DENA 101 Dental Assisting Theory 1

This course is designed to introduce the student to the skills needed in the dental office. The student will be introduced to common procedures, materials, and equipment used in basic dental procedures. Sterilization, infection control, legalities, and responsibilities of the dental assistant are included in this course.

Credits

2 Credits

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

30

Semester Contact Hours Lab

0

Semester Contact Hours Clinical

0

Prerequisite

Must be majoring in Dental Assisting

Corequisite

DENA 101C and DENA 101L

DENA 101Dental Assisting Theory 1

Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.

I. General Information

Department

II. Course Specification

Credit Hours Narrative

2 Credits

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

30

Semester Contact Hours Lab

0

Semester Contact Hours Clinical

0

Prerequisite Narrative

Must be majoring in Dental Assisting

Corequisite Narrative

DENA 101C and DENA 101L

III. Catalog Course Description

This course is designed to introduce the student to the skills needed in the dental office. The student will be introduced to common procedures, materials, and equipment used in basic dental procedures. Sterilization, infection control, legalities, and responsibilities of the dental assistant are included in this course.

IV. Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

  • Identify the dental equipment located in the clinical area of the dental office.
  • Describe the two types of oral evacuation.
  • List and define the classifications of movement.
  • Describe the purpose of biological monitoring.
  • Identify the three most commonly used methods of heat sterilization and describe the advantages and disadvantages of each.
  • Identify and describe 6 types of chemical disinfectants.
  • Identify the diseases of concern to dental health care workers.
  • Identify the oral hygiene aids available to all patients, including manual and automatic.
  • Define the concept of ethics.
  • List the skills used in listening.
  • Discuss how defense mechanisms can inhibit communication.
  • List and describe the specialty fields of dentistry.
  • Describe the basic qualifications and requirements for all members of the dental health team.
  • Name the three positions of the patient chair and give an example of when each is used.
  • Explain what the term “negligence” means.
  • Define the term “universal precautions”.
  • Identify items needed for dental dam set-up.
  • Define the classifications of waste and give an example of each.
  • Describe the three steps in communication.
  • Describe the clock concept of operating zones.
  • Discuss how Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is used and how it relates to communication in today’s dental office.
  • Describe the grasps, positions, and transfers of instruments for a procedure.
  • Describe moisture control techniques used in the oral environment.
  • Describe the areas of a dental office and explain the purpose of each area.
  • Identify the difference between civil and criminal law.
  • Identify the modes of disease transmission in a dental office.
  • List five ways in which disease transmission can occur in the dental setting and give an example of each.
  • Describe the difference between disinfection and sterilization.
  • Identify the members of the dental health team.
  • List the considerations used when selecting a surface disinfectant.
  • Describe the various roles of the dental assistant within the dental office.
  • Describe the National Fire Protection Association labeling system and how it is used.
  • Identify the components of a Safety Data Sheet.
  • Identify the blood borne diseases that are of major concern to dental health care professionals.
  • Define the Dental Practice Act and what it covers.
  • Differentiate the terms used in verbal and non-verbal communication.
  • Identify the responsibilities of the dental team in regard to dental records, implied and informed consent, subpoenas, and the statute of limitations.

V. Topical Outline (Course Content)

VI. Delivery Methodologies