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  5. Dental Assisting

Dental Assisting (DA12)  Diploma

Purpose: The Dental Assisting program prepares the student to enter the workforce with all required certifications and training required by the Georgia Board of Dentistry to practice general and specialty dental procedures.

Curriculum: Curriculum includes classroom and clinical instruction in oral anatomy, restorative dental procedures dental radiography and infection control.

Careers: Dental Assistant

Requirements:

  • Submit a completed application and application fee
  • Be at least 17 years of age
  • Submit official high school transcript or High School Equivalency transcript or college transcripts showing successful completion of 60+ semester credits or 72+ quarter credits
  • Submit official college transcripts, if applicable
  • Present acceptable ACCUPLACER, ACT, ASSET, COMPASS, PSAT, or SAT scores or GED score of 145 or higher or have one of the following: an associate degree or higher or have a HOPE GPA of 2.6 after the completion of 10th grade. Documentation on a college transcript of successful completion of appropriate courses from a regionally accredited college or university may be accepted in lieu of test scores.

Additional Program Requirements:

  • American Heart Association Provider CPR certification, physical examination or proof of ability to perform required duties, up-to-date immunizations and criminal background check prior to performing the clinical rotation.
  • Due to the potential for exposure to bloodborne pathogens, the dental programs strictly adhere to CDC, ADA and OSHA regulations regarding bloodborne pathogens and infection control. A complete copy of the WGTC Exposure Control plan is available for review at the dental reception desk.
  • The dental assisting profession requires theoretical and clinical skills and the ability to learn and apply new knowledge quickly.
  • Effective Fall 2019, students must successfully complete ENGL 1010, MATH 1012, ALHS 1011, and ALHS 1040 before registering for courses with the Dental Assisting prefix (DENA).

Start Terms:

  • This program begins each Fall semester on the Valdosta campus.

This program is a HOPE Career Grant eligible program for students who are HOPE Grant eligible. The Career Grant award is a fixed amount per semester based on the number of credit hours taken. Maximum award per term is $500.

The mission of the Dental Programs is to provide quality instruction, enabling students to develop knowledge, skills, and work ethics to acquire and retain entry level positions in the dental profession.

The Dental Assisting program at Wiregrass is accredited by the Commission on Dental Association (CODA), approval with reporting requirements.

Please see the following links for information related to complaints and third Party comments.

Formal Complaint Process and Policy on Third Party Comments

Contact Information for CODA is:
Commission on Dental Accreditation
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611
312/440-4653
www.ada.org/coda

The Commission on Dental Accreditation will review complaints that relate to a program's compliance with the accreditation standards. The Commission is interested in the sustained quality and continued improvement of dental and dental-related education programs but does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for treatment received by patients or individuals in matters of admission, appointment, promotion or dismissal of faculty, staff or students. A copy of the appropriate accreditation standards and/or the Commission's policy and procedure for submission of complaints may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678 or by calling 1-800-621-8099 extension 4653.

Any complaints can be made to the Commission at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, or by calling 1-800-621-8099, extension 4653.

Gainful Employment Information
Curriculum Outline (59 hours)
General Core Courses 9
ENGL 1010

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Diploma Level Reading and Writing Scores OR READ 0090 and/or ENGL 0090 w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): None Emphasizes the development and improvement of written and oral communication abilities. Topics include analysis of writing, applied grammar and writing skills, editing and proofreading skills, research skills, and oral communication skills.

3
MATH 1012

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Diploma Level Math Scores or MATH 0090 w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): None Emphasizes the application of basic mathematical skills used in the solution of occupational and technical problems. Topics include fractions, decimals, percents, ratios and proportions, measurement and conversion, geometric concepts, technical applications, and basic statistics.

3
PSYC 1010

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None Presents basic concepts within the field of psychology and their application to everyday human behavior, thinking, and emotion. Emphasis is placed on students understanding basic psychological principles and their application within the context of family, work and social interactions. Topics include an overview of psychology as a science, the nervous and sensory systems, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, intelligence, lifespan development, personality, psychological disorders and their treatment, stress and health, and social psychology.

3
Occupational Courses 50
ALHS 1040

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None Introduces a grouping of fundamental principles, practices, and issues common in the health care profession. In addition to the essential skills, students explore various delivery systems and related issues. Topics include: basic life support/CPR, basic emergency care/first aid and triage, vital signs, infection control/blood and air-borne pathogens.

3
ALHS 1011

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 5 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None Focuses on basic normal structure and function of the human body. Topics include general plan and function of the human body, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous and sensory systems, endocrine system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.

5
DENA 1050

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None Introduces fundamental microbiology and infection control techniques. Topics include: classification, structure, and behavior of pathogenic microbes; mode of disease transmission; body’s defense and immunity; infectious diseases; and infection control procedures in accordance with CDC recommendations and OSHA guidelines. Effective Fall 2019, pre-requisites will be ENGL 1010, MATH 1012, ALHS 1011, and ALHS 1040.

3
DENA 1080

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 5 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None Focuses on normal head and neck anatomy and the development and functions of oral anatomy. Topics include: dental anatomy; oral histology; oral embryology; osteology of the skull; muscles of mastication and facial expression; temporal mandibular joint; blood lymphatic nerve supply of the head; and salivary glands and related structures. Effective Fall 2019, pre-requisites will be ENGL 1010, MATH 1012, ALHS 1011, and ALHS 1040.

5
DENA 1340

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 6 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): DENA 1050, DENA 1080 Introduces student to ethics and jurisprudence for the dental assistant and to chairside assisting with diagnostic and operative procedures. Topics include: ethics and jurisprudence in the dental office; four-handed dentistry techniques; clinical data collection techniques; introduction to operative dentistry; and dental material basics.

6
DENA 1030

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): DENA 1080, DENA 1340 Provides students with theory and clinical experience in the area of preventive and public health dentistry. Topics include: etiology of dental disease; patient education techniques; plaque control techniques; types and use of fluoride; diet analysis for caries control; and dietary considerations for the dental patient.

2
DENA 1070

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): ( ALHS 1011 or DENA 1010) and DENA 1080 Co-requisite(s): None Focuses on the diseases affecting the oral cavity and pharmacology as it relates to dentistry. Topics include: identification and disease process; signs/symptoms of oral diseases and systemic diseases with oral manifestations; developmental abnormalities of oral tissues; basic principle of pharmacology; drugs prescribed by the dental profession; drugs that may contraindicate treatment; and applied pharmacology (regulations, dosage, and applications.

2
DENA 1350

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 4 Lab 2 - 6 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): DENA 1340 Co-requisite(s): None Focuses on chairside assisting with dental specialty procedures. Topics include: prosthodontic procedures (fixed and removable); orthodontics; pediatric dentistry; periodontic procedures; oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures; endodontics procedures; management of dental office emergencies; medically compromised patients and expanded functions approved by law for performance by dental assistants in the state of Georgia. Student will pass a comprehensive examination and successfully perform all required clinical skills to receive EFDA certification.

7
DENA 1390

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): DENA 1080 Co-requisite(s): None After completion of the course the student will be able to provide radiation safety for patient and self, expose x-rays, process x-rays, and prepare dental films for the dental office. Topics include: fundamentals of radiology and radiation safety; radiographic anatomy and interpretation; intraoral and extraoral radiographic techniques; and quality assurance techniques.

4
DENA 1460

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): DENA 1050, Co-requisite(s): DENA 1350, DENA 1390, DENA 1340 Practicum focuses on infection control in the dental office and assisting with diagnostic and simple operative procedures. Topics include: infection control procedures; clinical diagnostic procedures; and general dentistry procedures.

1
DENA 1090

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Instructor Approval Co-requisite(s): None Reviews information concerning all didactic areas tested by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Topics include: collecting and recording clinical data; dental radiography; chairside dental procedures; prevention of disease transmission; patient education and oral health management; office management procedures; and test taking skills.

1
DENA 1400

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): COMP 2000 or COLL 1010, DENA 1340 Co-requisite(s): None Emphasizes procedures for office management in dental practices. Topics include: oral and written communication; records management; appointment control; dental insurance form preparation; accounting procedures; supply and inventory control; employability skills and basic computer skills. A computer lab provides basic skills in computer use and utilization of these skills to perform office procedures on a microcomputer.

2
DENA 1470

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): DENA 1460 Practicum focuses on advanced general dentistry procedures and chairside in dental specialties with special emphasis on nonsurgical specialties. Topics include: advanced general dentistry and specialties.

1
DENA 1480

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 15 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): DENA 1460, DENA 1470 Practicum continues to focus on assisting chairside with advanced general dentistry procedures with emphasis on dental office management, preventive dentistry, and expanded functions. Topics include: advanced general dentistry procedures; preventive dentistry; dental office management; expanded functions; chairside in specialties; and management of dental office emergencies.

5
Choose One of the Following (3 Hours) 3
COLL 1010

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0.5 Lab 3 - 2.5 Pre-Requisites: None Co-Requisite: None This course is designed to assist the learner to acquire skills necessary to achieve academic, personal, and professional success and to improve student retention. Areas of importance include Getting off to a Good Start, Learning and Personality Styles, Time and Personal Financial Management, Stress Management and Wellness, Studying and Test Taking Skills, Communication Skills, Career Planning and Goal Setting, Computer Applications/Technology Skills and Employability/Professional Skills.

3
COMP 2000

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture-3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-Requisites: Program Admission Co-Requisite: None This course provides an introduction to computer applications for the development of analytical and problem-solving workplace skills. The course introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Topics include file management, word processing software, database software, spreadsheet software, and presentation software skill development. The course also introduces terminology related to computer hardware, computer networks, and social and ethical concepts.

3
MAST 1060

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None Emphasizes essential skills required for the medical practice. Topics include: office protocol, time management, appointment scheduling, medical office equipment, medical references, mail services, medical records, and professional communication.

4
Faculty
Sandi Woodward
Advisor

Director of Dental Programs
Valdosta Campus

(229) 333-2100 ext. 5533 | sandi.woodward@wiregrass.edu
Berrien Hall, 200 Wing, Rm 220
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