• Skip to Content
  • AZ Index
  • Catalog Home
  • Institution Home
College of Western Idaho

Academic Catalog

2018-2019 Catalog

  • Apply Now
  • Visit CWI
  • Main Site

  • Home
  • Programs of Study
  • Courses A-Z
  • Welcome
    • From Our President
    • CWI Board of Trustees
    • Administration and Support Services
  • Academic Calendar
    • 2018-​19 Important Dates
  • About CWI
    • Mission and Vision 2040
    • Our Open-​Door Policy
    • Our Degrees and Certificates
    • Our Accreditation and Structure
    • Our General Education Program Learning Outcomes
    • Our Educational Services
    • Our Campus Policies
  • Becoming a CWI Student
    • Admission
    • Advising
    • Placement Testing
    • Enrolling in Classes
    • Registration
    • Dropping/​Withdrawing from Courses
  • Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid
    • Resident Status for Tuition Purposes
    • Payment
    • Financial Aid
    • Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  • Academic Regulations
    • Student Records
    • Grading Policies
    • Student Appeals
    • Unsatisfactory-​Performance Records
    • Prior Learning Assessment Credit
    • Articulation and Transfer
    • Graduation
  • Student Services
    • Library Services
    • Math Solutions Center
    • Assessment and Testing Services
    • Tutoring Services
    • Writing Center
    • Career Services
    • Student Affairs
    • Center for New Directions
    • Counseling Services
    • Student Disability Services
    • Veterans Services
      • Military Science (Army ROTC) Partnership at CWI
    • Identification Cards
    • Information Technology
    • Campus Security
  • Degree and Certificate Requirements
    • General Education
    • STEM Courses
  • Programs of Study
    • Administrative Specialist
      • Administrative Specialist -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
      • Administrative Specialist -​ Bookkeeping and Accounting Emphasis -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
      • Administrative Specialist -​ Marketing Communications Emphasis -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
      • Administrative Specialist -​ Medical Administrative Support Emphasis -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
      • Administrative Specialist -​ Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC)
      • Administrative Specialist -​ Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC)
      • Administrative Specialist -​ Basic Technical Certificate (BTC)
    • Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology
      • Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
      • Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology -​ Basic Technical Certificate (BTC)
    • Agricultural Business, Leadership, and Education
      • Agricultural Business, Leadership, and Education -​ Associate of Arts Degree (AA)
    • Animal Veterinary Sciences
      • Animal Veterinary Sciences -​ Associate of Science Degree (AS)
    • Anthropology
      • Anthropology -​ Associate of Arts Degree (AA)
    • Auto Body Technology
      • Auto Body Technology -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
      • Auto Body Technology -​ Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC)
      • Auto Body Technology -​ Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC)
      • Auto Body Technology 1 -​ Basic Technical Certificate (BTC)
      • Auto Body Technology 2 -​ Basic Technical Certificate (BTC)
    • Automotive Technology
      • Automotive Technology -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
      • Automotive Technology -​ Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC)
      • Automotive Technology -​ Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC)
      • Automotive Technology 1 -​ Basic Technical Certificate (BTC)
      • Automotive Technology 2 -​ Basic Technical Certificate (BTC)
      • Maintenance and Light Repair -​ Basic Technical Certificate (BTC)
    • Biology -​ General
      • Biology -​ General -​ Associate of Science Degree (AS)
    • Biology -​ Human Biology
      • Biology -​ Human Biology -​ Associate of Science Degree (AS)
    • Biology -​ Microbiological, Molecular, and Biomedical Sciences
      • Biology -​ Microbiological, Molecular, &​ Biomedical Sciences -​ Associate of Science Degree (AS)
    • Biology -​ Natural Resources
      • Biology -​ Natural Resources -​ Associate of Science Degree (AS)
    • Bookkeeping and Accounting
      • Bookkeeping and Accounting -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
      • Bookkeeping and Accounting -​ Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC)
    • Business
      • Business -​ Associate of Arts Degree (AA)
    • Chemistry
      • Chemistry -​ Associate of Science Degree (AS)
    • Cisco Networking and Security Technologies
      • Cisco Networking and Security Technologies -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
      • Cisco Networking and Security Technologies -​ Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC)
      • Cisco Networking and Security Technologies -​ Basic Technical Certificate (BTC)
    • Communication
      • Communication -​ Associate of Arts Degree (AA)
    • Computer Support Specialist
      • Computer Support Specialist -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
      • Computer Support Specialist -​ Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC)
      • Computer Support Specialist -​ Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC)
    • Criminal Justice
      • Criminal Justice -​ Associate of Arts Degree (AA)
    • Cybersecurity
      • Cybersecurity -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
      • Cybersecurity -​ Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC)
    • Dental Assisting
      • Dental Assisting -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
      • Dental Assisting -​ Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC)
    • Drafting Technology
      • Drafting Technology -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
      • Drafting Technology -​ Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC)
      • Drafting Technology Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC)
    • Education, Early Childhood
      • Early Childhood Education -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
      • Early Childhood Education -​ Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC)
      • Early Childhood Education -​ Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC)
      • Early Childhood Education -​ Basic Technical Certificate (BTC)
    • Education, Elementary
      • Elementary Education -​ Associate of Arts Degree (AA)
    • Education, Secondary -​ Social Science
      • Secondary Education -​ Social Science -​ Associate of Arts Degree (AA)
    • Education, Secondary -​ STEM
      • Secondary Education -​ STEM -​ Associate of Science Degree (AS)
    • English
      • English -​ Creative Writing Emphasis -​ Associate of Arts Degree (AA)
      • English -​ Literature Emphasis -​ Associate of Arts Degree (AA)
    • Exercise Science
      • Exercise Science -​ Associate of Science Degree (AS)
    • General Education
      • General Education -​ Academic Certificate (AC)
    • Geographic Information Systems
      • Geographic Information Systems -​ Academic Certificate (AC)
    • Geography
      • Geography -​ Associate of Arts Degree (AA)
    • Geology
      • Geology -​ Associate of Science Degree (AS)
    • Health Science
      • Health Science -​ Associate of Science Degree (AS)
    • Heavy Duty Truck Technician
      • Heavy Duty Truck Technician -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
      • Heavy Duty Truck Technician -​ Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC)
      • Heavy Duty Truck Technician -​ Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC)
    • Heavy Equipment Technician
      • Heavy Equipment Technician -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
      • Heavy Equipment Technician -​ Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC)
      • Heavy Equipment Technician -​ Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC)
    • History
      • History -​ Associate of Arts Degree (AA)
    • Horticulture Technology
      • Horticulture Technology -​ Horticulturist Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
      • Horticulture Technology -​ Horticulturist -​ Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC)
      • Horticulture Technology -​ Horticulture Assistant -​ Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC)
    • Law Enforcement
      • Law Enforcement -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
      • Law Enforcement -​ Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC)
      • Law Enforcement -​ Basic Technical Certificate (BTC)
    • Liberal Arts
      • Liberal Arts -​ Associate of Arts Degree (AA)
    • Machine Tool Technology
      • Machine Tool Technology -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
      • Machine Tool Technology -​ Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC)
      • Machine Tool Technology -​ Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC)
      • Machine Tool Technology -​ Basic Technical Certificate (BTC)
      • Machine Tool Technology 1 -​ Basic Technical Certificate (BTC)
      • Machine Tool Technology 2 -​ Basic Technical Certificate (BTC)
    • Marketing Communications
      • Marketing Communications -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
      • Marketing Communications -​ Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC)
      • Marketing Communications -​ Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC)
    • Media Arts
      • Media Arts -​ Associate of Arts Degree (AA)
    • Medical Administrative Support
      • Medical Administrative Support -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
      • Medical Administrative Support -​ Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC)
    • Medical Assistant
      • Medical Assistant -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
    • Network and System Administration
      • Network and System Administration -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
      • Network and System Administration -​ Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC)
      • Network and System Administration -​ Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC)
    • Nursing
      • Nursing (Professional) -​ Associate of Science Degree (AS)
    • Philosophy
      • Philosophy -​ Associate of Arts Degree (AA)
    • Physical Therapist Assistant
      • Physical Therapist Assistant -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
    • Political Science
      • Political Science -​ Associate of Arts Degree (AA)
    • Powersports and Small Engine Repair Technology
      • Powersports and Small Engine Repair Technology -​ Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC)
      • Powersports and Small Engine Repair Technology 1 -​ Basic Technical Certificate (BTC)
      • Powersports and Small Engine Repair Technology 2 -​ Basic Technical Certificate (BTC)
    • Psychology
      • Psychology -​ Associate of Arts Degree (AA)
    • Public Health
      • Public Health -​ Associate of Arts Degree (AA)
    • Sign Language Studies
      • Sign Language Studies -​ Associate of Arts Degree (AA)
    • Sociology
      • Sociology -​ Associate of Arts Degree (AA)
    • Software Development
      • Software Development -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
      • Software Development -​ Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC)
      • Software Development -​ Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC)
      • Software Development -​ Basic Technical Certificate (BTC)
    • Spanish
      • Spanish -​ Associate of Arts Degree (AA)
    • Studio Art
      • Studio Art -​ Associate of Arts Degree (AA)
    • Surgical Technology
      • Surgical Technology -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
      • Surgical Technology -​ Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC)
    • Welding and Metals Fabrication
      • Welding and Metals Fabrication -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
      • Welding and Metals Fabrication -​ Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC)
      • Welding and Metals Fabrication 1 -​ Basic Technical Certificate (BTC)
      • Welding and Metals Fabrication 2 -​ Basic Technical Certificate (BTC)
    • Western States CAT Technician
      • Western States CAT Technician -​ Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
      • Western States CAT Technician -​ Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC)
  • Course Descriptions
    • Accounting (ACCT)
    • Administrative Specialist (ADMS)
    • Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology (AMET)
    • Agriculture (AGRI)
    • Anatomy and Physiology (ANAT)
    • Anthropology (ANTH)
    • Art (ARTS)
    • Auto Body Technology (ATBD)
    • Automotive Technology (AUTO)
    • Biology (BIOL)
    • Biotechnology (BTEC)
    • Bookkeeping and Accounting (BOOK)
    • Business (BUSA)
    • Chemistry (CHEM)
    • Cisco Networking and Security Technologies (CNST)
    • Communication (COMM)
    • Computer Science (CPSC)
    • Computer Support Specialist (CSSP)
    • Connecting With Ideas (CWID)
    • Criminal Justice (CRIJ)
    • Cybersecurity (CSEC)
    • Dental Assisting (DENT)
    • Drafting Technology (DRFT)
    • Early Childhood Education (ECED)
    • Economics (ECON)
    • Education (EDUC)
    • Engineering (ENGR)
    • English (ENGL)
    • English as a Second Language (ENGS)
    • Environmental Sciences (ENVI)
    • Exercise Science -​ Academics (EXHS)
    • Exercise Science -​ Activities (EXHA)
    • Finance (FINA)
    • French (FREN)
    • Geographic Information Science (GISC)
    • Geography (GEOG)
    • Geology (GEOL)
    • Health Science (HLTH)
    • Heavy Duty Truck Technician (TTEC)
    • Heavy Equipment Technician (HTEC)
    • History (HIST)
    • Horticulture Technology (HRTC)
    • Humanities (HUMA)
    • Information Technology Applications Management (ITAM)
    • Law Enforcement (LAWE)
    • Machine Tool Technology (MACH)
    • Marketing Communications (MRKT)
    • Mathematics (MATH)
    • Medical Administrative Support (MADM)
    • Medical Assistant (MEDA)
    • Microbiological, Molecular, and Biomedical Sciences (MMBS)
    • Military Science/​Army ROTC (MSCL)
    • Music (MUSI)
    • Network and System Administration (NADM)
    • Nursing (NURS)
    • Philosophy (PHIL)
    • Physical Therapist Assistant (PTAE)
    • Physics (PHYS)
    • Political Science (POLS)
    • Powersports and Small Engine Repair (PSER)
    • Professional Truck Driving (IPDT)
    • Psychology (PSYC)
    • Public Health (PHLT)
    • Science -​ Interdisciplinary (SCIE)
    • Sign Language, American (SIGL)
    • Social Work (SOCW)
    • Sociology (SOCY)
    • Software Development (SWDV)
    • Spanish (SPAN)
    • Surgical Technology (SURG)
    • Theatre (THEA)
    • Welding and Metals Fabrication (WEMF)
    • Western States CAT Technician (WSCT)
  • Addendum
    • Geographic Information Systems
  • Faculty
  • Past CWI Catalogs
  • Catalog A-​Z Index
  • Home/
  • Programs of Study/
  • Dental Assisting

Dental Assisting

Explore MoreAbout This Program
  • Overview
  • Courses
2018_dental

Program Description

Leading to an Intermediate Technical Certificate or Associate of Applied Science degree, the Dental Assisting program consists of competency-based classroom, laboratory, and clinical instruction offered in conjunction with area dental offices. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). After completing the program, students are eligible to take the National Dental Assisting Certification Exam.

Classroom and laboratory work includes instruction and practice in dental office techniques, infection control, patient care, dental materials, office management, and dental anatomy. Clinical experience includes supervised hands-on dental experience.

All students accepted into the Dental Assisting program are required to be current in CPR and first aid. See the program website for complete admission requirements.

Note: Registrations for Dental Assisting courses are restricted to students within the major.

Degrees and Certificates

  • Dental Assisting - Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
  • Dental Assisting - Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC)

Dental Assisting (DENT)

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.

Copyright © 2017 | College of Western Idaho

Nampa Campus Academic Building
5500 E. Opportunity Dr. Nampa, ID 83687

Mailing Addresses for CWI Locations »

  • Emergency Info
  • Job Openings
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy
Back to Top

Print Options

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download PDF of this page

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

Download 2018-2019 PDF

The PDF will include all information from this edition of the catalog.

Cancel