DENA 1000 - Introduction to Dental Assisting

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture 2 Lab 2
Course Description: This introductory course explores the roles of Certified Dental Assistant and Licensed Dental Assistant. Topics include professional development activities, medical emergencies in the dental office, how to care for the medically and physically compromised patient, microbiology, and disease transmission concepts and prevention. This course provides the opportunity to explore safety measures in the dental clinic and laboratory, use of dental materials, instruments, and equipment. Students must be able to perform physical tasks to complete course requirements and pass Department of Human Services background study with no restrictions.  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 higher
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: Concurrently enrolled in DENA 1011  and DENA 1012  

Major Content

1. Activities and projects for professional development portfolio
2. Content and rules of the dental assistant program
3. Safety procedures (including hazardous waste and SDS information) and common medical and dental emergencies
4. Microbiology and disease producing viruses and bacteria
5. Disease transmission prevention and precautions
6. Body defenses-repair, antibodies, resistance and allergy
7. Dental laboratory environment, procedures and equipment used in the laboratory
8. Constructing and trimming of custom trays and dental models
9. Plaster “blobs” and dental models
10. Dental instruments, handpieces and equipment used in the clinic
11. Common medical emergencies in the dental setting
12. Major medical disorders that may affect the treatment plan for the medically compromised patient
13. Medically and physically compromised patients
14. Handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste

1. identify professional development activities and projects for their professional development portfolio.
2. describe the methods of disease transmission.
3. describe infectious diseases of concern to the dental health professional.
4. explain common medical and dental emergencies.
5. describe strategies to address the needs of medically and physically compromised patients.
6. identify dental instruments, handpieces, and equipment in the clinic.
7. safely handle, store, and dispose of hazardous waste.
8. identify and manipulate various gypsum products.

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