DAST-DENTAL ASSISTING
DAST 1111. Dental Materials
2 Credits (2)
Covers the composition, properties, classifications, uses, and manipulation of materials commonly used in dentistry. Topics also include legal, ethical, and safety issues related to the use of dental materials. May be repeated up to 2 credits.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the properties, composition, handling, storage, dispensing and disposal of dental materials used chairside and in the laboratory.
- Describe the legal and ethical considerations for using dental materials in a safe and responsible manner.
- Describe the role of the dental auxiliary in the selection, preparation, and placement of dental materials.
DAST 1111L. Dental Materials Laboratory
1 Credit (1P)
The laboratory emphasizes first-hand observations and hands-on performance of skill competencies that support the concepts taught in the theory course.
Prerequisite: DAST 1111.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate the handling, storage, dispensing and disposal of dental materials used chairside and in the laboratory.
- Demonstrate the role of the dental auxiliary in the legal, ethical, and safe use of dental materials.
DAST 1123. Dental Radiology
3 Credits (3)
This course focuses on the principles and techniques of dental radiography. Students will study radiation physics, hygiene, and safety protocols. Emphasis is placed on the fundamentals of intraoral and extraoral radiographic techniques, including exposure, quality assurance, and interpretation of radiographs. The course also covers patient selection criteria and explores other ancillary radiographic techniques.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the principles of radiation physics in the production of x-rays.
- Discuss the effects of ionizing radiation on living tissues and implement appropriate safety measures.
- Recognize appropriate receptors and exposure factors.
- Differentiate intraoral and extraoral radiographic techniques including landmarks and interpretation.
- Explain infection control protocols during all radiographic procedures.
- Recognize legal and ethical considerations related to dental radiography.
- Develop communication strategies as related to dental radiology.
DAST 1123L. Dental Radiology Laboratory
1 Credit (1P)
The laboratory emphasizes first-hand observations and hands-on performance of skill competencies that support the concepts taught in the theory course.
Corequisite: DAST 1123.
Learning Outcomes
- Produce high-quality dental radiographs in a safe, legal and ethical manner.
- Effectively communicate with and manage patients during radiographic procedures.
DAST 1515. Bio-Dental Science III
4 Credits (4)
An introduction to biomedical and dental sciences with emphasis on head and neck anatomy and tooth morphology. Includes microbiology, general anatomy and physiology, histology and embryology of the oral cavity, pathology and pharmacology as they relate to dentistry.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to express the history of dentistry, important contributions of historical figures to dentistry, and the importance of professional organizations.
- Discuss how the study of microbiology relates to dentistry.
- Utilize and demonstrate the ability to use basic anatomic terms to describe and identify structures of general human anatomy and physiology.
- Identify and describe the structures associated with head and neck anatomy.
- Identify, locate, and describe bones muscles, and major vessels of head and neck.
- Summarize function and location of bones, muscles, and major vessels of the head and neck.
- Differentiate between primary and permanent dentition by nomenclature, development, eruption patterns, and crown/root morphology.
- Explain location, function, and dysfunctions of major salivary glands.
- Summarize normal and abnormal actions of the temporomandibular joint. 1
- Identify major areas and function of lymph nodes in the head and neck region. 1
- Differentiate extra oral and intra oral landmarks. 1
- Describe normal prenatal, embryonic and histological development with emphasis on face, neck, oro-facial structures and dentition. 1
- Demonstrate the ability to be able to distinguish between normal and pathological abnormalities of the oral structures. 1
- Describe the use/effect of pharmacological agents in dentistry.
DAST 1519. Clinical Procedures I
3 Credits (3)
This foundational course introduces essential chairside assisting skills and knowledge including patient care, infection control, safety, legal and ethical considerations. May be repeated up to 5 credits.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe essential chairside assisting skills.
- Explain patient care procedures while considering infection control and safety protocols.
- Outline the legal and ethical implications of expanded functions.
- Interpret the ethical and professional standards of conduct.
DAST 1519L. Clinical Procedures I Laboratory
2 Credits (2P)
Application of essential chairside assisting skills and knowledge including patient care, infection control, safety, legal and ethical considerations.
Learning Outcomes
- Perform essential chairside assisting skills.
- Demonstrate patient care procedures while considering infection control and safety protocols.
- Apply the legal and ethical implications of expanded functions.
DAST 2222. Community Dental Health
2 Credits (2)
This course introduces the principles and practices of dental public health. Students will explore epidemiology and biostatistics, disease prevention and control, health promotion, and healthcare delivery. May be repeated up to 2 credits.
Learning Outcomes
- Define the purpose and scope of dental public health.
- Discuss the epidemiology and biostatistics of oral diseases.
- Identify and analyze factors influencing oral health within communities.
- Develop and implement community-based oral health education programs.
- Provide Oral Health Education and Counseling.
- Analyze and apply principles of research as related to public health.
DAST 2990. Dental Assisting Practicum
6 Credits (2+4P)
This course is the clinical component of the program that combines general practice and experiences in the work place. Seminar topics focus on the practicum experiences and critique of performance. May be repeated up to 6 credits.
Learning Outcomes
- Assist the dentist chairside in general and specialty practices with procedures such as oral evacuation, instrument transfer, dental material preparation, various infection control procedures, and charting.
- Perform various chairside, lab, and front office duties.
- Work independently, but with direct supervision from licensed/certified dental assistant, hygienist or dentist in placement of rubber dam, coronal polishing, pit and fissure sealants, and topical fluoride and receive dental/medical information and take vital signs.
- Expose, process, and duplicate radiographs in accordance with New Mexico Dental Regulations.
- Educate patients about dental disease, plaque control, oral hygiene and the role of proper nutrition in managing dental disease and organize and participate a community project included in this objective.
- Identify and manage medical emergencies in the dental environment.
- Create study models, temporary crowns, custom trays, and mix a wide variety of dental materials.
- Maintain aseptic and safe environment through proper disinfection and sterilization techniques with adherence to safety and OSHA guidelines.
- Recognize and Adhere to HIPAA. 1
- Manage the business/financial aspects of a dental practice (preparing insurance forms, appointment scheduling, answering telephone, bookkeeping, and inventory control). 1
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior in the clinical setting. 1
- Demonstrate competency in skills needed to function as a dental assistant, to include confidence in patient management, positive attitude about self, members of the dental team, and the dental profession. 1
- Display professional dependability and ability to promote teamwork. 1
- Demonstrate ethical decision making processes. 1
- Define oral pathology and identify the dental assistant’s role in this specialty.