Dental Assisting Courses

View/Print PDF

DAST 101|Introduction to Dental Assisting [RE]

3 Credits

This course explores fundamental concepts related to dental assisting and provides a comprehensive introduction into the field of dental sciences. Areas of emphasis include: job description and work environment, the dental team, dental procedures and patient care, dental specialties, environmental hazards, operatory equipment and furniture, and patient populations.

Prerequisite

Acceptance into the Dental Assisting program.

See current class schedule >

DAST 102|Dental Sciences I [RE]

3 Credits

This course introduces basic dental sciences and related foundational concepts for dental practice and patient care. Topics include etiology and treatment of oral disease, the disease process, patient assessment, and delivery of dental care.

Prerequisite

Acceptance into the Dental Assisting program.

See current class schedule >

DAST 103|Head, Neck, & Dental Anatomy [RE]

4 Credits

In this course, students will explore anatomy, physiology, histology, and pathophysiology related to the head, neck, and oral cavity.

Prerequisite

Acceptance into the Dental Assisting program.

See current class schedule >

DAST 104|Introduction to Dental Radiology [RE]

3 Credits

This course focuses on radiation physics, biology, and safety. Topics include recognition of anatomical landmarks, evidence of pathology, radiographic techniques, image quality, mounting, and film processing.

Prerequisite

Completion of DAST 101, DAST 111, DAST 102, DAST 112, and DAST 103, all with a 2.0 or better.

See current class schedule >

DAST 105|Dental Sciences II [RE]

5 Credits

Building on DAST 102, this course introduces students to patient care and assisting during dental procedures, including coronal polishing, moisture control, isolation methods, oral illumination techniques, fluoride application, and anesthesia preparation.

Prerequisite

Completion of DAST 101, DAST 111, DAST 102, DAST 112, and DAST 103, all with a 2.0 or better.

See current class schedule >

DAST 106|Infection Control [RE]

3 Credits

This course explores infection control and prevention in the dental setting, including asepsis and sterile technique, methods of disinfection and sterilization, Spaulding classification for medical devices, and standards for medical device handling.

Prerequisite

Completion of DAST 101, DAST 111, DAST 102, DAST 112, and DAST 103, all with a 2.0 or better.

See current class schedule >

DAST 111|Introduction to Dental Assisting Lab [RE]

3 Credits

This course accompanies DAST 101 and provides students an opportunity to learn and practice skills related to fundamental concepts related to dental assisting. Areas of emphasis include: dental procedures and patient care, patient records, dental specialties, environmental hazards, ergonomics, dental equipment, instrumentation, and supplies.

Prerequisite

Acceptance into the Dental Assisting program.

See current class schedule >

DAST 112|Dental Sciences I Lab [RE]

3 Credits

This course accompanies DAST 102 and provides students an opportunity to apply principles of basic dental sciences to oral procedures. Areas of emphasis include: patient assessment, operatory equipment setup and use, application of dental instrumentation, oral examinations, medical emergency interventions, and patient nutritional counseling.

Prerequisite

Acceptance into the Dental Assisting program.

See current class schedule >

DAST 114|Introduction to Dental Radiology Lab [RE]

2 Credits

This course accompanies DAST 104 and provides students an opportunity to apply concepts of radiographic imaging to dental patient care. Students perform radiographic film placement and proper exposure techniques.

Prerequisite

Completion of DAST 101, DAST 111, DAST 102, DAST 112, and DAST 103, all with a 2.0 or better.

See current class schedule >

DAST 115|Dental Sciences II Lab [RE]

3 Credits

This course accompanies DAST 105 and provides students an opportunity to practice skills related to dental assisting during patient care procedures, including coronal polishing, moisture control, isolation methods, oral illumination techniques, fluoride application, and anesthesia preparation.

Prerequisite

Completion of DAST 101, DAST 111, DAST 102, DAST 112, and DAST 103, all with a 2.0 or better.

See current class schedule >

DAST 201|Dental Sciences III [RE]

4 Credits

This course explores the role of the dental assistant in general dentistry, including dental materials, restorative techniques, permanent and interim restoration, and pharmacologic practices.

Prerequisite

Completion of DAST 104, DAST 114, DAST 105, DAST 115, and DAST 106, all with a 2.0 or better.

See current class schedule >

DAST 202|Dental Sciences IV [RE]

4 Credits

This course explores the role of the dental assistant in dental specialties, endodontics, prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, oral surgery, orthodontics, and periodontics.

Prerequisite

Completion of DAST 104, DAST 114, DAST 105, DAST 115, and DAST 106, all with a 2.0 or better.

See current class schedule >

DAST 203|Office Management [RE]

2 Credits

This course explores the role of the dental assistant within the dental office, including records management, patient recalls, dental insurance, financial management, patient privacy standards, regulatory documentation, inventory management, professional leadership attributes, and interviewing skills.

Prerequisite

Completion of DAST 104, DAST 114, DAST 105, DAST 115, and DAST 106, all with a 2.0 or better.

See current class schedule >

DAST 204|Dental Assisting Law & Ethics [RE]

3 Credits

This course provides an understanding of ethical and legal concepts related to the practice of dental assisting, including: ethical dilemmas, organizational and professional issues, legal concepts, the law as related to the decision-making process in the dental setting, and the professional code of ethics.

Prerequisite

Completion of DAST 201, DAST 211, DAST 202, DAST 212, and DAST 203, all with a 2.0 or better.

See current class schedule >

DAST 211|Dental Sciences III Lab [RE]

3 Credits

This course accompanies DAST 201 and provides students an opportunity to apply principles of general dentistry within the role of the dental assistant, including dental materials, restorative techniques, permanent and interim restoration, and four-handed dentistry.

Prerequisite

Completion of DAST 104, DAST 114, DAST 105, DAST 115, and DAST 106, all with a 2.0 or better.

See current class schedule >

DAST 212|Dental Sciences IV Lab [RE]

2 Credits

This course accompanies DAST 202 and provides students an opportunity to practice dental assisting skill within the dental specialties, including endodontics, prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, oral surgery, orthodontics, and periodontics.

Prerequisite

Completion of DAST 104, DAST 114, DAST 105, DAST 115, and DAST 106, all with a 2.0 or better.

See current class schedule >

DAST 225|Dental Assistant Clinical Experience [RE]

10 Credits

This course provides exposure to diverse chair-side clinical experiences within the dental clinic setting. Students perform assigned dental assistant duties under the supervision of facility personnel, clinical preceptors, licensed dentists, and clinical college faculty in accordance with patient safety standards and industry best practices.

Prerequisite

Completion of DAST 201, DAST 211, DAST 202, DAST 212, and DAST 203, all with a 2.0 or better.

See current class schedule >