Course Details

The Introduction to Dental Assisting course introduces the student to the dental assisting profession and teaches the fundamental concepts and principles necessary to fully participate as a member of the dental team.

The Infection Control course lays out the fundamentals of oral diseases, infection control, microbiology, and safety procedures in the dental office.

The Dental Anatomy course lays out the fundamentals of dental terminology. This course provides a basic overview of the anatomy and physiology of the human body, with an emphasis on head and neck anatomy.

The Patient Information course introduces patient records and how to obtain and organize patient information. Instruction in measuring and recording vital signs is highlighted.

The Dental Materials course introduces the use of dental materials in a clinical setting. Storing, mixing, transferring an applying of materials is integrated in the instruction. Finally, this course introduces lab materials and procedures; the skills necessary to take alginate impressions; pour and trim casts; and fabricate mouth guards and custom trays.

Job Seeking Skills explores how to prepare and successfully apply to potential career opportunities. During this course, you will be presented with essential job-seeking skills needed to find gainful employment.

The Dental Office Administration course provides the necessary knowledge and skills required in the dental office setting, and office administrative duties. Students learn about communication, law and ethics, job skills and many factors associated with making career decisions that can enhance a dental assistant’s growth and success.

The Dental Radiology course introduces the student to the basic safety and use of radiation in a dental setting. Students are given the knowledge and skills to expose and process intraoral and extraoral radiographic images including the various techniques used for each. The necessary skills and knowledge required to earn the Utah State Radiation Health and Safety certificate, that is necessary for employment as a dental assistant, are taught as well.

The Dental Instruments and Equipment course identifies the proper use of instruments and equipment at the chair, and how to treat a medical emergency should one occur in the dental office.

The Anesthesia and Pain Control course explores a basic knowledge of the use of anesthesia and sedation in dentistry. An understanding of patient treatment procedures and pain control in the dental office is also discussed.

The Orthodontics, Pediatrics, Prosthodontics course introduces the clinical concepts and basic skills related the different specialties in the dental field and how their treatment is individual for each one. Types of orthodontic treatment, removable and fixed prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry are also discussed.

The Periodontics, Endodontics, Oral Maxillofacial Surgery course continues the study of clinical concepts and basic skills related to dental specialties including, endodontics, and oral maxillofacial surgery procedures.

The Dental Assisting clinical externship experience helps you transition from a student into a professional role by allowing you to demonstrate the administrative and clinical procedure knowledge, skills and professional attributes learned in the program while working in a professional dental office. This experience takes place under the supervision of a dentist and includes skill practice and evaluation. The Davis Tech externship coordinator periodically visits the dental office to evaluate your progress and performance. All program course work must be completed prior to enrolling in this course.

The Dental Assisting program provides students with the skills necessary for entry level employment in a variety of dental settings. Students will study terminology and the science behind dentistry, obtain and record medical and dental histories, gather vital signs of patients, instruct patients in oral hygiene and plaque control, and provide pre- and post-operative instructions as prescribed by a dentist. Students will also set up instrument trays; sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment; expose diagnostic dental radiographs; make dental impressions and study casts; clean and polish the coronal portion of the teeth; and apply topical fluorides to strengthen teeth. Administrative instruction includes scheduling appointments, receiving payments, completing insurance forms, and maintaining patient records. Students will have the opportunity and are required to observe dental procedures, assist the dentist, and mentor other students in the donated dental clinic on select Tuesdays and Fridays. Information on when each of these phases need to happen will be listed in your course syllabus. Students might need to make changes to their personal schedule to accommodate these clinics.