The purpose of this program is to familiarize students with all areas of administrative and clinical dental assisting, focusing on the responsibilities required to function as a registered dental assistant.
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About the program
- This course has been approved by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners to meet the requirements set forth by the Texas legislature for Registered Dental Assistants. The course has been designed to meet the essential didactic requirements, as well as incorporating clinical training to prepare the applicant for the Registered Dental Assistant Exam and the skills necessary for a dental assistant.
- Content: Infection control, dental anatomy, radiology, basic-chairside dental assisting, dental materials, and ethics
- Format: In-person lecture and in-person labs (on-site clinical training)
- Monday & Wednesday: Students engage in four-hour class sessions twice a week for ten weeks (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
Class type
In-person
Type
workforce
Industry
Allied Health
Upcoming dates
Specific Course Learning Outcomes
- Discuss OSHA and bloodborne pathogens as they relate to dentistry.
- List examples of hazardous chemicals used in dentistry, and how they should be handled according to Safety Data Sheets.
- Identify major extra oral landmarks of the face and intra oral landmarks of the oral cavity.
- Recognize tooth numbers, surfaces, directional terms, and anatomical structures.
- Apply principles of dental radiology to safely expose a full-set of X-rays and panoramic images.
- Select appropriate radiographic techniques based on the patient’s needs.
- Identify common oral structures, dental materials, and common pathologies seen in dental radiography.
- Identify steps in meeting, greeting, seating, and dismissing the dental patient.
- Discuss medical histories and vital signs that should be taken at the dental visit.
- Handle commonly used dental materials, cements, and bonding agents used in the dental office
- Complete the steps necessary to fabricate tooth whitening trays beginning with taking alginate impressions, pouring up the impressions, trimming the models, and fabricating the trays.
- Prepare an aspirating syringe with the proper anesthetic prescribed by the dentist.
- Explain the cause of dental disease and how to properly brush and floss.
- Discuss common medical emergencies in the dental office and briefly explain steps to manage each type of emergency.
- List the permitted duties for a dental assistant in Texas as outlined in the Texas legislature.
- Prepare a resume for a Registered Dental Assistant and participate in a mock interview.
Registered Dental Assistant Program Structure
Cohort Size: 10 students
Program Hours: 80
Cost: $4500
Includes:
- Testing fees
- Insurance
- Consumables/PPE (Students much purchase their own scrubs.)
Test Information:
- Upon completion of the program, students will take the Registered Dental Assistant Exam, the exam will be administered on-site.