Dental Assisting

Programs

Courses

DAT 100: Introduction to Dental Assisting

Credits 2
Theory Credit
2

This course is designed to provide an introduction to dentistry and the history of dentistry, dental equipment, dental auxiliaries, psychology application to dentistry, personal and certification requirements, legal and ethical considerations, and work ethics and communication skills. Emphasis is placed on the Alabama Dental Practice Act and OSHA Standards. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss basic aspects of dentistry.

Prerequisites

Admission to the Dental Assisting Program

Corequisites

DAT 101, DAT 102, DAT 103, and DAT 104

DAT 101: Pre-clinical Procedures I

Credits 3
Theory Credit
2
Skills Laboratory/Clinical Practice
1

This course is designed to introduce chairside assisting including concepts of four-handed dentistry, sterilization techniques, dental instruments, anesthesia, and operative dentistry. Emphasis will be placed on preparation of the student for clinical dental assisting. Upon completion, the student should be able to perform dental assisting skills in a clinical setting.

Prerequisites

Admission to the Dental Assisting Program

Corequisites

DAT 100, DAT 102, DAT 103, and DAT 104

DAT 102: Dental Materials

Credits 3
Theory Credit
2
Skills Laboratory/Clinical Practice
1

This course is designed to study the characteristics, manipulation, and application of dental materials ordinarily used in the dental office. Students will be given intra and extra-oral technical tasks to perform. Upon completion, students should be able to take and pour alginate impressions, trim study models, construct custom trays and temporary crowns, prepare and place restorative material, and manipulate cements and impression materials.

Prerequisites

Admission to the Dental Assisting Program

Corequisites

DAT 100, DAT 101, DAT 103, and DAT 104

DAT 103: Anatomy and Physiology for Dental Assisting

Credits 3
Theory Credit
3

This course is designed to study dental anatomy and the structure of the head and neck with a basic understanding of body structure and function. Emphasis will be placed on tooth and root morphology, and embryological and histological correlations will provide a foundation essential to an understanding of dental health. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss and identify the basic structure and function of the human body specifically the head, neck, and dentition.

Prerequisites

Admission to Dental Assisting Program

Corequisites

DAT 100, DAT 101, DAT 102, and DAT 104

DAT 104: Basic Sciences for Dental Assisting

Credits 2
Theory Credit
2

This course is designed to study basic microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, and medical emergencies. Emphasis is placed on the correlation of these sciences to the practice of dentistry. Upon completion, students should be able to apply basic science to the dental field.

Prerequisites

Admission to Dental Assisting Program

Corequisites

DAT 100, DAT 101, DAT 102, DAT 103

DAT 111: Clinical Practice I

Credits 5
Theory Credit
1
Preceptorship Credits
123

This course is designed to allow the student the opportunity for clinical observation and practical work experience in clinical settings under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Emphasis will be placed on the basic skills of chairside assisting. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate basic skills in the area of chairside assisting.

Prerequisites

DAT 100, DAT 101, DAT 102, DAT 103 and DAT 104

Corequisites

DAT 112, DAT 113, and DAT 116

DAT 112: Dental Radiology

Credits 3
Theory Credit
2
Skills Laboratory/Clinical Practice
3

This course is designed to cover the essential knowledge of radiographic technique for the practice of dentistry. Students will be taught to produce diagnostically acceptable intra and extra-oral radiographs with emphasis being placed on x-ray properties, generation of x-rays, film processing, infection control, quality assurance, intraoral radiographic technique and image characteristics. Upon completion, students should be able to expose, process, and mount radiographs for diagnostic purposes under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist.

Prerequisites

DAT 100, DAT 101, DAT 102, DAT 103 and DAT 104

Corequisites

DAT 111, DAT 113, and DAT 116

DAT 113: Dental Health Education

Credits 2
Theory Credit
2

This course is designed to introduce the student to the basic principles of nutrition, preventive dentistry, and dental health education. Emphasis will be placed on the philosophy of preventive dentistry including: oral hygiene, patient motivation and management, and methods of oral health education. Upon completion, students should be able to apply the basic principles of nutrition and preventive dentistry.

Prerequisites

DAT 100, DAT 101, DAT 102, DAT 103 and DAT 104

Corequisites

DAT 111, DAT 112, and DAT 116

DAT 114: Dental Office Administration

Credits 4
Theory Credit
3
Skills Laboratory/Clinical Practice
3

This course is designed to introduce basic dental office procedures. Emphasis Includes appointment and recall systems, financial records, accounting procedures, insurance claims, filing systems, purchasing and inventory supplies and equipment, and the utilization of computers to perform business office procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate efficiency in dental office administrative procedures.

DAT 116: Preclinical Procedures II

Credits 3
Theory Credit
3

This course is a continuation of Pre-Clinical Procedures I. Emphasis is placed on dental specialties. Upon completion, the student should be able to discuss and identify dental specialty procedures and instrumentation.

Prerequisites

DAT 100, DAT 101, DAT 102, DAT 103 and DAT 104

Corequisites

DAT 111, DAT 112, and DAT 113,

DAT 122: Clinical Practice II

Credits 4
Preceptorship Credits
163

This course is designed to provide the student the opportunity to develop advanced dental assisting skills in chairside dental assisting procedures, radiology, team work, communication skills and administrative duties. Emphasis will be placed on clinical procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in the area of chairside assisting.

Prerequisites

DAT 100, DAT 101, DAT 102, DAT 103, DAT 104, DAT 111, DAT 112, DAT 113 and DAT 116

Corequisites

DAT 123

DAT 123: Dental Assisting Seminar

Credits 4
Theory Credit
4

This course is designed to discuss and evaluate the students’ clinical experiences and the resume and interview process. Emphasis will be placed on new technology in dental practices as related to dental assisting and the certification exam review. Upon completion, students should be able to successfully complete the Dental Assisting National Board Examination to become a Certified Dental Assistant.

Prerequisites

DAT 100, DAT 101, DAT 102, DAT 103, DAT 104, DAT 111, DAT 112, DAT 113 and DAT 116

Corequisites

DAT 122