DENA 1011 - Dental Assisting Pre-Clinic I

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture None Lab None
Course Description: This course is the first in a 2-part series that helps prepare the student for clinical activities. Topics include oral embryology/histology, oral health, dental nutrition, general anatomy/physiology, head & neck anatomy, and tooth morphology. Students must be able to perform physical tasks to complete course requirements. Acceptance in the Dental Assisting Program is required.

 
MnTC Goals
None

Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1020 or 1021 with a grade of C or higher; and COMM 1021, COMM 1031, COMM 1041 or COMM 1051 with a grade of C or high
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: Concurrently enrolled in DENA 1000  and DENA 1012 .

Major Content

1. Basic human anatomy and physiology
2. Blood supply of the head and neck
3. Bones of the cranium and face, and relation to body systems
4. Components and functions of the body systems
5. Composition, formation, and eruption of the teeth
6. Dental nutrition, diet, and the effects on teeth
7. Dental plaque and its relation to dental disease
8. Diet evaluation and consultation
9. Handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste
10. Oral histology and embryology and morphology
11. Preventative dentistry and personal oral hygiene-self brush and floss
12. Tooth identification and anatomical features of each tooth and model waxing

1. Demonstrate safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste.
2. Describe the structure, function, and landmarks of the face and oral cavity.
3. Describe the life cycle of a tooth and identify the stages of development.
4. Identify the parts of the tooth, the surrounding tissues and structures of the gingival and the oral mucosa.
5. Define the assistant’s role in preventive dentistry.
6. Demonstrate flossing and brushing on self.
7. Describe how nutrition is used in the profession of dentistry.
8. Prepare a diet evaluation for a classmate and an outside patient.
9. Identify the teeth by name, location, and anatomical structures.
10. Identify dental arches and surfaces of the teeth.
11. Reproduce teeth using dental wax on a dental cast.
12. Describe head and neck anatomy as it relates to location of structure and function.
13. List the components and functions of each of the body systems.

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