In Advanced Clinical Experiences, students will demonstrate competence in several dental procedures. Each skill listed on the DANB EFDA check-off list will be discussed in detail. The intention of this course is to prepare students to become Oregon Expanded Functions Exam certified, as well to provide them with the necessary knowledge to complete the Oregon Expanded Functions Clinical Check-offs. Ergonomics is also covered with a special emphasis on practicing good body mechanics while performing expanded functions. Dental sealants are also covered. Cavity Classifications are reviewed and discussed in relation to matrix systems.

This course introduces the Dental Assisting student to the dental office environment and the dental specialties. Identifies, describes and compares the role of each member of the dental team. Specific emphasis is placed on the students’ exploration of the application of ethics in dentistry. The laws that cover dental professionals are covered broadly. Those laws that pertain specifically to dental assistants are covered in depth with particular attention to the Oregon Dental Practice Act.

Dental Health Education I develops the basic concepts of preventive dentistry including the study of plaque-related diseases, fluoride therapy, and brushing and flossing techniques. The student will learn measures that are effective in improving oral health and preventing oral disease. Nutrition will be discussed and the students will apply the concepts they have learned to the health of patients they will treat in the future.

This course builds on the concepts in DA107, reinforcing preventative dentistry concepts. Students will prepare an oral health presentation . The concluding project of the class students will apply the skills acquired in oral hygiene instruction.

Dental Health Sciences introduces the student to the history of dentistry. Embryology, and developmental disorders in the oral cavity are discussed. The concepts of oral histology as well as tooth morphology are developed. Students will be able to understand the connection between patient diagnosis, charting and treatment.

This course provides students with a working knowledge of dental terminology. The course will include: spelling, pronunciation, and definition of terms as well as the use of a dental dictionary and related references. Students will be prepared for a career in the dental profession by providing them with the terminology to excel in both career orientated testing and while working as a Dental Assistant.

The Dental Anatomy course presents the study of landmarks, tooth numbers, surfaces and morphology. Students learn the basic structure and function of human anatomy with special emphasis on the head and neck. Study models and diagrams are used to facilitate hands on learning. This course prepares students to apply the fundamentals of general and dental anatomy to informed decision making, and to professional communication with colleagues and patients.

The study of diseases and conditions affecting the gingiva, dentition, tongue and oral cavity is the focus of this course. Oral manifestations of infectious diseases and injuries are also covered as well as ongoing discussions pertaining to the legal and ethical roles dental assistants encounter while assisting dentists and hygienists when pathological conditions are presented.

Students learn the signs and symptoms of medical emergencies that may occur in a dental office. The role each member of the dental team plays during a dental emergency is examined. Special emphasis is placed on the responsibilities of the dental assistant supporting the dentist and staff in the event of a medical emergency. Introduction to pharmacological agents used to treat dental clients and dental office emergencies. The principles and techniques of acquiring patient vital signs are explained and practiced. Treatment provisions for the medically compromised and other special needs patients are defined and explored.

The business office in today's modern dental practice functions as a highly technological facility with skilled personnel. This course enables students to acquire the abilities to succeed in today's contemporary dental practice. Telephone management, appointment scheduling and recall procedures are covered. The financial aspects of running a business are explored and applied. Students will experience and hands-on computer application to help them synthesize the basics of dental front office management, including all aspects of insurance forms and billing. marketing, communication and resume skills are presented and refined.

This course covers the composition, clinical properties, preparation, use and storage of materials used in dentistry. Students will produce negative impressions and pour positive models. The proper techniques for mixing and dispensing various impression materials, dental cements, liners, bases and restorative products are illustrated and applied. Prevention of cross contamination is established.

The Chairside Procedures I course introduces students to the science of dentistry. This course prepares students to control infection, prevent disease, adhere to OSHA Standards, and safely manage hazardous materials. This course instructs students on proper moisture control techniques as well as an introduction to dental hand instruments, rotary instruments and hand pieces. The students are introduced to basic procedures including amalgam and composite. Dental unit waterlines and ergonomically safe practices are also covered.

Chairside Procedures II helps prepare the student for the unlimited diversity of clinical responsibilities in both general and specialized settings. Students will be provided with a level of knowledge that will enable them to operate as competent chairside assistants. Dental specialties will be discussed as well as the instrumentation and principle procedures specific to each discipline. Post-operative instructions for common procedures will be presented and practiced in both the didactic and clinical setting.

In this course students will apply the principle and secondary uses, advantages, disadvantages and limitations of various dental materials. Students will refine their impression taking and model pouring skills as well as fabricate custom trays. Preparation of articulation, occlusal bite, and presentation of models as a diagnostic tool will be completed by the students. Materials and procedures specific to: Orthodontics, Endodontics, Prosthodontics, and Aesthetic specialties are covered.

This course provides instruction in terminology and the basic physics of x-ray production. Radiological health measures for both patient and operator are studied. Examination and operation of the dental x-ray unit is taught. Darkroom basics and film mounting are covered as well as film grading and criteria. Students are instructed in bitewing, paralleling, and bisecting the angle radiographic techniques. Instruction is provided in anatomy and landmarks as well as common exposure errors. Infection control in regards to exposing and developing dental radiographs is discussed.

This course provides the basis for various occlusal film projections, intra-oral periapicals and panoramic radiographs. Dental x-ray film composition and processing is discussed as well as clinical grading review. The needs of patients with special circumstances are addressed as well as legal and ethical issues pertaining to dental radiography. The history of radiology is presented as well as a discussion on digital radiography. Throughout the course emphasis is placed on preparing students for the DANB RHS (Dental Assisting National Board Radiation Health and Safety) written and clinical exams

This elective radiology techniques course will provide a review for various occlusal film projection, intra-oral periapicals and panoramic radiographs. Taking dental x-rays, film processing and clinical grading is reviewed as it pertains to the understanding of completion of course work and licensing the Dental Assisting student with standards set by the licensing agency DANB

This course provides the student with Dental Assisting work experience in community businesses. The student will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice gained in the classroom with practical experience in the professional world. In this course a student may develop skills, explore career options and network with professionals and employers while earning credit toward a certificate.