This course is an introduction to dental assisting, dental terminology, basic anatomy of the oral cavity, dental anatomy and physiology, oral embryology, tooth morphology, classifications of restorations, preliminary oral inspection, charting existing conditions of the hard and soft tissues, taking and recording vital signs and the introduction to systemic conditions which may affect dental care.

This course teaches the fundamentals of radiation safety and the operation of dental radiology equipment, along with the clinical application of procedures involved in exposing, processing, mounting and interpreting dental radiographs.

This course teaches the composition and use of restorative materials, impressions materials, pouring dental impressions, the procedural steps in using composite resin material, temporary restorative materials used in dentistry and the role of the dental team in the various procedures performed.

This course teaches the dental assistant the rules and regulations in a dental office that are required by the federal, state and local regulations concerning the handling of hazardous chemicals, employee safety and waste management.

This class is an introduction to the chairside dental assistant, preparing the patient for dental treatment, positioning of the patient, operator and assistant for four-handed and six-handed dentistry. Students will learn how to obtain patient health history and vital signs, treatment planning and data gathering. In addition, instrument grasp/transfer, triplex syringe use, oral evacuation and retraction will be taught. Identification and use of hand instruments, equipment maintenance, tub, tray and cassette set-ups of the basic general dental procedures will be learned.

This course provides instruction in assisting and instrumentation for the following specialties in dentistry: orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, removable prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry and oral maxillofacial surgery, and assisting in the administration of nitrous oxide.

This course focuses on the development of the pre-clinical skills required for the registered dental assisting student. Students are required to meet standards of competency for each registered dental assisting task. This class is designed to prepare students for the practical component of the California Registered Dental Assistant examination. Mannequins are used for most instruction.

This course focuses on instruction for the non-clinical functions which dental assistants are required to perform. Emphasis will be placed on: financial arrangements, collection techniques, completing insurance forms, and maintaining current insurance records, office mail, dental office computer systems, group practice, inventory, marketing, purchasing, payroll, tax records, disbursements, and petty cash.

This course incorporates practical experience working in a private practice through a clinical externship. Experiences are in chairside and office management techniques. Seminars are used to evaluate and review clinical application.

This course is the study of the fundamental factors necessary to be employed as a dental assistant in California. The scope of dental assistant practice within the ethical and legal framework of the State Dental Practice Act and the Code of Ethics of the American Dental Association are explored.

This course focuses on preparation for the written portion of the dental assisting certificate examination.

This course teaches the principles and practices of prevention and control of dental diseases with emphasis on nutrition, plaque control, motivation, and chairside patient education.