Academic Catalog

DENT 101 Dental Materials and Procedures
(3 Credits, Fall)

Provides a fundamental knowledge of the materials commonly used in a dental practice, including the physical, chemical, and manipulative characteristics of cements, bases, cavity liners, cavity varnishes, composites, resins, amalgams, gypsum and hydrocolloid materials. The laboratory component offers experience in the correct manipulation of these materials, along with the placing of the Tofflemire matrix, identification of hand pieces, and their appropriate burs. Covers pouring and trimming models for diagnostic casts. PREREQ: Admission to Dental Assisting program. COREQ: DENT 101L, DENT 102, DENT 104, DENT 109, DENT 151, and DENT 152.

DENT 102 Dental Clinical Skills 1
(2 Credits, Fall)

Experience in beginning clinical skills including preparing the operatory for the patient, seating and dismissing the patient, taking and recording vital signs, four-handed dentistry, and equipment use and care. The laboratory portion gives students initial skills for the clinical experience in the areas of instrument identification and transfer, oral evacuation and use of the air-water syringe, application of fluoride and topical anesthetic, and demonstration of flossing and oral hygiene instructions. Preparation of the anesthetic syringe and mixing and obtaining alginate impressions are also covered. PREREQ: Admission to the Dental Assisting program. COREQ: DENT 101, DENT 102L, DENT 104, DENT 109, DENT 151, and DENT 152.

DENT 103 Dental Prosthodontic Matrls & Procedures
(2 Credits, Spring)

A continuation of DENT 102 and advancing students' knowledge of dental materials and procedures. Includes lecture, PowerPoint presentations, videos, discussions, demonstrations, and lab participation. Covers the advanced dental assisting skills of handling dental materials, instruments, and procedures related to prosthodontics; orthodontics and operative dentistry; placement and removal of the dental dam; suture removal; fabrication of custom trays; and mixing, placing, and removing periodontal dressings. Also covers the expanded function of the fabrication of temporary crowns as mandated by the Idaho Board of Dentistry. PREREQ: DENT 101, DENT 102, DENT 104, DENT 108, DENT 109, DENT 151, and DENT 152. COREQ: DENT 103L, DENT 105, DENT 106, DENT 153, and DENT 154.

DENT 104 Dental Radiography
(3 Credits, Fall)

Introduces dental radiology for the dental auxiliary. Includes basic principles of radiography, the history and physics of radiation, and the biological effects of radiation for both the safety and comfort of the patient and the operator. Introduces the radiographic equipment and dental x-ray film. Covers the relationship of dental anatomy and facial structure to the exposure of dental films. Includes instruction in the various types of film available to the dental professional. The student will perform exposure and processing techniques on a manikin and patients. PREREQ: Admission to the Dental Assisting program. COREQ: DENT 101, DENT 102, DENT 104L, DENT 109, DENT 151, and DENT 152.

DENT 105 Dental Clinical Skills 2
(2 Credits, Spring)

A continuation of DENT 102 which advances the students' knowledge of the dental assisting profession. Includes lecture, PowerPoint presentations, videos, discussions, demonstrations, and lab participation. Covers the advanced dental assisting skills of taking alginate impressions and bite registrations. Also covers the expanded functions of coronal polish, and pit and fissure sealants as mandated by the Idaho Board of Dentistry. PREREQ: DENT 101, DENT 102, DENT 104, DENT 108, DENT 109, DENT 151, and DENT 152. COREQ: DENT 103, DENT 105L, DENT 106, DENT 153, and DENT 154.

DENT 106 Dental Assisting Clinical Experience
(6 Credits, Spring)

An externship which takes place on-site at a prearranged clinical facility. Provides students with the opportunity to perform clearly identified competencies within the clinical setting. Each credit is equivalent to 50 hours in the clinical setting. PREREQ: DENT 101, DENT 102, DENT 108, DENT 109, DENT 151, and DENT 152. COREQ: DENT 103, DENT 105, DENT 153 and DENT 154.

DENT 108 Dental Office Management
(2 Credits, Fall/Spring)

Orientation to the workings of the dental front office, including an introduction to the dental profession, patient management, and ethics and jurisprudence. Students will be introduced to dental charting and treatment planning, written communication, dental office documentation, filing, scheduling and recall systems, and inventory and supply ordering, along with experience working with a dental software program.

DENT 109 Public Health and Dental Hygiene
(1 Credit, Fall)

Covers the components of preventive dentistry including oral hygiene education, plaque control, fluoride therapy, and dietary considerations for the dental patient. Laboratory application of skills through competency assessment will help prepare students for clinical experiences. COREQ: DENT 101, DENT 102, DENT 104, DENT 151, and DENT 152.

DENT 151 Dental Theory 1
(3 Credits, Fall)

Introduces the student to the following areas of study: basic head and neck anatomy, dental embryology, oral histology, anatomy of the face and oral cavity, and tooth morphology. Also includes the dental assistant's role in dealing with dental emergencies in the dental office. Students completing this course will be capable of recognizing, reacting to, and treating the most common medical emergencies in the dental practice. PREREQ: Admission to the Dental Assisting program. COREQ: DENT 101, DENT 102, DENT 104, DENT 109, and DENT 152.

DENT 152 Dental Theory 2
(2 Credits, Fall)

Covers the principles of infection control related to the dental office, including an introduction to microbiology, cross-contamination, and hazard control. The course covers OSHA Standards of Hazard Communication and Blood-borne Pathogens. Aseptic techniques and infection control procedures will be applied in the laboratory setting and assessed through competencies. The management of safety data sheets and labeling of hazardous material will be addressed. PREREQ: Admission to the Dental Assisting program. COREQ: DENT 101, DENT 102, DENT 104, DENT 109, and DENT 151.

DENT 153 Dental Theory 3
(3 Credits, Spring)

Continuation of operative dentistry and an introduction to the dental specialties of prosthodontics, periodontics, and orthodontics. PREREQ: DENT 101, DENT 102, DENT 104, DENT 108, DENT 109, DENT 151, and DENT 152. COREQ: DENT 103, DENT 105, DENT 106, and DENT 154.

DENT 154 Dental Theory 4
(3 Credits, Spring)

Introduces the student to the dental specialties of pediatric dentistry, oral surgery, and endodontics, as well as the basic sciences of pathology. Covers the expanded function of monitoring and the administration of nitrous oxide as mandated by the Idaho Board of Dentistry. PREREQ: DENT 101, DENT 102, DENT 104, DENT 108, DENT 109, DENT 151, and DENT 152. COREQ: DENT 103, DENT 105, DENT 106, and DENT 153.

DENT 155 Dental Seminar
(1 Credit, Spring)

Seminar discussion on various aspects of spring externships in local dental offices. Guest speakers representing dental specialties and alternative dental employment possibilities will also be scheduled. Students will share work-related experiences with the instructor and peers. Employment opportunities, tips for completing job applications, and interviewing skills will also be discussed. PREREQ: DENT 101, DENT 102, DENT 104, DENT 108, DENT 109, DENT 151, and DENT 152. COREQ: DENT 103, DENT 105, DENT 106, DENT 153, and DENT 154.

DENT 225 Advanced Dental Assisting Practicum 1
(6 Credits, Fall)

Directed study emphasizing the practical application of advanced skills and theory relevant to dental assisting. This contracted practicum allows the student the opportunity to focus on areas of special interest. Documentation consistent with practicum will be required. PREREQ: DENT 101, DENT 102, DENT 104, DENT 108, DENT 109, DENT 151, and DENT 152. COREQ: DENT 103, DENT 105, DENT 106, DENT 153, and DENT 154.

DENT 226 Advanced Dental Assisting Practicum 2
(5 Credits, Spring)

Continuation of DENT 225. PREREQ: DENT 101, DENT 102, DENT 104, DENT 108, DENT 109, DENT 151, and DENT 152. COREQ: DENT 103, DENT 105, DENT 106, DENT 153, and DENT 154.