Course Descriptions
DA-153 Dental Science I
(2 units lecture) Grade Only A course in anatomy and
physiology to include dental terminology and the anatomy
of the head and neck. Oral physiology, dental embryology
and histology and tooth morphology are examined. Also
covered: cells, tissues, membranes and the reproductive,
skeletal, nervous, muscular, respiratory, digestive,
excretory, circulatory and endocrine systems; the history,
identification, classification, morphology and characteristics of
microorganism; and the causes and prevention of disease.
DA-154 Dental Materials
(3 units lecture/lab) Grade Only Instruction in the preparation
of materials used in chair-side assisting such as cements,
composites and amalgams, crowns and bridges and the set
up required for each. Also studied will be the manipulation
of dental materials ordinarily used in the dental office such as
gypsum products, alginates, impression materials, waxes and
impression pastes. Construction of custom impression trays,
preparation of models and temporary crowns are included.
DA-155 Dental Radiography
(2 units lecture/lab) Grade Only Experiences are provided to
make the student aware of principles of roentgenographic
physics, history of radiation, biological effects of radiation,
patient and operator protection, types of films, exposure and
processing techniques and mounting of films. Full mouth X-ray surveys taken on mannequins.
DA-156 Introduction to Chairside
(4 units lecture/lab) Grade Only A study of pre-operative
procedures, health history and oral exams; function, care
and maintenance of equipment and instruments; patient
care; introduction to operative and postoperative procedures
including sterilization and disinfection of operatory and
armamentarium. OSHA and hazard communication
requirements are discussed and implemented. Students will
learn 4-handed dentistry, charting, anesthetic preparation,
amalgam and composite tray set ups, rubber dam and matrix
placement and temporary restorations. The on-campus Dental
Health Center provides clinical experience.
DA-163 Dental Science II
(3 units lecture) Grade Only A course which reviews infectious
diseases. Preventive measures will include: effective oral
hygiene, use of fluorides and the use of various dental aids
along with the role of nutrition in preventive dentistry.
Ways to incorporate a patient education program into a
dental practice are discussed. Patient and self motivation
techniques necessary to achieve this are stressed. Discussion
and descriptions of various oral lesions and disease processes
are covered. Description and use of drugs common to dental
treatment are discussed along with medical and dental
emergency procedures. Techniques to treat special patients
are examined. A study of the history of dentistry and the
professional organizations completes the course. Prerequisite:
DA-153
DA-164 Dental Specialties and Expanded Duties
(3 units lecture/lab) Grade Only A course which will provide
instruction in the procedures and tray setups for specialties of
dentistry including endodontics, oral surgery, periodontics,
pedodontics and orthodontics. Experiences are offered for the
application and advanced skills and knowledge in the area of
expanded duties in compliance with the requirements of the
California Dental Practice Act. Prerequisite: DA-153 and DA-154
and DA-155 and DA-156
DA-165 Dental Radiography II
(2 units lecture/lab) Grade Only Instruction in advanced
techniques of dental radiography, anatomical landmarks and
dental anatomy pertaining to dental radiography. Emphasis
on evaluation of films, exposing full-mouth radiographs on
patients for diagnosis by a dentist, extra oral film techniques
and in distinguishing between normal dental anatomy and
anomalies or pathological conditions. Prerequisite: DA-153 and
DA-154 and DA-155 and DA-156
DA-166 Dental Assisting Office Management
(1 unit lecture) Grade Only This course includes billing and
collection procedures, banking, financial records, fees, and
credit management. Also covered are telephone techniques,
appointment scheduling, mail handling, record keeping, filing,
organization and care of office and equipment, management
responsibilities, insurance procedures, forms used in dental
offices and computerized office management. Prerequisite:
DA-153 and DA-154 and DA-155 and DA-156
DA-167 Dental Clinical Experience
(6 units lecture/lab) Grade Only Clinical practice in working as
part of the complete dental team using 4-handed dentistry
under the direct supervision of dentists and the dental
assisting faculty in the on campus Dental Health Center
and selected private offices. Development of professional
attitude in all phases of dental assisting and skill in the use
of equipment. Emphasis placed on all areas of dentistry
including expanded duties as required by the California
Dental Practice Act. Weekly seminars to evaluate and review
clinical experience are also included. Ethics, jurisprudence and
psychology in the dental office are emphasized. Prerequisite:
DA-153 and DA-154 and DA-155 and DA-156
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