Course Descriptions

This course provides a basic introduction to the structures of the head, neck, and oral cavity. Topics include tooth morphology, head and neck anatomy, histology, and embryology. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of normal structures and development and how they relate to the practice of dental assisting. This course is intended for certificate and diploma programs.

This course provides instruction in procedures for the clinical dental assistant as specified by the North Carolina Dental Practice Act. Emphasis is placed on orientation to the profession, infection control techniques, instruments, related expanded functions, and diagnostic, operative, and specialty procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in clinical dental assisting procedures. This course is intended for certificate and diploma programs.

This course provides instruction in identification, properties, evaluation of quality, principles, and procedures related to manipulation and storage of operative and specialty dental materials. Emphasis is placed on the understanding and safe application of materials used in the dental office and laboratory. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in the laboratory and clinical application of routinely used dental materials. This course is intended for certificate and diploma programs.

This course is a study of oral pathology, pharmacology, and dental office emergencies. Topics include oral pathological conditions, dental therapeutics, and management of emergency situations. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize abnormal oral conditions, identify classifications, describe actions and effects of commonly prescribed drugs, and respond to medical emergencies. This course is intended for certificate and diploma programs.

This course covers the study of preventive dentistry to prepare dental assisting students for the role of dental health educator. Topics include etiology of dental diseases, preventive procedures, and patient education theory and practice. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in patient counseling and oral health instruction in private practice or public health settings. This course is intended for certificate and diploma programs.

This course provides a study of principles and procedures related to management of the dental practice. Emphasis is placed on maintaining clinical and financial records, patient scheduling, and supply and inventory control. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate fundamental skills in dental practice management. This course is intended for certificate and diploma programs.

This course is designed to provide experience assisting in a clinical setting. Emphasis is placed on the application of principles and procedures of four-handed dentistry and laboratory and clinical support functions. Upon completion, students should be able to utilize classroom theory and laboratory and clinical skills in a dental setting. This course is intended for certificate and diploma programs.

This course is designed to increase the level of proficiency in assisting in a clinical setting. Emphasis is placed on the application of principles and procedures of four-handed dentistry and laboratory and clinical support functions. Upon completion, students should be able to combine theoretical and ethical principles necessary to perform entry-level skills including functions delegable to a DA II. This course is intended for certificate and diploma programs.

This course introduces the structures of the head, neck, and oral cavity. Topics include tooth morphology, head and neck anatomy, histology, and embryology. Upon completion, students should be able to relate the identification of normal structures and development to the practice of dental assisting and dental hygiene.

This course introduces the infection and hazard control procedures necessary for the safe practice of dentistry. Topics include microbiology, practical infection control, sterilization and monitoring, chemical disinfectants, aseptic technique, infectious diseases, OSHA standards, and applicable North Carolina laws. Upon completion, students should be able to understand infectious diseases, disease transmission, infection control procedures, biohazard management, OSHA standards, and applicable North Carolina laws.

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This course provides a comprehensive view of the principles and procedures of radiology as they apply to dentistry. Topics include techniques in exposing, processing, and evaluating radiographs, as well as radiation safety, quality assurance, and legal issues. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in the production of diagnostically acceptable radiographs using appropriate safety precautions.

This course introduces preoperative and clinical dental hygiene concepts. Emphasis is placed on the assessment phase of patient care as well as the theory of basic dental hygiene instrumentation. Upon completion, students should be able to collect and evaluate patient data at a basic level and demonstrate knowledge of dental hygiene instrumentation.

This course provides the opportunity to perform clinical dental hygiene procedures discussed in DEN 120. Emphasis is placed on clinical skills in patient assessment and instrumentation techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the ability to perform specific preclinical procedures.

This course introduces basic principles of nutrition with emphasis on nutritional requirements and their application to individual patient needs. Topics include the study of Federal Nutritional Guidelines, nutrient functions, Recommended Daily Allowances, Adequate Intake, Tolerable Upper Intake Level, Estimated Average Requirement, and related psychological principles. Upon completion, students should be able to recommend and counsel individuals on their food intake as related to their dental health.

This course provides an in-depth study of the periodontium, periodontal pathology, periodontal monitoring, and the principles of periodontal therapy. Topics include periodontal anatomy and a study of the etiology, classification, and treatment modalities of periodontal diseases. Upon completion, students should be able to describe, compare, and contrast techniques involved in periodontal/maintenance therapy, as well as patient care management.

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This course provides a study of the management of dental office emergencies. Topics include methods of prevention, necessary equipment/drugs, medicolegal considerations, recognition and effective initial management of a variety of emergencies. Upon completion, the student should be able to recognize, assess and manage various dental office emergencies and activate advanced medical support when indicated.

This course is a continuation of the didactic dental hygiene concepts necessary for providing an oral prophylaxis. Topics include deposits/removal, instrument sharpening, patient education, fluorides, planning for dental hygiene treatment, charting, and clinical records and procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge needed to complete a thorough oral prophylaxis.

This course continues skill development in providing an oral prophylaxis. Emphasis is placed on treatment of the recall patients with gingivitis or light deposits. Upon completion, students should be able to assess these patients' needs and complete the necessary dental hygiene treatment.

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This course introduces principles in treatment modification. Topics include modification of treatment for pain management and advanced radiographic interpretation. Upon completion, students should be able to differentiate necessary treatment modifications, radiographic abnormalities, and be certified in the administration of local anesthesia.

This course continues skill development in providing an oral prophylaxis. Emphasis is placed on treatment of patients with early periodontal disease and subgingival deposits. Upon completion, students should be able to assess these patients' needs and complete the necessary dental hygiene treatment.

This course introduces advanced principles of patient care. Topics include advanced periodontal debridement, subgingival irrigation, air polishing, special needs and case presentations. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of methods of treatment and management of periodontally compromised and special needs patients.

This course continues skill development in providing an oral prophylaxis. Emphasis is placed on treatment of patients with moderate to advanced periodontal involvement and moderate deposits. Upon completion, students should be able to assess these patients' needs and complete the necessary dental hygiene treatment.

This course provides a general knowledge of oral pathological manifestations associated with selected systemic and oral diseases. Topics include developmental and degenerative diseases, selected microbial diseases, specific and nonspecific immune and inflammatory responses with emphasis on recognizing abnormalities. Upon completion, students should be able to differentiate between normal and abnormal tissues and refer unusual findings to the dentist for diagnosis.

This course provides basic drug terminology, general principles of drug actions, dosages, routes of administration, adverse reactions, and basic principles of anesthesiology. Emphasis is placed on knowledge of drugs in overall understanding of patient histories and health status. Upon completion, students should be able to recognize that each patient's general health or drug usage may require modification of the treatment procedures.

This course introduces the physical properties of materials and related procedures used in dentistry. Topics include restorative and preventive materials, fabrication of casts and appliances, and chairside functions of the dental hygienist. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in the laboratory and/or clinical application of routinely used dental materials and chairside functions.

This course provides an opportunity to increase knowledge of the profession. Emphasis is placed on dental specialties, technological advances, and completion of a case study presentation. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of various disciplines of dentistry, technological advances and principles of case presentations.

This course continues skill development in providing an oral prophylaxis. Emphasis is placed on periodontal maintenance and on treating patients with moderate to advanced/refractory periodontal disease. Upon completion, students should be able to assess these patients' needs and complete the necessary dental hygiene treatment.

This course provides a study of the principles and methods used in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating community dental health programs. Topics include epidemiology, research methodology, biostatistics, preventive dental care, dental health education, program planning, and financing and utilization of dental services. Upon completion, students should be able to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate a community dental health program.

This course includes professional development, ethics, and jurisprudence with applications to practice management. Topics include conflict management, state laws, resumes, interviews, and legal liabilities as health care professionals. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the ability to practice dental hygiene within established ethical standards and state laws.