Dental Assisting (DEN)

In this course, dental assisting students are introduced to types of diseases and their transmission, the application of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines to dentistry, and the management of hazardous waste in the dental office. Students gain practical experience in the operation of sterilization equipment and disinfection techniques, as well as methods for the safe management and manipulation of various substances used in the dental office. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; Admission to Dental Assisting program

In this course, students cover the formation and eruption of the teeth and craniofacial growth and development. Topics such as cell, tissue and organ development and systems of the body will be examined. Types and uses of local and general anesthesia and medical emergency and appropriate response will be discussed. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; Admission to Dental Assisting program

In this course, students are introduced to head and neck anatomy. Students identify intraoral and extraoral structures of the skull and face, including bones, muscles, and soft tissue. Tooth surface annotation and occlusion and malocclusion are emphasized. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; Admission to Dental Assisting program

In this course, students are introduced to concepts of radiography as they are applied to dentistry. Principles of radiation physics, health and safety factors, and quality control measures are examined. Students then use this knowledge to expose radiographic images in which they must then evaluate to determine if the image is diagnostically acceptable. The content of this course, when combined with DEN 128, satisfies the Administrative Rules of the Michigan Board of Dentistry educational requirements. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; Admission to Dental Assisting program; DEN 102 minimum grade "C", may enroll concurrently

In this course, dental assisting students will receive an introduction to basic four-handed dentistry. This will include topics such as but not limited to: the history of dental assisting, professional organizations, ethics, and the roles within the dental health team. Students will assist faculty with basic dental procedures. An emphasis is placed on identifying equipment in the dental treatment room while utilizing Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; Admission to Dental Assisting program; DEN 102 minimum grade "C", may enroll concurrently

In this course, dental assisting students will be introduced to various materials used in dentistry. Students will learn the purpose, use and properties of these dental materials. The manipulation, practical application and adherence to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines will be emphasized. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; Admission to Dental Assisting program; DEN 102 minimum grade "C", may enroll concurrently

In this course, dental assisting students receive a foundation in preventive dentistry. Methods to ensure the dental health of patients are addressed, including instruction in oral hygiene and proper nutrition. Etiology, prevention and control of dental caries and periodontal disease are emphasized. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; Admission to Dental Assisting program; DEN 102, DEN 106 and DEN 107, minimum grade "C"

In this course, students will recognize and record diagnostic data for patient assessment. Students will demonstrate the ability to obtain vital signs as well as practice common charting techniques. Students will also discuss the legal and ethical responsibilities of dental record management. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; DEN 102, DEN 107 and DEN 110, minimum grade "C"

This course provides students with both laboratory and clinical experience in producing dental radiographs. Infection prevention methods and maintaining patient and quality assurance records are emphasized. Students gain experience with manikins in the laboratory, and apply these skills to patients in a clinical setting. The content of this course, when combined with DEN 108, meets the Administrative Rules of the Michigan Board of Dentistry educational requirements. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; DEN 108 minimum grade "C", may enroll concurrently

In this course, students gain experience in critical evaluation of a patient's health status in order to modify normal dental routines and apply the essential skills needed to assist in common dental/medical emergencies. Students will study diseases of teeth and supporting structures, oral pathology and systemic diseases and their relationship to oral health. Various drugs and their effect on medical/dental care are also studied. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; DEN 106 and DEN 107, minimum grade "C"

In this course, dental assisting students are provided with clinical application of previous dental assisting knowledge as they gain clinical experience in clinical settings such as the WCC Dental Clinic and other assigned clinical sites. Students assist during basic preventive and operative procedures, monitor vital signs, utilize Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, sterilize instruments and manage patient records. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; DEN 108, DEN 110 and DEN 120, minimum grade "C" in all DEN courses; DEN 120 may enroll concurrently Level II Prerequisite: DEN 112 minimum grade "C"; current CPR card

In this course, students are introduced to the role of the dental assistant in dental specialties. The latest concepts in dental specialties are presented by dental specialists. Students will develop an understanding of equipment and instruments that are associated with procedures performed in various dental specialties. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; DEN 110 minimum grade "C"

In this course, dental assisting students build on the clinical experiences acquired in the prerequisite course. Students develop advanced clinical skills in a variety of dental settings. Students must complete rotations at different clinical sites and provide evidence of such. Students will complete journals, case studies, a clinical portfolio and participate in seminars related to their clinical experiences. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; DEN 130 minimum grade "C" Level II Prerequisite: Current CPR card

In this course, dental assisting students will apply previous knowledge and practice Michigan-specific legally delegated extraoral and intraoral functions. Students will prepare for and master the clinical skills necessary to pass the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Board Exam. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; Pathway I students - DEN 202 minimum grade "C", may enroll concurrently; or Pathway II students - Admission to Dental Assisting program Level II Prerequisite: current CPR card

In this course, students are introduced to the business practices needed to be an effective team member in a dental office. Students will explore practices such as payroll, accounts receivable and payable as well as appointment scheduling. Students will focus on formatting and preparing written communications. Throughout this course, accuracy and attention to detail will be emphasized. Students will prepare to seek employment as entry-level dental assistants through writing resumes and letters of application as well as preparing for interviews. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; DEN 107 minimum grade "C"

In this course, the student will reflect on/demonstrate the clinical, laboratory and radiographic skills necessary to be a professional dental assistant and an integral member of the dental health team. This course is designed specifically for the on-the-job trained dental assistant who has been admitted to the Dental Assisting Program with advanced standing after successfully passing all three portions of the Dental Assistant National Board (DANB) Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) Examination. Students will review current office policies/procedures and make suggestions based on best practices. Level I Prerequisite: Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6; Admission to Dental Assisting program - Pathway II students