Dental Assisting (with Certificate Option) (AAS-DAT)

SEMESTER ONE

ORI 101 may not be required for those with prior college coursework. MTH 100, 112, 113 or a higher level math may be substituted for MTH 116. SPH 106 may be taken in place of SPH 107.  The courses listed for this semester are required for the Dental Assisting Associate Degree and Dental Assisting Certificate.  

SEMESTER TWO

The courses listed for this semester are required for a Dental Assisting Associate Degree, and are not required for a certificate. 

SEMESTER THREE

DAT 101 and DAT 102 procedures are taught to laboratory competence.  

EMS 100 is an optional course for DAT students to pursue CPR certification for the healthcare provider.

SEMESTER FOUR

DAT 112 procedures are taught to clinical competence.  

SEMESTER FIVE

GRAND TOTAL CREDITS 63

*Depending on the program or course, a student may also be required to purchase certain necessary tools and supplies.

Anticipated Expenses

The following is an approximation of expenses for completion of the dental assisting program.

In-state tuition/fees are 166.00 per credit hour.

*Please note: Students are responsible for all expenses during clinical externship.

Coastal Alabama Community College Dental Assisting Program Goals

Program Goal #1: Students will be proficient in knowledge and skills required for effective chairside assisting and dental office business procedures (Determined by results of clinical evaluations and results of DANB General Chairside Exam).

Program Goal #2: Students will be proficient in knowledge and skills required for effective radiation exposure, operator and patient safety (Determined by results of clinical evaluations and results of DANB Radiation Health and Safety Exam).

Program Goal #3: Students will be proficient in knowledge and skills required for infection control management, patient, community, and operator safety (Determined by results of clinical evaluations and results of the DANB Infection Control Exam).

Program Goal #4: 90% of students who are seeking employment in dental assisting will be employed within 9-12 months of graduation.

Program Goal #5: At least 75% of the dental assisting students admitted to a cohort will graduate.

Dental Assisting Program Student Learning Outcomes

ROLE AS A PROVIDER OF CARE

Demonstrates cognitive competence by assuming responsibility for own learning, by obtaining and applying theoretical knowledge to clinical practice, and by applying concepts of beginning or basic problem solving to clinical decision making.

Demonstrates psychomotor competence through appropriate, skillful use of basic equipment and manual technique to provide therapeutic interventions and therapies according to established ADA standards.

Demonstrate psychosocial competence through interactions/relationships that promote achievement of goals yet affirm the worth of all individuals involved. Establishes effective verbal and nonverbal communication with patients, families, and health care progessionals and function according to the professional code of legal and health care professionals and function according to the professional legal and ethical standards.

Applies the dental assisting process by assessing basic physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, socio-cultural, educational and environmental needs of patients to establish a data base and identify common, well defined dental health problems.

Contributing to the identification of dental health care needs, diagnoses and outcomes, based on the identified health problems of individual patients.

Under the supervision of a licensed dentist, organizes a plan for dental care based on the priority of the patient’s needs/problems, principles of safety, level of prevention and delivery setting.

With guidance, evaluates outcomes based on patient progress. Uses basic problem solving skills and collaborates with other members of the health care team in the revision of such outcomes.

ROLE AS A DENTAL HEALTH CARE MANAGER

Demonstrates role recognition by differentiation between roles and responsibilities of members of the dental care team in various dental specialties.

Demostrates basic organizational skills by planning and by utilizing time appropriately and by acting efficiently in a goal directed manner.

Demonstrates beginning personnel management skills by understanding human limitations (both personal and professional), managing conflict, communicating to colleagues and other health personnel, committing to team work by helping others to provide care when necessary.

Demonstrates collaborative approach by working with the doctor and other members of the dental health care team to assess, plan, deliver and evaluate the quality of care. Interacts appropriately and respectfully with others from varying cultural, racial and ethnic backgrounds; recognize the need for assistance and request/follow advice of well considered authority.

ROLE AS A MEMBER OF DISCIPLINE

Demonstrates responsibility and accountability by honoring schedules and assignments, by promoting cost containment, by awareness of potential safety and/or legal concerns, and by reporting and intervening to alleviate problems when possible. Works as a member of the dental health care team by actions which promote the goal of the dental health care setting.

Advocate for the patient, when necessary, for basic care needs and safety concern.

Assumes responsibility for personal improvement by identifying strengths and weaknesses, and seeks education and/or help as needed.

Assumes responsibility for professional growth and improvement by identifying educational opportunities and consideration of career mobility.

Supports the purpose and goals of professional organizations and works to promote dental assisting and dental health care through political, economic, and societal activities.

Complies with the rules and regulations set forth by the Alabama Board of Dental Examiners Act and the guidelines as a student set forth by the American Dental Association Accreditation Board.