PURPOSE: This program is designed to prepare students for employment as certified Dental Assistants. The program is accredited by the American Dental Association and certified by Dental Assistant National Board (DANB)

PROGRAM CONTENT: This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of theory, laboratory and clinical experience. The following are the course offerings:

                         Introduction to Health Care

                         Dental office and patient management

                         Basic dental laboratory procedures

                         Dental and general anatomy

                         Dental terminology

                         Nutrition

                         Dental instruments and equipment

                         Microbiology

                         Dental pharmacology and anesthesia

                         Chair side assisting and expanded functions

                         Dental office emergencies/CPR

                         Dental radiography

                        Maintenance and asepsis of dental operator and instrumentation

                         Dental specialty procedures

                         Employability skills

                         Leadership and human relations skills

                         Ethics and jurisprudence

                         Dental materials and preventive dentistry  

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE: Is scheduled at the Community Smiles Clinic located on campus and at Jackson Oral Surgery Department.

LABORATORY ACTIVITIES: Are simulated practice in the clinical facility and the utilization of the Human Patient Simulator.

ENTRANCE/CLINICAL NEEDS:

TABE (Basic Skills Test) Complete program paperwork Complete Physical Examination prior to Entry

LENGTH OF PROGRAM: 1230 hours or approximately 13months.

TIME: Days             Classroom hours 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM. Clinical hours 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM.

UNIFORMS: Students are required to wear the official school Uniform during the entire program (Class and Clinical).

TRANSPORTATION: Students must provide their own transportation to and from the campus as well as all clinical settings.

BASIC SKILLS REQUIREMENTS: (TABE)

Math 10.0 A Level Language 10.0 A Level Reading 10.0 A Level Basic skills levels required for awarding a Full Program Completer Certificate.

CERTIFICATION: After successful completion of this program, students are eligible to take the certification exam given by the Dental Assistant National Board.