Dental Assistant, Diploma

Program Details

Semester 1

• DEA 253 - Dental Science I Credits: 4
• DEA 256 - Dental Anatomy Credits: 2
• DEA 424 - Dental Materials Lab Credits: 1
• DEA 507 - Princ of Dental Assisting Credits: 6
• DHY 221 - Dental Materials Credits: 2
• DHY 161 - Oral Radiology Credits: 3

Semester 2

• DEA 321 - Dental Radiography II Credits: 2
• DEA 591 - Dental Assisting Seminar Credits: 1
• DEA 576 - Dental Assisting Clinic I Credits: 3
• DEA 263 - Dental Science II Credits: 2
• DEA 615 - Clinical Dental Assisting Credits: 5
• DEA 702 - Dental Office Procedures Credits: 2
• ENG 105 - Composition I Credits: 3

Semester 3

• DEA 297 - Ethics/Jurisprudence Seminar Credits: 1
• DEA 577 - Dental Assisting Clinic II Credits: 4
• Select 3 credits from Option 1 Credits: 3
• Select 3 credits from Option 2 Credits: 3

Total Credits Required to Complete this Diploma - 47

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$185.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs

Approximate total for the program: $12,390**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

The Dental Assistant program utilizes a background check service, www.certifiedbackground.com, to conduct criminal background/abuse checks and to track immunizations, health records and CPR certification for each student after the iracceptance into the program. Students are responsible for the cost of this service (approximately $58).

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

• Assist dentist at chairside in delivering care to a patient. This may include seating the patients, adjusting the chair, placing a bib on the patient, operating the x-ray machine, developing and mounting x-rays, mixing filling materials and dental cements, and handing them to the dentist when they are needed.
• May serve as a receptionist, office manager, bookkeeper, secretary, laboratory assistant or preventive assistant.
• Might work for a specialist in the dental field such as an orthodontist who straightens teeth, an oral surgeon who removes teeth and performs other surgical procedures on the mouth, or a pedodontist who works on child patients only.
• Perform intraoral functions as delegated by the dentist within the limits of the State Practice Act.
• Sterilize instruments and pour plaster and stone models in the laboratory.
• Infection control and hazardous waste management.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

• Knowledge of high school biology and ability to type 35 WPM is necessary to be successful.
• Excellent attendance and promptness are necessary.
• Perform activities in an organized and detailed manner.
• Apply knowledge from the biological, physical and social sciences.
• Take initiative in resolving patient care problems.
• Communicate easily with patients and coworkers.
• Good finger dexterity and eye/hand coordination.

What Else Should I Consider about this Diploma program?

• You will have to put your fingers in the patient’s mouth.
• Necessary physical and emotional stamina to meet demands of rigorous program.
• Must provide own transportation to clinical sites.
• Dealing with the diversity of patients’ personalities and dental problems is challenging and rewarding.
• You may have to work some Saturdays and evenings.
• Criminal background checks will be completed on each student. Criminal convictions or documented history of abuse may delay or prevent students from participating in clinical education experiences. Students unable to participate in clinical education will be unable to complete the Dental Assistant program.
• Average starting salary $30,180 (2014-2015 Placement Report).

Program Competencies

1. Understand the workplace basic skills of listening, writing, computing, problem solving, interpersonal relationships, and leadership
2. Demonstrate the ability to operate and maintain equipment and instruments used in the dental office
3. Communicate how anatomy and physiology, microbiology, oral pathology, pharmacology, and nutrition may affect the oral cavity
4. Demonstrate four-handed dentistry
5. Select and assemble proper procedural tray set-ups.
6. Demonstrate ability to review  patient health history, and obtain vital signs
7. Assist dentist with assessing patient needs and concerns.
8. Document procedures, notes, medical information in patient record
9. Practice appropriate patient management techniques
10. Administer proper infection control protocols
11. Utilize proper general and hazardous waste control measures
12. Communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare/dental professionals
13. Demonstrate the ability to be flexible and adaptable
14. Employ office management organizational skills
15. Maintain business office records
16. Select and manipulate dental materials for proper use
17. Maintain inventory control
18. Perform radiographic techniques and safety measure
19. Explain, recommend and demonstrate patient oral hygiene care/education
20. Respond to medical emergencies which may occur in the dental setting
21. Display time management techniques
22. Demonstrate ethical conduct
23. Recognize and support laws and regulations governing  dental professions in the state of Iowa

Nondiscrimination Statement

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
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