Dental Assistant Overview
From the moment a patient walks through the door, dental assistants are there to assist in the delivery of quality oral health care and are valuable members of the dental care team. They coordinate care and information between the dentist, patient, and front office staff to ensure patients are treated well and the practice runs smoothly. When the dentist is working on the patient, assistants are often standing by, providing tools and materials to assist the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures.
Dental assistants must have a strong foundation in the fundamental areas of dental assisting including: radiographic, clinical and administrative procedures. Depending on the office, state regulations and preferences of the dentist, assistants play a larger clinical or administrative role.
On any given day, dental assistants can be found in the lab, office area, or treatment area. Assistants are trusted with patient information and medical records, taking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays), taking impressions of patients' teeth and teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health. In addition the dental assistant performs office management tasks that often require the use of a personal computer.
Strong communication skills and professionalism ensure the dental assistant with a rewarding job in a growing health care career.
Dental Assistant Curriculum
Program Requirements
| Course ID | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DEN100 | DEN100 Dental Anatomy | 3.00 |
| DEN105 | DEN105 Introduction to Dental Assisting | 1.00 |
| DEN110 | DEN110 Dental Fundamentals | 2.00 |
| DEN120 | DEN120 Clinical Science | 2.00 |
| DEN125 | DEN125 Community Health | 1.00 |
| DEN200 | DEN200 Dental Chairside Assisting | 2.00 |
| DEN200L | DEN200L Dental Chairside Assisting LAB | 2.00 |
| DEN206 | DEN206 Dental Materials | 2.00 |
| DEN206L | DEN206L Dental Materials LAB | 2.00 |
| DEN211 | DEN211 Dental Radiology | 2.00 |
| DEN211L | DEN211L Dental Radiology LAB | 1.00 |
| DEN215 | DEN215 Clinical Dental Procedures | 2.00 |
| DEN215L | DEN215L Clinical Dental Procedures LAB | 1.00 |
| DEN220 | DEN220 Dental Practice Management | 1.00 |
| DEN225 | DEN225 Clinical Rotation I | 4.00 |
| DEN225S | DEN225S Seminar I | 1.00 |
| DEN230 | DEN230 Clinical Rotation II | 3.00 |
| DEN230S | DEN230S Seminar II | 1.00 |
| MED104 | MED104 Medical Terminology | 3.00 |
| Credit Hour(s) total | 36.00 | |
| Course ID | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIO101 | BIO101 Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 3.00 |
| BIO104 | BIO104 Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 3.00 |
| COM115 | COM115 Principles of Communication | 3.00 |
| ENG110 | ENG110 College Composition | 3.00 |
| HUM205 | HUM205 Culture and Diversity: Exploring the Humanities | 3.00 |
| MTH120 | MTH120 College Mathematics | 3.00 |
| PSY105 | PSY105 Introduction to Psychology | 3.00 |
| Credit Hour(s) total | 21.00 | |
Arts & Sciences courses listed may not be substituted.
Total of 1,260 contact hours
Visit the ECPI University Catalog for the most current program information.
Dental Assistant Program Description
Medical Careers Institute’s program provides students with a strong foundation in the fundamental areas of dental assisting including:
- Radiographic procedures
- Clinical procedures
- Administrative procedures
Dental Assistant duties typically involve:
- Preparing patients for examinations
- Patient interviews and charting histories
- Taking vital signs
- Assisting with laboratory procedures and minor surgeries
- Dealing with insurance companies
- Billing and record keeping
Included in this instruction is an externship so that the Dental Assistant student can experience a real world environment firsthand.
Dental Assistant Possible Career Track
Upon completion, graduates with an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Assisting could possibly pursue a career in an entry-level position in the following offices:
- Dental Office
- Hospital Dental Department
- Dental Supply Manufacturer
- Insurance Company
Dental Assistant Outcomes
- Acquire knowledge and skills necessary to provide a safe environment for patients and dental staff.
- Illustrate competency in the parts and sciences pertinent to dental assisting.
- Attain skills in chairside, clinical, practice management, radiographic and laboratory procedures.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the American Dental Assisting Association's Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional conduct and its importance to the profession of dental assisting.
- Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully complete the Dental Assisting National Examination.
- Participate in dental community events and learning opportunities.