DENTAL ASSISTING (LEVELS I AND II)
Program Outline
Major: DNAS
Length: 1 Year
Delivery: 3 Semesters
Credential: Ontario College Certificate
Effective: 2011-2012
Location: Barrie
Start: Fall
Description
The Dental Assisting program will prepare a student to assume a position as a dental assistant, capable of working interdependently and collaboratively with health professionals in a variety of practice settings. Corresponding with the level of study and in accordance with current legislation, the graduate of this program will perform a variety of roles including clinical, education, health promotion, business administration and laboratory assistant consistent with national standards.
The graduate of this program will be eligible to write the National Dental Assistants Board Exam (NDAEB). The graduate is eligible for certification by the Ontario Dental Assistants Association (ODAA). To be certified by the Canadian Dental Assistants Association (CDAA) the graduate must have successfully completed the NDAEB. This allows the graduate to practice as a Level II Dental Assistant.
Career Opportunities
The graduate of this program is qualified to assume a position as a dental assistant in a dental practice, a dental hygiene practice, a community oral health clinic or a public health unit.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- interact with others in groups and teams;
- use critical thinking skills to evaluate and solve problems;
- communicate confidently in a variety of situations;
- adapt to change, recognize the need to maintain and renew knowledge and skills, and effectively meet societal challenges arising in community, family and working life situations;
- maintain client and personal safety in the practice environment;
- contribute to the development of a comprehensive client profile by using a variety of data collection methods, in collaboration with the client and other health professionals, and in compliance with privacy legislation;
- contribute to the development of a comprehensive plan for oral health services and programs in collaboration with the client and other health professionals;
- provide oral health services and programs as identified in the comprehensive plan and as permitted within the scope of practice;
- contribute to the evaluation and reporting of appropriate aspects of the oral health services and programs by using a variety of sources including the client profile;
- act in a professional and competent manner;
- maintain client records and manage office procedures in compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.
External Recognition
The Dental Assisting Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.
Program Progression
Sem 1 - Fall 2011
Sem 2 - Winter 2012
Sem 3 - Summer 2012
Articulation Agreements
A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Information can be found on Georgian's website at www.georgianc.on.ca/academics/articulations/
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Admission Requirements
Applicants following the OSS curriculum must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD - 30 credits) or equivalent. Applicants following the OSS curriculum must also have Grade 12 English (C) or (U) (ENG 4C, ENG 4U), Grade 12 College Chemistry or Grade 11 or 12 University Chemistry (SCH 4C, SCH 4U, SCH 3U), any Grade 11 College or Grade 11 or 12 University Biology (SB13C, SB13U or SB14U).
Computer skills and knowledge of basic math calculations are highly recommended.
Applicants who are 19 years of age or over by the first day of classes, and who lack the academic entrance qualifications, may be considered for entrance to an appropriate post-secondary diploma or certificate program as mature applicants. Each applicant will be considered on an individual basis and acceptance will be determined by counselling, Communication Placement Assessment (CPA), previous post-secondary education and evaluation of experience. Some programs also have specific prerequisite requirements that must be met prior to admission. Mature applicants must meet all program specific prerequisites. Those applying as mature students and having no documentation of Grade 12 education must supply, if required, proof of age, such as a copy of an official birth certificate or driver's licence. Refer to Sections 2.5 and 2.6 of the Academic Calendar for further details.
Additional Information
Applicants are advised that for the program's clinical requirements and future employment situations, they must have good vision (with or without corrective lenses), be able to sit and stand for prolonged periods and mix various materials using repetitive wrist motions.
In addition to these requirements, applicants must also provide proof of a current First Aid and C.P.R. Level "HCP" certification, prior to the commencement of preclinical courses in Semester 1. Annual CPR re-certification is mandatory.
Selection Process
Selection is based on admission requirements and academic grades.
Graduation Requirements
14 Mandatory Courses
1 Communications Course
1 General Education Courses
1 Field Placement
Graduation Eligibility
To graduate from this program, the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, from year to year and to graduate is 60%. Additionally, a student must attain a minimum of 50% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester.
Mandatory
BIOL1001 Anatomy and Physiology - Introductory Concepts
BIOL1002 Anatomy and Physiology - Advanced Concepts
DENT1024 Clinical Assisting Lab - Restorative
DENT1025 Clinical Assisting Theory - Restorative
DENT1026 Clincal Support Procedures
DENT1027 Orofacial Anatomy
DENT1028 Dental Office Management
DENT1029 Dental Health Education
DENT1030 Applied Sciences for Dental Assistants
DENT1031 Clinical Assisting - Intraoral and Practicum
DENT1032 Dental Radiography
DENT1033 Intraoral Clinical Assisting Theory and Specialties
DENT1034 Clinical Assisting - Consolidation
DENT1036 Community Oral Health
The descriptions that follow provide brief outlines of the courses. Please note that some courses have prerequisite and/or corequisite requirements not shown here, that need to be met in order to enroll in the course. You will be advised of any requisite requirements during the registration process, or you can contact the academic area for further details.
Communications
COMM1000 College Communications
COMM1001 Communications at Work
General Education Courses
To be selected from College list
Field Placement
DENT1035 Field Placement - Dental Assistant
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
BIOL1001 Anatomy and Physiology - Introductory Concepts - 42 Hours
This course is the study of normal anatomy and physiology beginning with an orientation to the body and continuing through the cell, and four of the major systems: the integumentary system, the musculoskeletal system, the nervous system and the endocrine system. An introduction to microbiology is included. Three unifying themes, the interrelationships of body organ systems, homeostasis, and the complementarities of structure and function, will provide the basis of understanding the workings of the human body.
BIOL1002 Anatomy and Physiology - Advanced Concepts - 42 Hours
This course is the study of normal anatomy and physiology of the human body. It is a study of the following major body systems: circulatory system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, urinary system and reproductive system. Three unifying themes, the interrelationships of body organ systems, homeostasis, and the complementarity of structure and function, will provide the basis of understanding the workings of the human body.
COMM1000 College Communications - 42 Hours
Effective communication skills are essential for success in college and career. This entry-level course promotes development of college level skills including the use of current communications technology. Students focus on researching, writing, and editing, with an emphasis on essays. They analyze and evaluate information, incorporate writing conventions, edit and proofread material, and present it orally.
COMM1001 Communications at Work - 42 Hours
Students develop their communication skills for the workplace. Using available technology, they research, write and edit work- related correspondence and short reports, individually and collaboratively. With audio-visual support, they prepare and deliver professional presentations that have vocational emphasis. In addition, students complete other communication tasks specific to their vocational areas.
DENT1024 Clinical Assisting Lab - Restorative- 42 Hours
In this course all aspects of basic dental assisting will be demonstrated, practiced and evaluated. This lab provides the student with the opportunity to apply the theory and analytical skill of a dental assistant in a preclinical setting. Additional information: Students must have current CPR (annual recertification required) and First Aid certifications and a completed immunization record on file with the College to be scheduled in clinics/labs.
DENT1025 Clinical Assisting Theory - Restorative - 42 Hours
In this course the student will learn the theory of operative dentistry. The dental assistant's role in operative procedures is examined and developed throughout the course and includes chairside assisting procedures as well as the biomechanism of the materials used in restorative dentistry. This knowledge will enable the student to anticipate the operator's needs and examine the dental assistant tasks necessary in contributing to the process of client care.
DENT1026 Clinical Support Procedures - 42 Hours
In this course, the student will study general microbiology with emphasis placed on microbes found in the oral cavity. General principles will be applied to the microbiology of plaque, calculus, caries and periodontal disease. The role of infection control to prevent cross-contamination in the dental environment will be examined as well as strategies to ensure asepsis is maintained. In addition, the student will learn the basic principles necessary to operate a dental reception area.
DENT1027 Orofacial Anatomy - 42 Hours
The student will learn detailed anatomy of the head, neck and teeth. The relationships between the structures in and around the oral cavity as well as nerve and blood supply to the teeth are also examined.
DENT1028 Dental Office Management - 42 Hours
In this course, the student learns basic bookkeeping skills, third party insurance, payroll and client communication. The student will use an expenses and disbursements account system to documents practice expenses and payments including monthly and annual summaries. The balance of this course will provide training in the utilization of a dental office computer management system.
DENT1029 Dental Health Education - 42 Hours
This course provides opportunities for students to develop techniques and skills required to help individuals prevent disease and injury to the oral tissues. The course of study will include oral physiotherapy in plaque control, motivation, dietary counseling related to dentistry and needs identification of both the individual and community based dental public health. Emphasis will be placed on communication skills and methods of planning, implementing and evaluating home care.
DENT1030 Applied Sciences for Dental Assistants - 42 Hours
In this course the student learns three applied sciences related to the practice of dental assisting. In oral histology, the student studies the normal development of the oral cavity and facial complex. In oral pathology, the student examines developmental disturbances, including their clinical and radiographic appearances; and pathology that can affect these structures throughout the life cycle. In pharmacology, the student learns basic pharmacology in order to evaluate drugs a client may be taking and those that are used in the dental environment.
DENT1031 Clinical Assisting - Intraoral and Practicum - 126 Hours
Lab and practicum experiences provide the opportunity to apply the theory and analytical skills of a dental assistant in a preclinical and clinical setting. In preclinic, the student learns the skills related to intraoral dental assisting practice, dental materials, construction of lab appliances and specialty practices. The practicum portion allows the student to demonstrate basic dental assistant skills in direct client care. Students will contribute in each step of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of preventive and therapeutic services. Additional information: Students must have current CPR (annual recertification required) and First Aid certifications and a completed immunization record on file with the College to be scheduled in clinics/labs.
DENT1032 Dental Radiography - 42 Hours
This course prepares the students to take and process intraoral and extraoral dental radiographs. The course considers the basic physics and principles of radiography; safety precautions and the operation of the dental x-ray unit. Students will expose dental radiographs using bisecting angle and paralleling techniques. Additional instruction will be provided on recognizing and solving problem situations; and client education and management.
DENT1033 Intraoral Clinical Assisting Theory and Specialties - 42 Hours
In this course the student will examine the role of the intraoral dental assistant and how the skills and responsibilities contribute to the process of client care. It is in this course that the students will learn the specialty areas of dental practice and examine the unique duties of the expanded function dental assistant as they relate to each of the dental specialties.
DENT1034 Clinical Assisting - Consolidation - 96 Hours
This course encompasses professional aspects of dental assisting and consolidation of clinical practice. Students will consider their role on the dental team, develop an appreciation for being affiliated with a profession and use a problem-solving approach to deal with conflicts. The clinical portion involves direct client care which will allow students to consolidate their restorative, specialty and intraoral clinical experiences. Students will demonstrate a comprehensive contribution to the process of client care during preventive, therapeutic and laboratory services. Additional information: Students must have current CPR (annual recertification required) and First Aid certifications and a completed immunization record on file with the College to be scheduled in clinics/labs.
DENT1035 Field Placement - Dental Assistant - 150 Hours
This component provides the student with hands-on experience in a dental office environment. The student is involved as a team member, completing duties of a dental assistant. Additional information: Students must have current CPR (annual recertification required and First Aid certifications and a completed immunization record on file with the College to be scheduled in clinics/labs/placements.
DENT1036 Community Oral Health - 42 Hours
In this course the student will discuss the role of the dental assistant in health promotion and health related education activities for individuals and groups; the assessment of factors which affect oral health of populations and the conditions which are conducive to good health for all. Teaching and learning principles will be reviewed and lesson/program planning will be introduced.
Adults with significant life and work experience may receive credits toward a college certificate or diploma program through an assessment process.
More information about Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
NOTE: Information contained in College documents respecting programs is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. The college reserves the right to add or delete programs, options, courses, timetables or campus locations subject to sufficient enrolment, and the availability of courses.
Last Update: March 08, 2012.