, biological effects of ionizing radiation, safety, radiographic quality assurance, exposure techniques, processing, mounting, and evaluation of finished radiographic films. The student receives practical experience exposing and processing radiographs on manikins and selected patients.  Includes participation in on-site clinic.
  

Medical Apprentice/Specialization--Dental (493950) 2nd Semester
(Crosswalked to DNTA 1023 Dental Science II, DNTA 1223 Dental Assisting Procedures II)  
Introduces students to practice management, includes job application, gaining and maintaining employment, performing general duties in the typical dental business office, and maintaining financial records. This course introduces the principles of the psychological aspects of the dental patient’s behavior during treatment, and communication between the dentist, patient, and members of the dental health team. Emphasis is placed on stress-coping mechanisms and verbal and nonverbal communication. This course is a continuation of Dental Assisting Procedures I, with an emphasis on dental specialty practices, laboratory procedures and improving competency in chairside procedures. Includes participation in on-site clinic.

Dentistry, a sub-specialty of medical professions, includes many disciplines and specialties.  The public's increased awareness of dental health insures many employment opportunities.  The Fayetteville Youth Dental Program and the Dental Assisting Program help train students in basic dental sciences and offers much needed dental care to qualifying students.

For more information click on the links below.

DENTAL ASSISTING

NWACC Adult Dental Application

Dental Assisting Flyer

**This information is designed for high school students.  For information regarding adult students please visit the Dental Assisting Instructors Webpage at: http://faculty.nwacc.edu/glee1/

Contact Person:

glee1@nwacc.edu

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