
Dental Assisting — Lincoln
DA515T — Diploma Program
CIP Code: 51.0601
SOC Code: 31-9091
Day, Afternoon, Evening Programs
Total Semester Credit Hours | 41.0 |
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Instructional Hours | 1200 |
Weeks to Complete — Day | Approximately 51 weeks (including holidays and scheduled breaks) |
Weeks to Complete — Afternoon | Approximately 72 weeks (including holidays and scheduled breaks) |
Weeks to Complete — Evening | Approximately 72 weeks (including holidays and scheduled breaks) |
Program Objective
The Dental Assisting program is designed to prepare the student with a strong foundation on which to build a successful career as a competent entry-level dental assistant. A well-rounded curriculum offers the student knowledge and skills in the technical areas of preventive dentistry, four-handed dentistry, chair side assisting with emphasis in diagnostics, operative, fixed prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, orthodontic procedures, endodontic procedures, surgical procedures, and expanded functions, and dental radiology. Because of the wide range of opportunities for the graduate, the program also focuses on the business aspects of a dental practice including practice management.
Students are encouraged to sit for the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS), and Infection Control (ICE) exam portions of the Certified Dental Assisting (CDA) examination.
This program prepares students for certification testing, although there is no guarantee of passing the certification test and passing the test is not a graduation requirement.
Students will be required to complete out-of-class assignments in each course, except externship.
Courses
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Lincoln Tech
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Lecture Hours 45 Lab / Shop Hours 45 Total Hours 90 Total Credits 3.5 Prerequisites None Course Description
This course discusses all of the recognized specialties of dentistry. Students will be given information on the organizations that represent the many members of the dental team. Students will gain an understanding of the communication required to effectively care for the patients. The client’s basic needs and multi-cultural interaction are identified. The importance of understanding human psychology and an individual’s belief system is explored in order to improve communication skills. This course covers the many skills necessary to manage a dental office. The student will utilize a computer with database software to register patients and perform other data entry necessary for a dental office. An introduction to bookkeeping, dental insurance, basic accounting, and coding and billing procedures is introduced. Employment strategies, ethics and jurisprudence are discussed.
Lincoln Tech
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Lecture Hours 45 Lab / Shop Hours 45 Total Hours 90 Total Credits 3.5 Prerequisites None
Course Description
This course introduces the student to general and dental anatomy and physiology. All the body systems are described in terms of their functions and the head and neck anatomy as it relates to dentistry. The student will learn the landmarks of the head, face and oral cavity. Embryology is covered with specific information covering the human face development and changes during the zygote and embryo phases. Material on the components of the periodontium and each fiber group associated with the periodontal ligament and the gingival tissue will be covered. The student will learn the study of the structure and form of teeth. The course will cover the location, eruption schedule and function of each tooth in the primary and permanent dentition. Students will learn how to record conditions in the patient’s oral cavity on a dental chart using symbols, numbers, and colors is a shorthand technique. Accurate charting is stressed as part of the patient’s legal record that is maintained in the office. This course covers both manual and computer charting.
Lincoln Tech
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Lecture Hours 45 Lab / Shop Hours 45 Total Hours 90 Total Credits 3.5 Prerequisites None Course Description
The successful dental assistant must have the background knowledge in microbiology to lay the foundation for the skills necessary in infection control. This course covers the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards pertaining to the dental office and the role of the dental assistant under these with regard to aseptic control. Necessary personal protective equipment will be covered along with other barriers utilized in the dental clinic. In depth content will be provided on disinfectants and types of sterilization and monitors. Skills necessary for infection control will be demonstrated. The students will learn and perform vital signs and clinical evaluations. This course covers pharmacology and its relationship to dentistry. In addition, the students will be introduced to the skills necessary for the dental assistant to develop preparedness for a dental and medical emergency. Certification in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) will be a course component. This course introduces the methods used to manage pain and anxiety related to dental procedures. General, local, topical anesthesia and general sedation/premeditation are discussed. Detailed information is discussed on topical and local anesthetic and assistance with the administration of nitrous oxide.
Lincoln Tech
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Lecture Hours 45 Lab / Shop Hours 45 Total Hours 90 Total Credits 3.5 Prerequisites DA108T, DA109T
Course Description
This course describes the components of a dental office and explains the equipment found in each section as well as its function. The students learn about different types of dental practices and how the dentist’s personality and professional goals affect the office setting. Concepts of chairside assisting are explained, including how to prepare the office for patients and how to seat and discharge dental patients. Ergonomic positioning for the assistant and the operator are discussed. This course includes information for the dental assistant to work with patients that have special needs. The students will learn how to transfer instruments to the dentist while chairside assisting and how to maintain the operating field. This includes the use of the dental light, the air/water syringe, the high volume evacuation, saliva ejector and mouth props.
Hands-on learning includes identifying instruments, rotary instruments and hand-pieces used in diagnostic and operative dental procedures. This also includes handling, sterilization and storage techniques. Hands-on training on manikins and student partners will allow the student the opportunity to master chairside functions.
Lincoln Tech
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Lecture Hours 45 Lab / Shop Hours 45 Total Hours 90 Total Credits 3.5 Prerequisites DA108T, DA109T, DA110T
Course Description
This course covers how to prepare and care for the patient during dental procedures. The Dental Assisting student will learn the proper way to review medical, dental and health history with the patients. The students will learn the proper way to take and record vital signs, which include: body temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure. The student will also be introduced to the methods used to manage pain and anxiety related to dental procedures. General, local, topical anesthesia and general sedation/premedication are discussed. Detailed information is discussed on topical and local anesthetic and assistance with the administration of nitrous oxide. The section on oral pathology will review pathological conditions that may interfere with planned dental treatment and the overall health of the patient. The student will gain information on how the body responds to disease and injury through inflammation.
Chairside procedures are practices which include the dental dam, matrix and wedge, placing cavity liners, cavity varnish and cement bases. Hands-on training on manikins and student partners will allow the student the opportunity to master chairside functions.
Lincoln Tech
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Lecture Hours 45 Lab / Shop Hours 45 Total Hours 90 Total Credits 3.5 Prerequisites DA108T , DA109T , DA110T , DA111T
Course Description
This course discusses dental materials used in dental restorative procedures. The students will learn the standards and organizations that regulate dental materials. Properties of dental materials are discussed and applied to restorative materials. This course covers materials used to restore teeth such as dental amalgam and composite. It also identifies dental cements, bases and liners, cavity varnish and bonding agents. To enhance the students learning the steps in cavity preparation are explained. Student knowledge and skills are developed with hands-on learning, by mixing the materials and understanding what is necessary to prepare, place and cleanup dental restorative materials.
This course also reviews the many materials utilized in the dental laboratory and during the procedures of removable and fixed prosthodontics. Students will learn how to handle reversible and irreversible hydrocolloid materials, take impressions, bite registrations and pour dental models. The students will learn the skill of trimming the dental study models. The dental assistant student will gain knowledge and skills in all phases of removable and fixed prosthodontics treatment, including dentures, and partials, as well as cosmetic/esthetic dentistry, dental implant retainers, and core build-ups. Hands-on learning of instruments and tray setups assists the student’s learning of this specialty. Students will learn how to handle final impression materials, fabricate temporary crowns, take bite registrations, pack retraction cord, make bleaching trays, and review gingival retraction procedures. The scope of Prosthodontics is discussed to include patient considerations and case presentations.
Lincoln Tech
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Lecture Hours 45 Lab / Shop Hours 45 Total Hours 90 Total Credits 3.5 Prerequisites DA108T, DA109T, DA110T, DA111T
Course Description
This course discusses the importance of caring for the oral cavity properly. The student will learn the skills necessary to brush and floss teeth, maintain healthy teeth and gums, and motivate patients in the proper methods of maintaining optimal oral health. The course covers the many oral hygiene aids and their uses, the types of toothbrushes and their techniques, types of floss, along with the oral hygiene skills for patients with special needs. The history of fluoride and its use in dentistry are covered. Adequate nutrition and the importance of choosing the right foods for optimum dental health are also a component of this course.
This course also discusses the scope of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Dentistry as well as the role of each team member. Through the study of common behavior characteristics of children, students will gain the knowledge and skill to understand and manage children of various ages, handle common surgery and emergencies, and work with the parents or guardian of the patient. Hands-on training on manikins and student partners of common procedures and equipment in pediatric dentistry are covered including how to perform a coronal polish and how to place sealants. The student will learn the scope of Orthodontics and the procedures and instruments used in Orthodontic Dentistry. Basic Endodontic procedures, such as root canal treatment, pulpotomy and pulpectomy, and surgical Endodontics are clearly defined and demonstrated. Students will master the procedure tray set-ups and the sequence of the procedure, and gain an understanding of pulpal and periapical diseases. This course will also cover the knowledge and skills relating to procedures commonly performed by the Periodontist.
Lincoln Tech
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Lecture Hours 45 Lab / Shop Hours 45 Total Hours 90 Total Credits 3.5 Prerequisites DA108T , DA109T , DA110T , DA111T Course Description
This course discusses the properties and effects of radiation. The components of a dental x-ray unit are discussed. The function of each component of the x-ray unit is explained as well as the safety precautions. The student will learn how x-rays are produced. This course covers the composition, sizes, types and storage of dental x-ray film. The dental assisting student will learn how to expose quality radiographs on various patients. Both the bisecting and the paralleling techniques for exposing intra-oral films will be discussed. This course demonstrates extra oral x-ray techniques, equipment, film, and production. The student will learn normal and abnormal radiographic landmarks and common x-ray production errors. The knowledge and skills to produce special radiographs, such as, occlusal, pediatric, edentulous surveys, Endodontic radiographs and radiographs on special need patients will be covered. Hands-on training on a patient simulator manikin (Typodont) will allow the student the opportunity to master the safety measures, infection control techniques, the exposure, the processing, mounting, and storage of patient x-rays. Knowledge and skills necessary to ensure quality radiographs are integrated into this course.
Lincoln Tech
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Lecture Hours 45 Lab / Shop Hours 45 Total Hours 90 Total Credits 3.5 Prerequisites DA108T, DA109T, DA110T, DA111T, DA114T
Course Description
This course discusses the various ways a dental radiograph can be taken. The dental assisting student will learn how to expose quality radiographs on a patient simulator manikin. Both the bisecting and the paralleling techniques for exposing intraoral films will be discussed. This course demonstrates extra oral x-ray techniques, equipment, film, and production. The student will learn normal and abnormal radiographic landmarks and common x-ray production errors. The knowledge and skills to produce special radiographs, such as, occlusal, pediatric, edentulous surveys, Endodontic radiographs and radiographs on special need patients will be covered. Hands-on training on a patient simulator manikin (Typodont) will allow the student the opportunity to master the safety measures, infection control techniques, the exposure, the processing, mounting, and storage of patient x-rays. Knowledge and skills necessary to ensure quality radiographs are integrated into this course.
Lincoln Tech
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Lecture Hours 45 Lab / Shop Hours 45 Total Hours 90 Total Credits 3.5 Prerequisites None Course Description
Students in this course will learn how computer operations and software applications, such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software work together to increase productivity in the workplace. Students will explore the fundamentals of information literacy and use the learning resource center tools to research and produce a research paper on a topic chosen from a list.
Lincoln Tech
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Total Hours 150 Total Credits 3.0 Prerequisites Successful completion of all in school course work.
Course Description
The goal of the clinical externship is to foster the student’s personal and professional development as a Dental Assistant. The externship offers the student the unique opportunity to work on a variety of patients with varying conditions under the immediate supervision of a licensed dentist. Throughout the clinical experience the student will build confidence and master their skills as an entry-level dental assistant.
Lincoln Tech
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Total Hours 150 Total Credits 3.0 Prerequisites Successful completion of all in school course work.
Course Description
The goal of the clinical externship is to foster the student’s personal and professional development as a Dental Assistant. The externship offers the student the unique opportunity to work on a variety of patients with varying conditions under the immediate supervision of a licensed dentist. Throughout the clinical experience the student will build confidence and master their skills as an entry-level dental assistant in specialty offices, such as, Orthodontics, Periodontics, Endodontics, Prosthodontics, Oral Surgery and Pediatric Dentistry.
Notes:
Course numbers and sequences are listed here for reference only. The actual delivery sequence of courses contained in this program may vary depending on individual campus scheduling. Courses identified as requiring a prerequisite delivery are marked with a single asterisk (*), as noted in the course description.
Maximum Time Frame: 61.5
*Mode of Delivery: Residential, Blended Learning or Online are the methods we may use to deliver content in each course. The Residential courses are offered on ground at the campus. Blended courses are offered by delivering a fraction of the course in an online format as well as traditional face to face method. Online courses are delivered 100% online. The Blended delivery and online delivery plan will implement distance education activities into each course in the program of study. The use of simulations, case studies, assessments and multimedia will be used to enhance the students understanding of the learning objectives outlined in the course syllabus.
The listing of credits is not meant to imply that credits can be transferred into college or other private career school programs. Transfer credits are at the sole discretion of the receiving school.