Prepares dental auxiliary students to respond proactively to dental emergencies, control infection, prevent disease, adhere to OSHA Standards and safely manage hazardous materials. Students also take patient vital signs and collect patient medical/dental histories. CPR certification is a prerequisite; students will be required to show proof of certification before beginning the course. This course is a WTCS aligned course required in both the Dental Hygienist and Dental Assistant programs. This course must be taken at NTC, no transfers, because the content of this course is specific for this program/site.

Examines proven strategies designed to help learners achieve greater personal, academic, and professional success. Learners will apply personal responsibility thinking and behaviors; self- management, awareness, and motivation strategies; as well as interdependence skills to develop a proactive life plan.

Prepares dental auxiliary students to handle and prepare dental materials such as liners, bases, cements, amalgam, resin restorative materials, gypsum products and impression materials. They also learn to take alginate impressions on manikins and clean removable appliances. This course is aligned to serve students in the Dental Hygienist Associate Degree and Dental Assistant Technical Diploma programs.

Prepares dental auxiliary students to operate x-ray units and expose bitewing, periapical, extra oral and occlusal radiographs. Emphasis is placed on protection against x-ray hazards. Students also process, mount and evaluate radiographs for diagnostic value. In this course students demonstrate competency on a manikin. In addition, students expose bitewing radiographs on a peer, role-play patient. Students gain further experience in exposing radiographs on patients in the clinical portion of their program. This course also provides the background in radiographic theory required for students to make informed decisions and adjustments.

Prepares dental assistant students to chart oral cavity structures, dental pathology and restorations and to assist a dentist with basic dental procedures including examinations, pain control, amalgam restoration and cosmetic restoration. Students will also develop the ability to educate patients about preventive dentistry, brushing and flossing techniques and dental procedures, using lay terminology.

Prepares dental assistant students to apply fundamentals of general and dental anatomy to informed decision-making and to professional communication with colleagues and patients.

Prepares dental assistant students for professional success in a dental practice or another dental health care environment. Students develop professional appearance and image. More importantly, they learn to work within ethical guidelines and legal frameworks. In preparation for entering the work force, dental assistants customize or develop their portfolios and lay out an on-going professional development plan.

Students apply skills developed in Dental and General Anatomy, Dental Health Safety, Dental Chairside, Dental Materials, Dental Radiography and Dental Assistant Professional in a clinical setting with patients. Emphasizes integration of core abilities (soft skills) and basic occupational skills. They will be able to collect diagnostic and treatment data, manage infection and hazard control, perform clinical supportive treatments (four handed dentistry, maintain instruments, etc.), take diagnostic radiographs, perform dental laboratory procedures, provide patient oral health instruction, assist in managing medical emergencies, model professional behaviors, ethics and appearance.